PTS Positions of Safety 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When a train approaches on an adjacent track while you are working, you should move to a position of safety that is at minimum how far from the nearest rail of any live track?
- At least 4 feet from the nearest rail (Correct answer)
- At least 6 feet from the nearest rail
- At least 8 feet from the nearest rail
- At least 10 feet from the nearest rail
Correct answer: At least 4 feet from the nearest rail
A position of safety requires being at least 4 feet (or the distance specified in your roadway worker protection procedures) from the nearest rail of any live track.
Question 2: In a multi-track environment, which factor is MOST critical when selecting a position of safety?
- Choosing a spot that is clear of all live tracks simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Staying as close to your work area as possible
- Facing the direction of expected train travel
- Standing on the highest ground available
Correct answer: Choosing a spot that is clear of all live tracks simultaneously
In a multi-track environment, a position of safety must be clear of all live tracks, not just the one a train is approaching on.
Question 3: A worker hears the train warning signal and begins moving toward the position of safety. They arrive just as the train passes. What does this indicate?
- The lookout provided adequate warning time
- The worker's response time was acceptable under PTS rules
- The warning was given too late relative to required advance notice (Correct answer)
- The position of safety was too far from the work location
Correct answer: The warning was given too late relative to required advance notice
Lookouts must give workers sufficient advance warning so they can reach the position of safety well before the train arrives, not just as it passes.
Question 4: What is meant by a 'defined' position of safety on a job briefing?
- A position identified and communicated to all workers before work begins (Correct answer)
- Any location the worker judges to be safe in the moment
- A position approved by the train dispatcher
- A position that is at least 50 feet from the nearest track
Correct answer: A position identified and communicated to all workers before work begins
A defined position of safety is one that is identified and communicated to all workers during the job briefing before work commences.
Question 5: Which scenario correctly describes a worker properly using a position of safety?
- Worker stands in a drainage ditch 3 feet from the rail as a train passes
- Worker moves behind a concrete barrier outside the track's fouling area before the train arrives (Correct answer)
- Worker steps to the opposite rail of the approaching train
- Worker crouches beside the track to allow the train to pass overhead
Correct answer: Worker moves behind a concrete barrier outside the track's fouling area before the train arrives
A proper position of safety is outside the fouling area and protected by a physical barrier or sufficient distance before the train arrives.
Question 6: What action must a roadway worker take if no predetermined position of safety is reachable before a train's arrival?
- Remain at the work location and signal the train to stop
- Move to the farthest point possible and lie flat if necessary (Correct answer)
- Stop work, assess options, and contact the train dispatcher immediately
- Step between the rails of the approaching train's track to minimize exposure
Correct answer: Move to the farthest point possible and lie flat if necessary
If no safe position is reachable in time, a worker must maximize distance and minimize exposure, including lying flat if that is the only option to survive passage.
Question 7: Why must workers return to work only AFTER a train has fully cleared the work area and not merely passed them?
- Because trailing equipment or a second train could still be present (Correct answer)
- Because the dispatcher must re-authorize work resumption
- Because track geometry can change after a train passes
- Because required rest time applies after each train passage
Correct answer: Because trailing equipment or a second train could still be present
Trains may have trailing equipment, a second section, or another train immediately following, so workers must confirm the area is fully clear before resuming.
PTS Positions of Safety 2
When a train approaches on an adjacent track while you are working, you should move to a position of safety that is at minimum how far from the nearest rail of any live track?