PTS - Personal Track Safety Emergency Procedures Flashcards

What should a PTS holder do if they discover a track defect that could be dangerous to trains?

Answer: Stop work, report it immediately to the COSS who must inform the signaller so appropriate action can be taken

Any dangerous track defect must be reported immediately to the COSS, who must then inform the signaller so that train speeds can be restricted or the line closed until the defect is made safe.

What is the 'four-stage escalation process' for responding to an unsafe act observed on site?

Answer: Challenge politely, explain the hazard, get agreement to stop, escalate to COSS or manager if non-compliance continues

When observing an unsafe act, workers should challenge politely, explain the hazard clearly, obtain agreement to stop the unsafe behaviour, and escalate to the COSS or manager if the person refuses to comply.

What must happen before work resumes after a 'withdrawal' (workers moved to position of safety for a train to pass)?

Answer: The COSS must confirm the line is clear and the protection arrangements remain in place before giving an all-clear signal

After a withdrawal, the COSS must confirm that the line is clear, no further trains are imminent, and all protection arrangements remain in place before giving the all-clear for workers to return.

What does the term 'near miss' mean and why are near misses reported?

Answer: An unplanned event that did not cause injury but had the potential to do so — reported to identify hazards and prevent future accidents

A near miss is an event that did not result in injury or damage but had the potential to do so. Reporting near misses allows organisations to identify and address hazards before they cause harm.

What action must a COSS take if a worker becomes unwell or unfit on site during track work?

Answer: Withdraw the unwell worker to a position of safety away from the line, arrange assistance, and reassess the safe system of work with the reduced team

An unwell worker must be moved to safety away from the line, medical assistance obtained, and the COSS must reassess the safe system of work to ensure the remaining team can work safely.

What is the purpose of an 'emergency contact card' carried by PTS holders?

Answer: To provide key emergency contact numbers, location reporting procedures, and first-aid instructions for use in an on-track emergency

An emergency contact card provides workers with ready access to key emergency phone numbers, procedures for reporting a railway emergency, and first aid guidance for use when seconds count.