PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Lookout and Warning Systems 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which statement best describes the relationship between a lookout and the roadway worker in charge (RWIC)?
- The lookout operates independently and reports only to the dispatcher
- The lookout is directly responsible to and takes direction from the RWIC (Correct answer)
- The lookout and RWIC have equal authority over on-track safety decisions
- The lookout reports to the nearest signal maintainer
Correct answer: The lookout is directly responsible to and takes direction from the RWIC
The lookout works under the direct supervision of the RWIC and must follow the RWIC's instructions for positioning and warning procedures.
Question 2: A train approaches while workers are in a restricted area that takes 45 seconds to clear. The lookout must issue the warning when the train is at least how far away, if the train travels at 60 mph?
- 2,640 feet
- 3,960 feet (Correct answer)
- 5,280 feet
- 1,320 feet
Correct answer: 3,960 feet
At 60 mph a train travels 88 feet per second; 45 seconds × 88 ft/sec = 3,960 feet minimum warning distance.
Question 3: What must happen before a roadway worker can re-enter the track after a warning has been given?
- The foreman verbally confirms it is safe
- The train has fully passed and the lookout or RWIC gives an all-clear signal (Correct answer)
- Two minutes have elapsed since the train passed
- The worker checks both directions personally and then re-enters
Correct answer: The train has fully passed and the lookout or RWIC gives an all-clear signal
Workers must not return to the track until the train has fully cleared and an official all-clear signal is given by the lookout or RWIC.
Question 4: In what situation is a horn or whistle the PREFERRED warning device over a flag?
- When workers are spread over a long distance and may not see a flag (Correct answer)
- When a train is approaching from a grade crossing
- When fog reduces visibility to less than 500 feet
- When workers are inside a tunnel
Correct answer: When workers are spread over a long distance and may not see a flag
Audible devices like horns or whistles are preferred when workers are spread out because sound reaches all workers regardless of line of sight.
Question 5: Which of the following scenarios requires the use of TWO lookouts rather than one?
- A single-track territory with only one direction of train traffic
- A multi-track territory where trains can approach from two different tracks simultaneously (Correct answer)
- A work zone where workers are wearing high-visibility vests
- A location with an advance warning sign posted 500 feet away
Correct answer: A multi-track territory where trains can approach from two different tracks simultaneously
On multi-track territory, a single lookout cannot simultaneously watch for trains on all tracks, so additional lookouts are required.
Question 6: What is the purpose of a 'trial run' before beginning track work under lookout protection?
- To test the condition of the track before workers step on it
- To verify that all workers can hear the warning signal and reach a place of safety in time (Correct answer)
- To confirm that the lookout's radio is functioning on the correct channel
- To allow the train dispatcher to log the beginning of the work period
Correct answer: To verify that all workers can hear the warning signal and reach a place of safety in time
A trial run (warning drill) verifies that every worker can respond to the warning signal and clear the track within the available time before actual work begins.
Question 7: Under FRA regulations, which of the following information must be communicated to every worker BEFORE on-track work begins under lookout protection?
- The name of the train dispatcher on duty
- The type of warning signal to be used and the designated place of safety (Correct answer)
- The scheduled train timetable for the next 24 hours
- The maximum allowable train speed through the work zone
Correct answer: The type of warning signal to be used and the designated place of safety
Workers must be briefed on the specific warning signal that will be used and where their designated place of safety is located before work begins.
PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Lookout and Warning Systems 5
Which statement best describes the relationship between a lookout and the roadway worker in charge (RWIC)?