PTS Positions of Safety 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which term describes the space within which a person or equipment is at risk of being struck by a passing train or its loads?
- Danger zone
- Fouling area (Correct answer)
- Clearance envelope
- Strike corridor
Correct answer: Fouling area
The 'fouling area' is the space within which a person or object is at risk of being struck by a train or its shifting loads.
Question 2: A lookout warns the gang, but one worker is operating a loud machine and does not hear the signal. What is the BEST preventive measure?
- Train the worker to watch for visual lookout signals in addition to audible ones (Correct answer)
- Require the lookout to use only visual signals
- Have the foreman physically stop the machine when a train approaches
- Reduce machine noise levels below OSHA limits
Correct answer: Train the worker to watch for visual lookout signals in addition to audible ones
Workers in noisy environments must be trained to respond to both audible and visual warning signals so no single warning method is a single point of failure.
Question 3: When is it acceptable for a roadway worker to be inside the fouling area of a track without being in a position of safety?
- Only when on-track safety has been established for that track (Correct answer)
- Whenever the track is not scheduled for train traffic
- When the worker's supervisor is present
- Only during daylight hours when trains are clearly visible
Correct answer: Only when on-track safety has been established for that track
A worker may foul a track only after on-track safety (such as a work permit, train approach warning, or exclusive track occupancy) has been properly established.
Question 4: What is the primary purpose of identifying a position of safety during a job briefing?
- To ensure all workers know exactly where to go without hesitation when a warning is given (Correct answer)
- To satisfy FRA record-keeping requirements
- To allow the supervisor to assign lookout duties
- To identify areas where equipment can be parked safely
Correct answer: To ensure all workers know exactly where to go without hesitation when a warning is given
Pre-identifying positions of safety ensures workers can respond instantly to a warning without hesitation or confusion, which is critical for survival.
Question 5: On a curved track with restricted sightlines, how should the position of safety requirements change?
- Workers need more time to reach safety, so the lookout must give warning earlier (Correct answer)
- Workers may use the inside of the curve as a natural position of safety
- No change is required if a flagman is stationed at the curve
- The minimum distance from the rail can be reduced due to reduced train speed on curves
Correct answer: Workers need more time to reach safety, so the lookout must give warning earlier
Restricted sightlines on curves reduce the available warning time, requiring the lookout to be positioned further out and give warnings earlier so workers can clear in time.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes 'clear of the track'?
- Standing outside the fouling area of a track with no part of your body or equipment at risk (Correct answer)
- Standing between the rails of a track that is not in use
- Being more than 25 feet from any railroad track
- Completing all work tasks before a train arrives
Correct answer: Standing outside the fouling area of a track with no part of your body or equipment at risk
'Clear of the track' means your entire body and any equipment you are holding are completely outside the fouling area, with no risk of being struck.
Question 7: A worker is positioned 5 feet from the near rail of Track 1, which has a train approaching. Is this worker in a position of safety if Track 2 is 9 feet to the other side?
- Yes, because 5 feet exceeds the minimum 4-foot requirement from Track 1
- No, because the worker may be inside the fouling area of Track 2 (Correct answer)
- Yes, because Track 2 spacing provides additional protection
- No, because workers must always be at least 8 feet from any rail
Correct answer: No, because the worker may be inside the fouling area of Track 2
Being 5 feet from Track 1's near rail places the worker only 4 feet from Track 2's near rail (assuming standard 9-foot spacing), which may still be in Track 2's fouling area.
PTS Positions of Safety 3
Which term describes the space within which a person or equipment is at risk of being struck by a passing train or its loads?