PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Positions of Safety 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under what circumstance is it acceptable to establish a position of safety on an adjacent live track?
- Never; a position of safety must always be clear of all live tracks
- When the adjacent track is protected by a block and written authority is obtained (Correct answer)
- When the adjacent track has not had a train pass for more than one hour
- Only when a supervisor verbally approves the location
Correct answer: When the adjacent track is protected by a block and written authority is obtained
A position on an adjacent track is only permissible when that track has formal protection such as a block, ensuring no train can use it, supported by written authority.
Question 2: What does the term 'fouling the track' mean in the context of positions of safety?
- Contaminating the ballast with oil or chemicals from track machinery
- Being in a position where any part of a worker's body or equipment is within the clearance envelope of a track (Correct answer)
- Blocking the driver's line of sight to a signal
- Performing unauthorized work within a controlled area
Correct answer: Being in a position where any part of a worker's body or equipment is within the clearance envelope of a track
Fouling the track means any person, tool, or equipment is within the space that could be struck by a passing train, violating the position of safety.
Question 3: Why must workers face an approaching train when taking a position of safety, rather than turning away?
- Regulations require direct eye contact with the locomotive engineer as a safety acknowledgment
- Facing the train allows the worker to monitor the clearance and react if the train or its load shifts unexpectedly (Correct answer)
- It is easier to communicate with the lookout when facing the direction of train travel
- Facing the train reduces the aerodynamic force on the worker's body
Correct answer: Facing the train allows the worker to monitor the clearance and react if the train or its load shifts unexpectedly
Facing the approaching train allows workers to observe the clearance distance and respond immediately if any part of the train or its load is closer than expected.
Question 4: Which scenario requires the use of two lookouts instead of one?
- When more than five workers are present at the work site
- When the work location cannot be adequately observed from a single point in both directions of possible train approach (Correct answer)
- When the shift lasts longer than eight hours
- Whenever equipment larger than a tamper is being used
Correct answer: When the work location cannot be adequately observed from a single point in both directions of possible train approach
Two lookouts are needed when a single lookout cannot simultaneously observe all directions from which a train could approach, ensuring no blind spots in the warning coverage.
Question 5: A worker has established a position of safety on a high platform when a train passes. The train is carrying an oversized load. What additional hazard exists?
- The oversized load may push debris upward toward the elevated platform
- An oversized load may extend higher or wider than a standard train, potentially reducing clearance even at an established safe position (Correct answer)
- High platforms are always prohibited as positions of safety under PTS rules
- The worker must re-establish a position of safety after each oversized car passes
Correct answer: An oversized load may extend higher or wider than a standard train, potentially reducing clearance even at an established safe position
Oversized loads can exceed normal clearance dimensions in height and width, meaning a position deemed safe for standard trains may be fouled by an out-of-gauge load.
Question 6: What action must a worker take if they realize their established position of safety is inadequate just as a train begins to arrive?
- Stay in place — moving at the last second is more dangerous than an imperfect position
- Move immediately to a safer location if time permits, otherwise drop to the lowest possible profile away from the track (Correct answer)
- Signal the train engineer with both arms raised to indicate an emergency
- Activate a personal alarm device to warn other workers and freeze in position
Correct answer: Move immediately to a safer location if time permits, otherwise drop to the lowest possible profile away from the track
If time permits, any safer location should be sought immediately; if not, minimizing exposure by moving away and lowering profile reduces risk as much as possible in the remaining time.
Question 7: After all workers have taken their positions of safety and a train is inbound, what must the lookout do?
- Immediately take their own position of safety while continuing to monitor the situation (Correct answer)
- Proceed to the track to flag the train to proceed at reduced speed
- Remain in an exposed position to count axles until the train fully passes
- Notify the control center of the train's arrival time for record keeping
Correct answer: Immediately take their own position of safety while continuing to monitor the situation
Once workers are warned and in their positions, the lookout must also take a position of safety — they are not exempt from the protection requirements.
PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Positions of Safety 5
Under what circumstance is it acceptable to establish a position of safety on an adjacent live track?