PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Sentinel Scheme and Fitness 2

Question 1

What information is held on the Sentinel smartcard and how is it verified on site?

Accepted Answer

The worker's name, photograph, Sentinel number, competencies, and their validity periods — verified by scanning the card with a Sentinel reader or the Sentinel app

Answer

The worker's National Insurance number and employment history

Answer

The worker's medical records and fitness to work certificate

Answer

The worker's emergency contact details and blood group

Question 2

What happens to a worker's Sentinel status if they have not worked on the railway for a prolonged period?

Accepted Answer

Certain competencies have activity requirements — extended absence may require a return-to-work process, safety briefing, or competency revalidation before the worker can return to work on the network

Answer

Their Sentinel card remains valid indefinitely regardless of time away from the railway

Answer

Prolonged absence automatically upgrades their competency due to rest

Answer

The Sentinel scheme only records competencies completed in the previous year

Question 3

Under the Sentinel scheme, what is a 'fitness to work' requirement and who assesses it?

Accepted Answer

Workers must meet defined occupational health standards assessed by an approved occupational health provider before being issued a Sentinel card and at regular intervals thereafter

Answer

All workers are deemed fit unless they self-certify as unwell on the day

Answer

Fitness is assessed only at initial employment, not reviewed thereafter

Answer

Only COSS and ES roles require formal fitness assessments

Question 4

What must a worker do if they take medication that could impair their ability to work safely on the railway?

Accepted Answer

Declare the medication to their employer and occupational health provider, and not work on the railway if the medication could impair concentration, reaction time, or physical ability

Answer

Take the medication and work normally, informing the COSS at the end of the shift

Answer

Halve the dose on working days to reduce impairment

Answer

Inform the COSS verbally on site and let them decide

Question 5

What does the Sentinel 'yellow card' (formal safety warning) represent, and what are its consequences?

Accepted Answer

A formal record of a significant safety breach, remaining on the worker's Sentinel record and potentially affecting their ability to work on the network

Answer

A reward given to workers with excellent safety records

Answer

A temporary authorisation to work in a specific area

Answer

An annual performance review document

Question 6

What is the purpose of the 'drugs and alcohol' testing regime under the Sentinel scheme?

Accepted Answer

To detect and deter the use of drugs and alcohol that could impair a worker's ability to make safe decisions on the railway

Answer

To deter workers from socialising outside work hours

Answer

To comply with occupational health insurance requirements only

Answer

To identify workers who may be medically dependent on alcohol