PTS COSS Roles and Responsibilities 3

Question 1

In the context of PTS, what does the abbreviation 'COSS' stand for?

Accepted Answer

Controller of Site Safety

Answer

COSS stands for Controller of Site Safety, a Network Rail defined role responsible for safe system of work on the track.

Question 2

A COSS notices that a worker in the party does not hold a valid PTS card. What must the COSS do?

Accepted Answer

Immediately exclude that worker from the possession and ensure they move to a place of safety

Answer

No person without a valid PTS authority may enter the track environment; the COSS must remove that individual from the possession immediately.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes the COSS's responsibility for the safe system of work?

Accepted Answer

To ensure that at all times the planned safe system of work is being correctly implemented

Answer

The COSS is personally responsible for ensuring the safe system of work is correctly applied at all times throughout the possession.

Question 4

What is the maximum number of work parties a single COSS may simultaneously manage under a possession?

Accepted Answer

One work party at a time, unless specifically authorised otherwise in the safe system of work

Answer

A COSS should manage one work party at a time; managing additional parties requires explicit authorisation in the safe system of work documentation.

Question 5

A COSS receives a verbal instruction from a supervisor to extend the working limits beyond the confirmed possession. What should the COSS do?

Accepted Answer

Refuse and explain that limits can only be changed by re-negotiating with the signaller or controller

Answer

Possession limits are set by the signaller or controller; no supervisor or other person has authority to extend them — the COSS must refuse and seek a formal re-negotiation.

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS COSS Roles and Responsibilities 3