PTS COSS Roles and Responsibilities 5

Question 1

A COSS discovers that the agreed possession does not match the actual work location — the job is 200 metres beyond the confirmed limit. What should they do?

Accepted Answer

Contact the signaller to request an extension of the possession before moving the party

Answer

The COSS must contact the signaller to formally extend the possession before moving the work party beyond the confirmed limits.

Question 2

Why is it essential that the COSS counts all workers back out of a possession before handing it back?

Accepted Answer

To ensure no person remains on the line when train movements resume

Answer

A headcount ensures every worker is accounted for and no one is left on the line before train movements are reinstated.

Question 3

When a COSS sets up a look-out arrangement, what is the minimum warning time the look-out must be able to provide?

Accepted Answer

The time determined by the line speed and local conditions, as specified in the safe system of work

Answer

The minimum warning time depends on line speed and local conditions and must be sufficient for all workers to reach a place of safety, as defined in the safe system of work.

Question 4

What must a COSS do if they are required to leave the work site temporarily while the possession is still active?

Accepted Answer

Suspend work, withdraw all personnel to a place of safety, and retain the possession until returning

Answer

The COSS cannot transfer their role to an unauthorised person; work must stop and workers must move to safety while the COSS is absent.

Question 5

What is the purpose of the 'protection document' that a COSS must carry during a possession?

Accepted Answer

To provide a formal record of the protection arrangements, limits, and authority granted by the signaller

Answer

The protection document records the possession authority, limits, and protection arrangements agreed with the signaller, and must be carried throughout.

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS COSS Roles and Responsibilities 5