PTS Basic 5

Question 1

What rule governs the minimum warning time a lookout must provide to roadway workers before a train arrives at the work location?

Accepted Answer

Sufficient time for all workers to clear the track and reach a place of safety, at minimum 15 seconds

Answer

The warning must allow every worker to stop their activity, move clear of the track, and be at a place of safety with at least 15 seconds remaining before the train arrives.

Question 2

Which factor most directly affects the stopping distance of a freight train traveling at 60 mph?

Accepted Answer

Track grade and train tonnage, which can require a mile or more to stop

Answer

A heavy freight train at 60 mph may require well over a mile to stop due to the enormous momentum from its tonnage and grade effects, which is why roadway workers cannot rely on trains stopping for them.

Question 3

Under what circumstances may a roadway worker act as both a RWIC and a flagger simultaneously?

Accepted Answer

Never — the roles require separate individuals to be effective

Answer

The RWIC must coordinate overall protection and supervise the crew while the flagger must maintain an uninterrupted watch for trains — combining these roles compromises both functions and is not permitted.

Question 4

What is required before on-track roadway maintenance equipment (hi-rail vehicles, tampers, etc.) can travel from one work zone to another?

Accepted Answer

The operator must obtain movement authority or confirmation from the RWIC for the route to be traveled

Answer

On-track equipment moving between work zones must have confirmed movement authority covering the route, as the equipment itself is subject to the same on-track protection requirements as workers on foot.

Question 5

A roadway worker new to a work site must receive a job briefing:

Accepted Answer

Before fouling the track, even if work has already begun for the rest of the crew

Answer

Any worker joining a job in progress must receive a complete job briefing before fouling the track, because a late arrival has not been informed of the protection type, limits, or hazards.

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS Basic 5