PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Systems of Work Flashcards

What is the role of an IWA (Individual Working Alone) in PTS safe systems of work?

Answer: A competent person authorised to protect themselves and up to three others while working on or near the line

An IWA is a person competent to implement lookout protected working to protect themselves and up to three others (four workers total) while working on or near the line.

What must a COSS do before allowing work to begin on the line?

Answer: Carry out a site-specific risk assessment, brief all workers, and confirm protections are in place

Before allowing work to begin, a COSS must carry out a site-specific risk assessment, brief all workers on hazards, emergency arrangements, and safe working limits, and confirm all protections are in place.

What is a 'safe system of work' in the context of railway track work?

Answer: A formal, structured arrangement of controls that reduces the risk of being struck by a train to an acceptable level

A safe system of work is a formal structured arrangement combining physical protections and procedures to reduce the risk of being struck by a train or other railway hazard to an acceptable level.

What does 'safe working limits' mean in a COSS brief?

Answer: The defined area within which workers may work, bounded by the protection arrangements in place

Safe working limits define the area within which workers may work, bounded by the location of protection measures such as warning systems or line blocks.

When must workers immediately respond to the warning signal given by a look-out?

Answer: As soon as the warning is given, without waiting to confirm the reason

Workers must respond immediately to any warning signal without hesitation or waiting to verify the reason — any delay could be fatal.

What is the minimum warning time required for workers to reach a position of safety in lookout protected working?

Answer: A time based on the line speed, sufficient for all workers to reach their position of safety before the train arrives

The warning time must be sufficient for all workers, including the most distant, to reach their position of safety before the train arrives — this varies with the permitted line speed.