PTS Critical Communications 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A lookout signals an approaching train, but one worker is operating noisy equipment and does not notice. Who is responsible for ensuring that worker receives the warning?
- Only the lookout, who must move closer to the equipment operator
- The lookout and foreman share responsibility for ensuring all workers receive every warning (Correct answer)
- The equipment operator is solely responsible for their own awareness
- The dispatcher must sound a horn remotely to alert the worker
Correct answer: The lookout and foreman share responsibility for ensuring all workers receive every warning
The lookout and foreman must use pre-established warning methods sufficient to reach all workers, including those operating loud equipment.
Question 2: Which of the following is an example of a 'positive communication' as required under federal track safety standards?
- A written work order handed to the foreman the day before
- Direct verbal or radio contact between the foreman and dispatcher confirming authority limits (Correct answer)
- A posted track bulletin at the maintenance yard
- A text message to the foreman's cell phone from the dispatcher
Correct answer: Direct verbal or radio contact between the foreman and dispatcher confirming authority limits
Positive communication requires direct, real-time two-way contact — typically voice radio — between the worker/foreman and the dispatcher to confirm protection is in place.
Question 3: What must a roadway worker do if they observe a track condition that poses an immediate safety hazard during their shift?
- Flag the location and report it at the end of shift
- Immediately notify the dispatcher and/or supervisor so trains can be warned or stopped (Correct answer)
- Place a slow order sign and continue working elsewhere
- Wait until their supervisor arrives at the location before reporting
Correct answer: Immediately notify the dispatcher and/or supervisor so trains can be warned or stopped
Immediate hazards must be reported right away so the dispatcher can issue slow orders or stop trains, preventing accidents.
Question 4: During a job briefing, the foreman states the on-track safety method but a worker does not understand it. What should the worker do?
- Follow what the other workers do and ask questions after the briefing
- Speak up immediately and ask for clarification before work begins (Correct answer)
- Assume the foreman's instructions are correct and proceed
- Request a written copy and then begin work
Correct answer: Speak up immediately and ask for clarification before work begins
Workers have both the right and the responsibility to ask for clarification during a job briefing — no one should begin track work without fully understanding the protection in place.
Question 5: What is the purpose of a 'release' communication at the end of a work period?
- To notify the crew that they can go home
- To formally inform the dispatcher that workers have cleared the track and authority is no longer needed (Correct answer)
- To log the work completed for payroll records
- To reset the radio channel for the next shift
Correct answer: To formally inform the dispatcher that workers have cleared the track and authority is no longer needed
Releasing authority formally notifies the dispatcher that workers are clear and the track can be returned to normal operations, preventing conflicts with train movements.
Question 6: Which of the following situations requires a new or amended job safety briefing?
- A scheduled 10-minute break
- A change in the protection method, work scope, or addition of new workers to the gang (Correct answer)
- Switching from daytime to a slightly cloudier sky
- A supervisor visiting the work site to observe
Correct answer: A change in the protection method, work scope, or addition of new workers to the gang
Any change in protection method, work scope, or gang composition requires a new briefing so all workers understand the updated safety conditions.
Question 7: Under PTS, what does it mean to 'line up' or 'establish' a communication channel before beginning track work?
- To physically align antenna equipment toward the dispatch tower
- To verify radio contact with the dispatcher and confirm the channel is operational before workers foul the track (Correct answer)
- To schedule a communication time window with the dispatcher one hour in advance
- To assign each worker a specific radio frequency for the shift
Correct answer: To verify radio contact with the dispatcher and confirm the channel is operational before workers foul the track
Establishing communication means confirming that a clear, working radio link to the dispatcher exists before any worker is allowed to foul the track.
PTS Critical Communications 5
A lookout signals an approaching train, but one worker is operating noisy equipment and does not notice.
Who is responsible for ensuring that worker receives the warning?