PTS COSS Roles and Responsibilities 2

Question 1

When a COSS receives a possession, what is the FIRST action they must take before allowing any work to begin?

Accepted Answer

Confirm limits with the signaller or controller and establish safe working limits

Answer

Begin work immediately to save time

Answer

Brief the gang and hand out PPE

Answer

Check weather conditions

Question 2

Which document must a COSS complete to record the handing back of a possession?

Accepted Answer

Possession obtained/given up record (T2 or equivalent)

Answer

T3 form

Answer

Daily attendance register

Answer

Risk assessment sheet

Question 3

A COSS is responsible for ensuring which of the following before handing back a possession?

Accepted Answer

All personnel, tools, and equipment are clear of the line and within defined limits

Answer

All tools and personnel are clear of the cess only

Answer

That the work is 100% complete

Answer

That the train driver has been notified personally

Question 4

If a COSS becomes incapacitated during a possession, what should happen?

Accepted Answer

The possession must be given up immediately and all personnel withdrawn to a place of safety

Answer

The most senior worker takes over automatically

Answer

Work continues until a replacement arrives

Answer

A nominated look-out takes over all COSS duties

Question 5

Under what circumstance may a COSS delegate their look-out duties to another person?

Accepted Answer

When authorised to do so and the person is a trained look-out

Answer

Whenever the COSS decides it is convenient

Answer

Never — look-out duties cannot be delegated

Answer

Only when the possession is a block on line

Question 6

How should a COSS communicate the safe working limits to the work party?

Accepted Answer

By verbally briefing all workers and confirming they understand before work starts

Answer

By posting a written notice on the site noticeboard

Answer

By email sent before the shift

Answer

By pointing out limits to the gang leader only

Question 7

What action must the COSS take if trains are to pass through an adjacent line while work is in progress?

Accepted Answer

Ensure workers are clear of the adjacent line and at a safe distance before the train passes

Answer

Continue work without interruption unless on that line

Answer

Stop all work until the train passes the entire section

Answer

Erect red flag signals on the adjacent line