PTS - Personal Track Safety Positions of Safety Flashcards

On a high-speed line (125 mph), how does the required warning distance for lookout protected working compare to a slow line (25 mph)?

Answer: The warning distance on a 125 mph line is approximately five times greater than on a 25 mph line, requiring the look-out to be positioned much further away

Warning distance is directly proportional to line speed — a train at 125 mph covers ground five times faster than at 25 mph, so the look-out must be positioned five times further away to give the same warning time.

What is a 'refuge road' and when would a COSS use it as a position of safety for workers?

Answer: A short length of track (siding or run-around loop) where on-track plant or vehicles can be placed clear of the running lines when trains approach

A refuge road is a short section of track (typically a siding or run-around loop) used to move on-track plant clear of running lines when trains need to pass.

What is the hazard of the 'six foot' and how does it affect positions of safety in a twin-track environment?

Answer: The six foot is the space between two adjacent running lines — it is NOT a position of safety because trains on both lines would be dangerously close to a person standing in it

The six foot (space between adjacent tracks) appears to offer shelter but is not a position of safety — a person standing in it would be within the danger zone of trains on both lines simultaneously.

What must be confirmed before workers are allowed to cross a running line to reach their work site or position of safety?

Answer: The COSS must confirm a formal protection arrangement is in place for the line being crossed, and the crossing must be made at a designated crossing point under the COSS's authority

A formal protection arrangement must be in place for any running line before crossing — a PTS card alone does not authorise crossing. The COSS must confirm protections and authorise the crossing.

At what point during a 'withdrawal' should workers begin moving toward their position of safety?

Answer: As soon as the warning signal is given — without hesitation, without waiting to confirm the reason or retrieve tools

Workers must begin moving to their position of safety the instant the warning signal is given — any hesitation reduces the time available and can result in being struck.

How do positions of safety differ when working in a deep cutting compared to working on an embankment?

Answer: In a deep cutting, escape routes may be limited and the cess may be narrow — requiring specific refuges to be identified. On an embankment, falling hazards exist and positions must be stable and away from the embankment edge

Deep cuttings limit escape routes and may have narrow cess — refuges must be identified. Embankments have fall hazards — positions of safety must be stable and away from the edge.