PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Access and Egress Flashcards

What must be confirmed before using a designated access point onto the railway?

Answer: The access point is included in the site plan and risk assessment, the line protection is in place, and the COSS has authorised access

Only designated, authorised access points may be used. The access must be included in the site plan and risk assessment, and the COSS must confirm protection is in place before access is given.

Why must workers not run while on or near the railway track?

Answer: Running on or near the track risks losing footing on uneven ballast, stumbling into the running line, or missing warning signals — all potentially fatal

Running on uneven ballast risks falls and stumbling into the running line. Workers must walk purposefully on the track — only rapid, controlled movement toward a position of safety is appropriate when a warning is given.

What is the correct procedure for stepping over a rail when crossing it on foot?

Answer: Step over the rail without stepping on it — rails are slippery and stepping on them risks a fall onto or toward the track

Workers must step over rails without standing on them. Rails, especially when wet, are extremely slippery and stepping on a rail risks slipping and falling toward the track.

What hazard does 'cess vegetation' present to workers accessing the railway?

Answer: Dense vegetation on the cess can hide trip hazards, obscure edges, conceal drainage ditches, and make footings uncertain — increasing the risk of falls toward the running line

Dense cess vegetation hides trip hazards, drainage channels, and unstable ground — increasing the risk of falls that could put workers in danger near the running line.

What must a worker do before stepping off the track at the end of a work period?

Answer: Confirm with the COSS that it is safe to egress, follow the designated egress route, and ensure the COSS has confirmed all workers are off the track before any protections are surrendered

Egress must be authorised by the COSS, follow the designated route, and the COSS must confirm all workers are clear before any protections are surrendered to the signaller.

What special considerations apply to access and egress through a tunnel?

Answer: Access through a tunnel requires specific risk assessment covering restricted escape options, limited visibility, forced air movements, increased noise, and the identification of all tunnel refuges before entry

Tunnel access requires a specific risk assessment covering restricted escape, limited visibility, forced air movements, noise, and pre-identification of all refuges — much more demanding than plain line access.