PTS Basic 3

Question 1

What does a blue flag displayed at the end of a track or equipment mean?

Accepted Answer

Workers are on or near the track and the equipment must not be moved

Answer

A blue flag signal indicates that workers are on, under, or between railroad equipment, and that equipment must not be coupled to or moved until the blue flag is removed by the same workers who placed it.

Question 2

Which situation would require a roadway worker to immediately stop work and clear the track?

Accepted Answer

Observing a train approaching outside of the authorized work window

Answer

A train approaching outside the authorized time or space limits is an immediate danger requiring all workers to clear the track to a place of safety without delay.

Question 3

What is the primary purpose of establishing 'movement authority' before beginning roadway work?

Accepted Answer

To ensure train dispatchers know who is working and where, preventing train movements into the work zone

Answer

Movement authority creates a formal record with the train dispatcher, establishing protected limits that prevent trains from being authorized into the roadway worker's work area.

Question 4

When a train or on-track equipment approaches a work zone, workers should move to a place of safety that is at minimum:

Accepted Answer

At least 25 feet from the track centerline or as far as site conditions permit

Answer

Workers must clear to at least 25 feet from the track centerline where possible, or as far as site conditions allow, to avoid debris and air displacement from passing trains.

Question 5

A 'shunting failure' in a track circuit means that:

Accepted Answer

A worker or equipment on the track may not be detected by the signal system

Answer

Shunting failures occur when the electrical connection between rails through workers or equipment is insufficient to trigger the track circuit, making the occupancy invisible to signals and dispatch systems.

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS Basic 3