PTS - Personal Track Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Flashcards

What is the purpose of wearing ear protection on a railway worksite?

Answer: To protect workers from noise-induced hearing loss caused by plant, machinery, power tools, and train pass-bys that can exceed safe exposure levels

Prolonged exposure to noise from trains, power tools, and machinery can cause permanent hearing loss. Ear protection is required when noise levels exceed 85 dB(A) averaged over a working day.

Why must high-visibility clothing be worn over all outer garments and not covered by anything on a railway site?

Answer: Covering high-vis clothing reduces visibility, defeating its purpose of making workers visible to train drivers at distance

High-visibility clothing must be visible and worn over outer layers — covering it (e.g. with a bag strap, tool belt, or other clothing) reduces its effectiveness in making workers visible to train drivers.

What should a PTS holder do if they believe the PPE provided is inadequate for the hazards present on site?

Answer: Refuse to proceed with work and raise the concern with the COSS or site supervisor, who must address the PPE deficiency before work can start

Workers have the legal right to refuse work if PPE is inadequate for the hazards. The COSS or supervisor must address the PPE deficiency — workers must not be pressured to work without appropriate protection.

How often must PPE be inspected and what should workers look for?

Answer: Before each use — checking for physical damage, wear, soiling, and that it still meets the required standard

PPE must be inspected before each use for damage, wear, contamination, and continued compliance with the relevant standard. Defective PPE must be replaced immediately.

What specific PPE consideration applies to workers with facial hair when wearing respiratory protective equipment (RPE) on track?

Answer: Facial hair prevents a tight seal on filtering facepiece respirators (FFP2/FFP3), significantly reducing their effectiveness

Facial hair prevents the tight facial seal required for filtering facepiece respirators (FFP2/FFP3) to work correctly, allowing contaminated air to bypass the filter.

What is the requirement for safety footwear on railway sites in terms of the EN ISO 20345 standard?

Answer: Safety footwear must be at least S3 rated (steel toecap, midsole puncture protection, water-resistant upper, and anti-slip sole) or as specified in the site risk assessment

Railway site standards typically require S3-rated safety footwear under EN ISO 20345, providing steel toecap, midsole protection, water resistance, and anti-slip soles suitable for ballast and wet conditions.