PTS COSS Roles and Responsibilities 4

Question 1

A COSS realises that the actual site conditions differ significantly from those described in the method statement. What is the correct course of action?

Accepted Answer

Stop work, withdraw personnel to a place of safety, and report to the person in charge for further instructions

Answer

When site conditions differ significantly from the planned safe system of work, the COSS must stop work and withdraw personnel until a revised safe system is agreed.

Question 2

Which of the following checks must the COSS perform on a look-out before deploying them?

Accepted Answer

Check that the look-out holds a valid look-out competence and has appropriate equipment

Answer

The COSS must confirm the look-out holds a current look-out competency and has all required equipment such as a horn and hi-vis before deployment.

Question 3

At what point during a possession does the COSS's responsibility for the work party begin?

Accepted Answer

From the moment the possession is obtained and the work party enters the safe working limits

Answer

The COSS's responsibility begins as soon as the possession is obtained and the work party is brought within the safe working limits.

Question 4

If a COSS loses radio or telecommunications contact with the signaller during a possession, what must they do?

Accepted Answer

Stop work and withdraw the work party to a place of safety until communication is restored

Answer

Loss of communication with the signaller means the COSS can no longer manage the possession safely, so work must stop and personnel must be withdrawn.

Question 5

A worker in the gang reports feeling unwell and asks the COSS if they can rest in the cess while others continue. What should the COSS do?

Accepted Answer

Arrange for the worker to be escorted off the track to a safe location away from the running line

Answer

An unwell worker should be removed from the track environment entirely; the cess is not a safe resting place during live operations.

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS COSS Roles and Responsibilities 4