Safe Access and Egress Flashcards

You arrive at the designated access point detailed in your work pack, but find it is blocked by a locked gate for which you do not have a key. What is the correct course of action?

Answer: Contact your COSS or supervisor, inform them of the situation, and await their instructions.

Personal safety and adherence to the Safe System of Work (SSOW) are paramount. Unofficial or unauthorised access points have not been risk-assessed and may contain hidden dangers. The COSS is responsible for the safety of the workgroup and must be informed immediately so they can implement a revised, safe plan for accessing the site.

When walking to a site of work, what is the safest place to be, assuming there is no authorised walking route and you have not been instructed otherwise?

Answer: In the cess, walking towards the direction of oncoming trains where possible.

The cess is the area beside the track and is the designated place of safety. Walking in the cess keeps you clear of passing trains. Where it is safe to do so, you should face oncoming trains to maximise your awareness and give you the most time to react.

To get to your worksite, you must cross two lines of railway, both of which are open to traffic. Which of the following describes the correct and safest method for crossing?

Answer: Wait until you have a clear view and can see that BOTH lines are clear of traffic before crossing both lines without stopping.

It is critical to ensure all lines you intend to cross are clear before you start. Stopping between tracks (in the 'six-foot') is dangerous as you are not in a position of safety. Furthermore, a train on one line can hide the approach of another train on an adjacent line. You must wait for a clear view of all lines before crossing.

Which of the following is a critical safety rule when crossing the line on foot?

Answer: Take the shortest route by crossing at a right angle (90 degrees) to the track.

Crossing the track at a right angle, or as close to it as possible, ensures you spend the minimum amount of time in the 'four-foot' and therefore in a position of danger. You should avoid stepping on the rail head as it can be very slippery, and you must never cross at points as your foot could become trapped.

What is the primary reason for using only official, designated access and egress points?

Answer: They have been surveyed and risk-assessed to ensure they are the safest places to enter and leave the railway.

Designated access points are specifically chosen because they have been deemed safe for entry and exit. This involves assessing factors like ground conditions, visibility of approaching trains, proximity to electrical hazards, and safe clearance from the line. Using unofficial routes introduces unknown and unmanaged risks.

At the end of your shift, what must you do before leaving the railway infrastructure?

Answer: Inform your COSS that you are leaving the site of work and use the designated egress point.

The COSS must maintain an accurate record of everyone who is on or near the line within their worksite at all times for safety and accountability. You must personally inform the COSS when you are leaving and use the pre-agreed, safe egress route that was identified in the safety briefing.