PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Systems of Work Flashcards

What is the purpose of a 'site brief' given by a COSS before work commences?

Answer: To ensure all workers understand the hazards, protections, safe working limits, and emergency procedures before starting work

The site brief ensures every worker understands the specific hazards, protection arrangements, warning signals, positions of safety, safe working limits, and emergency procedures before work starts.

What action must a COSS take if they lose communication with the signaller during a line blockage?

Answer: Immediately suspend all work within the safe working limits and not resume until communication is re-established

If a COSS loses communication with the signaller during a line blockage, all work must be suspended immediately. The blockage cannot be confirmed as valid without communication.

What is the difference between a 'possession' and a 'line blockage'?

Answer: A possession hands the line to an Engineering Supervisor with full control, while a line blockage prevents train entry but does not transfer line control to the COSS

A possession formally transfers control of the line section to an Engineering Supervisor, while a line blockage prevents train movements but the COSS must still liaise with the signaller.

What does 'dynamic risk assessment' mean for a track worker?

Answer: Continuously observing and reassessing the work environment throughout the task to identify new or changed hazards

Dynamic risk assessment means continuously monitoring the work environment and adapting the safe system of work in response to changing hazards, rather than relying solely on pre-prepared risk assessments.

Under what circumstances may a track worker cross a running line without a COSS or formal protection?

Answer: Never — crossing a running line always requires a safe system of work controlled by a competent person

Crossing a running line always requires a formal safe system of work. A PTS card alone does not authorise a worker to cross unprotected — a COSS or other competent person must be in control.

What should a PTS holder do if they see a hazard that the COSS has not identified or briefed the team about?

Answer: Immediately report it to the COSS so the safe system of work can be reviewed and updated

All PTS holders have a duty to report unidentified hazards to the COSS immediately so the risk assessment and safe system of work can be reviewed.