PTS Emergency Procedures 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which document or authority grants permission to occupy a track for emergency repair work?
- A verbal agreement between coworkers
- The track foreman's written work order only
- A Form B or equivalent track authority from the control center (Correct answer)
- An email from the maintenance department
Correct answer: A Form B or equivalent track authority from the control center
A Form B or equivalent track authority from the control center is required before any track occupation, including emergency repairs.
Question 2: During an emergency, a worker's radio fails. What is the best alternative method to stop an approaching train?
- Shout loudly in the direction of the approaching train
- Use physical hand and flag signals from the proper advance position (Correct answer)
- Place a rock on the rail to cause the train to emergency-brake
- Run alongside the train waving arms
Correct answer: Use physical hand and flag signals from the proper advance position
Physical hand and flag signals from the correct advance protection position are the proper backup when radio communication fails.
Question 3: What is a 'place of safety' in the context of PTS emergency procedures?
- Any area more than 2 feet from the nearest rail
- A pre-identified location clear of all tracks and moving equipment where workers can shelter (Correct answer)
- The tool storage area on-site
- Behind any solid structure near the track
Correct answer: A pre-identified location clear of all tracks and moving equipment where workers can shelter
A place of safety is a pre-identified location that is clear of all tracks, equipment, and hazards where workers can assemble safely.
Question 4: A fuel leak is discovered from a hi-rail vehicle on the track. Which action is correct?
- Attempt to repair the leak and continue the work task
- Move the vehicle off the track, obtain track authority, and report the spill (Correct answer)
- Park the vehicle to the side rail and continue on foot
- Ignore minor leaks until the shift ends
Correct answer: Move the vehicle off the track, obtain track authority, and report the spill
The vehicle must be moved clear of the track, track authority must be released, and the spill must be reported per environmental and safety protocols.
Question 5: Why is it critical to know the number of tracks in the work area during an emergency evacuation?
- To calculate overtime pay accurately
- To ensure all workers move clear of ALL adjacent tracks, not just the one under protection (Correct answer)
- To report the correct track number to the supervisor
- To determine which tools can be left on-site
Correct answer: To ensure all workers move clear of ALL adjacent tracks, not just the one under protection
Workers must move clear of all adjacent tracks because trains on neighboring tracks pose equal danger during an evacuation.
Question 6: When must a PTS worker call 911 in addition to following internal railroad emergency protocols?
- Never—only railroad control is contacted during track emergencies
- Only when the incident involves a fatality
- When there is a threat to public safety, such as a grade crossing accident or fire (Correct answer)
- Only after obtaining permission from the supervisor
Correct answer: When there is a threat to public safety, such as a grade crossing accident or fire
Incidents that involve threats to public safety—such as grade crossing collisions or fires—require 911 notification alongside internal railroad protocols.
Question 7: What should a worker do if they find a broken or displaced rail during their patrol?
- Mark it with paint and continue the patrol
- Immediately protect the affected track and report to the control center (Correct answer)
- Attempt to reposition the rail and check alignment
- Log it in the maintenance journal and report at the end of shift
Correct answer: Immediately protect the affected track and report to the control center
A broken or displaced rail is an immediate track emergency—the track must be protected and the control center notified at once.
PTS Emergency Procedures 3
Which document or authority grants permission to occupy a track for emergency repair work?