PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What class of high-visibility vest is required for workers on or adjacent to a Network Rail operational line?
- Class 1 — lightweight reflective bands only
- Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility clothing meeting EN ISO 20471 (Correct answer)
- Any orange or yellow clothing is acceptable
- High-visibility clothing is optional if working in daylight
Correct answer: Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility clothing meeting EN ISO 20471
Workers on or near Network Rail operational lines must wear at least Class 2 high-visibility clothing meeting EN ISO 20471, and Class 3 in higher-risk situations.
Network Rail standard requires workers to wear high-visibility clothing meeting EN ISO 20471. Class 2 is the minimum requirement on or near operational lines, while Class 3 (greater coverage) is required in higher-risk situations or as specified by the Principal Contractor. The clothing must be kept clean and in good condition — dirty, faded, or damaged high-vis does not meet the standard. High-visibility clothing makes workers visible to train drivers at distance and is a key component of the multiple protective layers in PTS safe systems of work.
Question 2: Why must safety footwear worn on track have ankle support as well as a steel toecap?
- To comply with fashion requirements on Network Rail sites
- Because railway ballast is uneven and unstable, creating a high risk of ankle injury without adequate support (Correct answer)
- Steel toecaps alone satisfy all track safety requirements
- Ankle support is only required for workers operating heavy equipment
Correct answer: Because railway ballast is uneven and unstable, creating a high risk of ankle injury without adequate support
Railway ballast is highly irregular and unstable underfoot. Ankle support in addition to a steel toecap significantly reduces the risk of ankle sprains and fractures from slips on ballast.
Railway ballast consists of angular, uneven stones that are inherently unstable underfoot. Without adequate ankle support, workers are at high risk of ankle sprains or fractures, particularly when carrying tools or equipment. The requirement for safety footwear with both steel toecaps (EN ISO 20345) and ankle support reflects the specific hazards of the track environment. Some Network Rail standards also require midsole puncture protection (SRC-rated soles) to reduce slipping on wet ballast and metal surfaces. Workers should not wear trainers or low-cut footwear on or near the track.
Question 3: What is the correct action if a worker's high-visibility vest is found to be damaged at the start of a shift?
- Wear it anyway and report the damage at the end of the shift
- Replace it with a serviceable vest before accessing the railway — damaged high-vis does not meet the required standard (Correct answer)
- Repair it with tape if possible and proceed
- Only replace it if the damage covers more than 20% of the vest surface
Correct answer: Replace it with a serviceable vest before accessing the railway — damaged high-vis does not meet the required standard
Damaged high-visibility clothing must be replaced before railway access — damaged garments do not provide adequate visibility and do not meet the EN ISO 20471 standard.
PPE that is damaged, worn, or degraded may not provide the protection it is designed for. High-visibility clothing with torn panels, faded reflective strips, or missing components does not meet EN ISO 20471 requirements and cannot be relied upon to make a worker visible to train drivers. The worker's employer is responsible for supplying serviceable PPE. If adequate PPE is not available, the worker should not be allowed onto the track. Workers have the right to refuse work if they are not provided with appropriate PPE under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
Question 4: When is a hard hat mandatory for PTS holders working on or near the track?
- Only when working in tunnels
- Whenever there is a risk of head injury from falling objects, overhead structures, or moving equipment — as defined in the site risk assessment (Correct answer)
- Hard hats are optional for experienced workers
- Only during the hours of darkness
Correct answer: Whenever there is a risk of head injury from falling objects, overhead structures, or moving equipment — as defined in the site risk assessment
Hard hats are required whenever the site risk assessment identifies a risk of head injury, including work near overhead structures, in tunnels, under bridges, or near plant and equipment.
Hard hat requirements are determined by the site-specific risk assessment. They are mandatory when there is a risk of head injury from: falling objects (tools, materials, loose material from structures); contact with overhead structures (bridges, tunnels, OLE equipment); plant operations (cranes, road-rail vehicles); or as specified by the Principal Contractor. Even where not mandated, workers may choose to wear a hard hat. Hard hats used on railway sites must meet EN 397 standard. On electrified lines where there is risk of contact with overhead live equipment, only insulated hard hats are appropriate.
Question 5: What type of gloves should be used when handling sharp metalwork or rail components on track?
- Thin disposable latex gloves
- Cut-resistant gloves meeting EN 388 standard (Correct answer)
- Rubber electrical insulation gloves
- Standard cotton working gloves
Correct answer: Cut-resistant gloves meeting EN 388 standard
When handling sharp metalwork, rail components, or cut materials, workers must use cut-resistant gloves meeting EN 388 to protect against lacerations.
Rail and track components often have sharp edges, and handling rail, fishplates, baseplates, or cut material presents a significant laceration risk. Cut-resistant gloves meeting EN 388 (with appropriate cut resistance level for the task) must be used. Different tasks require different PPE — insulation gloves are required near live electrical equipment, while ordinary cotton gloves provide little cut protection. The site risk assessment and method statement should specify the required PPE for each task. Workers must be trained in the correct use, inspection, and storage of all gloves.
Question 6: What is the legal basis for employers providing PPE to track workers?
- Network Rail's internal guidance documents only
- The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), which require employers to provide suitable PPE free of charge where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means (Correct answer)
- The Railways Act 1993
- The Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015
Correct answer: The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), which require employers to provide suitable PPE free of charge where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended in 2022) require employers to provide suitable, correctly fitted PPE free of charge where risks cannot be sufficiently reduced by other means.
The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (amended 2022 to cover all workers, not just employees) place a legal duty on employers to: assess PPE requirements; provide suitable PPE that is appropriate to the risk; ensure PPE is correctly fitted and maintained; train workers in its use; and provide PPE free of charge. PPE is the last line of defence in the hierarchy of controls — engineering controls and safe systems of work should be used first. Employers cannot charge workers for PPE. Track workers have the right to be provided with compliant PPE before accessing any railway worksite.
PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2
What class of high-visibility vest is required for workers on or adjacent to a Network Rail operational line?