PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Positions of Safety 2

Question 1

What is the minimum distance from the nearest rail that constitutes a position of safety on a plain line with no structures?

Accepted Answer

At least 2 metres from the nearest rail of any running line, on level ground with no obstructions

Answer

1 metre from the nearest running rail

Answer

0.5 metres — enough to be clear of the train's body

Answer

3 metres from the centre of the nearest track

Question 2

What is the correct posture a worker should adopt when standing in a position of safety as a train passes?

Accepted 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

Answer

Face the train to maintain awareness of its position

Answer

Crouch down below the level of the train floor

Answer

Stand with arms outstretched to ensure balance

Question 3

When working in a tunnel, how should positions of safety be identified?

Accepted 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

Answer

Any alcove or recess can be used without prior assessment

Answer

Workers should press themselves flat against the tunnel wall at least 0.5 metres from the nearest rail

Answer

Tunnels with a line blockage do not require positions of safety to be identified

Question 4

What should a COSS do if a designated position of safety becomes compromised during the work (e.g., blocked by equipment)?

Accepted 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

Answer

Allow workers to use the best available alternative without formal review

Answer

Extend the warning time to compensate for the blocked refuge

Answer

Move the equipment slightly and continue without formal review

Question 5

How does working on an adjacent line while trains run on a neighbouring line affect the position of safety requirements?

Accepted 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

Answer

Workers on the blocked line do not need to concern themselves with the adjacent running line

Answer

The line blockage on one line automatically protects workers from adjacent running lines

Answer

Workers may approach to within 1 metre of an adjacent running line if they can see approaching trains

Question 6

What hazard does a 'live rail end protection board' provide and where must it be positioned?

Accepted 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

Answer

It covers the cut end of a disconnected rail to prevent tripping

Answer

It marks the limit of the safe working area on a plain line

Answer

It protects against trip hazards at the end of platforms