PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Positions of Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the minimum distance from the nearest rail that constitutes a position of safety on a plain line with no structures?
- 1 metre from the nearest running rail
- At least 2 metres from the nearest rail of any running line, on level ground with no obstructions (Correct answer)
- 0.5 metres — enough to be clear of the train's body
- 3 metres from the centre of the nearest track
Correct answer: At least 2 metres from the nearest rail of any running line, on level ground with no obstructions
The minimum position of safety is at least 2 metres from the nearest running rail on a plain line, providing clearance from the train body, air pressure effects, and any projecting objects.
The minimum position of safety on a plain line is at least 2 metres measured from the nearest running rail. This distance accounts for: the overhang of train rolling stock beyond the rail; the air pressure wave generated by passing trains; any projecting loads or open doors; and a safety margin for workers who may stumble. In practice, workers should stand as far from the line as possible. In certain locations (tunnels, narrow cuttings, platforms) achieving 2 metres may not be possible — in these situations, the COSS must identify a specific refuge and all workers must know its location before work begins.
Question 2: What is the correct posture a worker should adopt when standing in a position of safety as a train passes?
- Face the train to maintain awareness of its position
- Stand side-on to the line with feet parallel to the rail, both feet firmly on the ground, and hold any tools firmly downward (Correct answer)
- Crouch down below the level of the train floor
- Stand with arms outstretched to ensure balance
Correct answer: Stand side-on to the line with feet parallel to the rail, both feet firmly on the ground, and hold any tools firmly downward
Workers should stand side-on to the approaching train, feet parallel to the rail and firmly planted, holding tools firmly downward to minimise profile and ensure stability against the air pressure wave.
Correct posture in a position of safety is important because the air pressure wave generated by passing trains can be powerful enough to cause workers to stumble or fall toward the track. Workers should stand with their body side-on to the line (reducing their frontal area to the pressure wave), feet parallel to the rail and firmly planted shoulder-width apart for stability, and all tools held firmly downward (not extended outward). Looking at the train is natural but workers should avoid leaning toward the line. High-speed trains generate significantly more pressure wave than slower movements — posture is more critical on high-speed lines.
Question 3: When working in a tunnel, how should positions of safety be identified?
- Any alcove or recess can be used without prior assessment
- Refuges in tunnels must be formally identified, numbered, and communicated to all workers in the site brief — workers must know the location of the two nearest refuges in each direction (Correct answer)
- Workers should press themselves flat against the tunnel wall at least 0.5 metres from the nearest rail
- Tunnels with a line blockage do not require positions of safety to be identified
Correct answer: Refuges in tunnels must be formally identified, numbered, and communicated to all workers in the site brief — workers must know the location of the two nearest refuges in each direction
In tunnels, refuges must be formally identified, their locations communicated to all workers in the site brief, and each worker must know the two nearest refuges in each direction before work begins.
Working in tunnels creates particular challenges for positions of safety because escape options are limited and visibility is reduced. Network Rail has a formal system of numbered tunnel refuges (alcoves built into tunnel walls at regular intervals). Before working in a tunnel, the COSS must identify and inspect all available refuges in the work area, communicate their numbers and locations to all workers, and ensure each worker knows the two nearest refuges in each direction from any point in their working area. Workers must never rely on pressing against the tunnel wall — only designated refuges provide adequate clearance from passing trains.
Question 4: What should a COSS do if a designated position of safety becomes compromised during the work (e.g., blocked by equipment)?
- Allow workers to use the best available alternative without formal review
- Immediately suspend work, reassess the safe system of work, identify a new position of safety, and rebriefed all workers before allowing work to resume (Correct answer)
- Extend the warning time to compensate for the blocked refuge
- Move the equipment slightly and continue without formal review
Correct answer: Immediately suspend work, reassess the safe system of work, identify a new position of safety, and rebriefed all workers before allowing work to resume
If a position of safety is compromised, work must be suspended immediately and the safe system of work revised to identify and brief workers on a new, adequate position of safety.
Positions of safety are a critical component of the safe system of work — if they are compromised (blocked by materials, equipment, or encroached upon), the safe system of work is no longer valid. The COSS must immediately suspend work and withdraw workers. The safe system of work must be revised to identify a new, adequate position of safety that meets the minimum distance requirements. All workers must be rebriefed on the new position before work resumes. This is an example of where dynamic risk assessment and the COSS's responsibility for ongoing safety management are critical.
Question 5: How does working on an adjacent line while trains run on a neighbouring line affect the position of safety requirements?
- Workers on the blocked line do not need to concern themselves with the adjacent running line
- Workers on a blocked line must still maintain a position of safety clear of any adjacent running lines when trains pass on those lines (Correct answer)
- The line blockage on one line automatically protects workers from adjacent running lines
- Workers may approach to within 1 metre of an adjacent running line if they can see approaching trains
Correct answer: Workers on a blocked line must still maintain a position of safety clear of any adjacent running lines when trains pass on those lines
A line blockage on one line does not protect workers from adjacent running lines. Workers must move to a position of safety clear of all running lines when trains pass on adjacent lines.
Line blockages apply only to the specific line(s) named in the blockage. Adjacent lines that are not blocked continue to carry trains. Workers on a blocked line are not automatically protected from adjacent running lines. When trains pass on an adjacent running line, all workers must move to a position of safety that is clear of the adjacent running line too. This is known as an 'adjacent line open' situation and must be specifically addressed in the site brief. The COSS must ensure that positions of safety are adequate for both the blocked line and adjacent open lines.
Question 6: What hazard does a 'live rail end protection board' provide and where must it be positioned?
- It covers the cut end of a disconnected rail to prevent tripping
- It is positioned over the end of the third rail at the boundary of an isolation, warning workers not to go beyond that point where the third rail becomes live again (Correct answer)
- It marks the limit of the safe working area on a plain line
- It protects against trip hazards at the end of platforms
Correct answer: It is positioned over the end of the third rail at the boundary of an isolation, warning workers not to go beyond that point where the third rail becomes live again
A live rail end protection board is placed over the end of the third rail at the boundary of a traction isolation, warning workers that beyond that point the third rail is live and must not be approached.
When a traction electrical isolation is in place for a section of third rail, the isolation has a defined boundary. A live rail end protection board (LREPB) is placed on the third rail at the isolation boundary to visually mark the point beyond which the third rail is live and energised. Workers must treat everything beyond the LREPB as live at all times. The COSS must brief all workers on the location of LREPBs and the safe working limits of the isolation. Moving or removing an LREPB is a serious safety breach. This is covered in both PTS and COSS training on electrified routes.
PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Positions of Safety 2
What is the minimum distance from the nearest rail that constitutes a position of safety on a plain line with no structures?