PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Railway Hazards and Terminology 4

Question 1

What does 'COSS' stand for in UK Personal Track Safety?

Accepted Answer

Controller of Site Safety

Answer

COSS stands for Controller of Site Safety, the person responsible for the safety of a work group on or near the track.

Question 2

A 'possession' in railway terms means:

Accepted Answer

An arrangement where a section of track is taken out of use for maintenance

Answer

A possession is a formal arrangement by which a length of track is blocked to train movements so that maintenance or engineering work can be carried out safely.

Question 3

What hazard is most associated with working inside the 'four foot' (the space between the running rails)?

Accepted Answer

Being struck by a passing train on an adjacent track

Answer

When working in the four foot, the greatest danger is from trains on an adjacent line passing very close, creating a dangerous slipstream and strike risk.

Question 4

What is the purpose of a 'look-out' in a track safety system?

Accepted Answer

To watch for approaching trains and warn the work group in time to reach a place of safety

Answer

A look-out is posted to observe the line for approaching trains and give an agreed warning to the work group with sufficient time to reach safety.

Question 5

Which of the following is a 'third rail' electrical hazard specific to DC electrified railways?

Accepted Answer

The conductor rail can deliver a fatal shock even when trains are not running

Answer

The conductor (third) rail remains energised at all times unless specifically isolated; it can deliver a lethal shock independent of train movements.

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS - Personal Track Safety Practice Test

PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Railway Hazards and Terminology 4