PTS - Personal Track Safety Sentinel Scheme and Fitness Flashcards

How long is a standard PTS (Personal Track Safety) competency valid before it requires renewal?

Answer: 3 years

Standard PTS competency is valid for 3 years, after which a renewal assessment must be passed to maintain valid Sentinel registration for track access.

What action must a COSS take if a worker arriving on site is found to have expired competencies on their Sentinel card?

Answer: Not allow the worker to access or work on the railway until their competencies are renewed and their Sentinel card is valid

A worker with expired Sentinel competencies must not be allowed on the track. Valid Sentinel registration is a non-negotiable access requirement — experience does not substitute for a valid card.

What is the purpose of the Sentinel 'sponsorship' system and who can sponsor a worker?

Answer: A mechanism where an approved employer validates and takes responsibility for a worker's Sentinel registration, competencies, and conduct on Network Rail infrastructure

The Sentinel sponsorship system requires workers to be registered with an approved employer (sponsor) who takes accountability for validating their competencies and fitness for railway work.

What does a COSS do when conducting a Sentinel card check and finding a 'red' status on the verification app?

Answer: A red status means the card is invalid, expired, or suspended — the worker must not be allowed to access the railway

A red status on the Sentinel app means the worker's card is invalid — expired, suspended, or revoked. They must not be given access to the railway under any circumstances.

What physical fitness standards are typically required for PTS holders working on the railway?

Answer: Workers must be capable of rapidly moving to a position of safety across difficult terrain, carrying tools, and remaining alert for extended periods — assessed by occupational health

PTS holders must be physically capable of rapidly withdrawing to safety across uneven ballast while carrying tools — this requirement is assessed by occupational health as part of Sentinel registration.

How should a worker notify their employer if they develop a new medical condition that may affect their fitness for railway work?

Answer: They must notify their employer immediately so an occupational health review can be arranged promptly — delayed disclosure can result in disciplinary action

New medical conditions that may affect fitness for railway work must be reported to the employer immediately so an occupational health review can be arranged — delayed disclosure is a disciplinary matter.