PTS Critical Communications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a track worker receives a radio call but cannot hear it clearly due to noise, what is the correct action?
- Ignore it and wait for a repeat
- Acknowledge receipt and ask for the message to be repeated (Correct answer)
- Assume the message was not important
- Continue working until the radio clears up
Correct answer: Acknowledge receipt and ask for the message to be repeated
Workers must acknowledge all radio calls and request clarification if the message is unclear to ensure no critical safety information is missed.
Question 2: What is the primary purpose of a 'roger' or acknowledgment in track safety communications?
- To indicate you are available for more work
- To confirm the message was received and understood (Correct answer)
- To signal that work is complete
- To request additional personnel
Correct answer: To confirm the message was received and understood
An acknowledgment confirms to the sender that the message was received and understood, closing the communication loop.
Question 3: Which of the following is a correct protocol when initiating a radio call to a train dispatcher?
- State your message immediately upon pressing transmit
- Wait for the channel to be clear, then identify yourself and the party you are calling (Correct answer)
- Use only code words to save time
- Transmit continuously until acknowledged
Correct answer: Wait for the channel to be clear, then identify yourself and the party you are calling
Proper radio protocol requires listening for a clear channel, then identifying yourself and the called party before delivering your message.
Question 4: Under PTS rules, a train approaching a work zone sounds its horn but the roadway worker does not hear it. Who bears responsibility for the near-miss?
- The train crew only, for not sounding loud enough
- The dispatcher for not notifying workers
- The roadway worker for not maintaining adequate lookout (Correct answer)
- The railroad for not installing warning devices
Correct answer: The roadway worker for not maintaining adequate lookout
Roadway workers are responsible for maintaining continuous situational awareness and effective lookout for approaching trains.
Question 5: What does the term 'on-track safety' refer to in the context of communications?
- Using approved radio frequencies only
- The method chosen to protect roadway workers from train movements (Correct answer)
- The speed at which trains must travel in work zones
- The color-coded flag system used by flaggers
Correct answer: The method chosen to protect roadway workers from train movements
On-track safety refers to the protection method in use — such as a train approach warning, exclusive track occupancy, or other means — that must be communicated clearly among all parties.
Question 6: When must a roadway worker immediately stop work and clear the track?
- When a supervisor waves a green flag
- When they hear or receive any train approach warning (Correct answer)
- Only when a train is visible within 500 feet
- When they personally feel unsafe
Correct answer: When they hear or receive any train approach warning
Upon receiving any train approach warning — by signal, radio, horn, or lookout — workers must immediately stop work and clear the track before the train arrives.
Question 7: If a lookout must leave their post temporarily, what must happen before they do so?
- They must notify a coworker but may leave if the train is not yet visible
- All work in the protected area must stop until an effective lookout is re-established (Correct answer)
- Another worker not trained as a lookout may substitute
- The lookout may leave once a horn blast is heard
Correct answer: All work in the protected area must stop until an effective lookout is re-established
Lookout coverage must be continuous; all track work must cease until a qualified lookout is back in position before work can resume.
PTS Critical Communications 2
When a track worker receives a radio call but cannot hear it clearly due to noise, what is the correct action?