PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Risk Assessment and Method Statements 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: A method statement requires workers to operate within 1 meter of an open line. Visibility is reduced to less than the required warning distance due to fog. What should the PICOP do?
- Allow work to continue because reduced visibility affects trains equally
- Suspend work until visibility is sufficient to provide the required warning time (Correct answer)
- Double the number of lookouts to compensate for poor visibility
- Reduce the distance at which workers stand from the open line
Correct answer: Suspend work until visibility is sufficient to provide the required warning time
If warning distances cannot be achieved due to reduced visibility, the safe system of work cannot be maintained and work must be suspended until conditions improve.
Question 2: Which element is MANDATORY in every PTS method statement regardless of the complexity of the task?
- A list of all personal protective equipment purchased for the project
- Identification of all train movements on adjacent lines only
- The emergency and evacuation procedures for all workers on site (Correct answer)
- A detailed cost breakdown of the risk mitigation measures
Correct answer: The emergency and evacuation procedures for all workers on site
Emergency and evacuation procedures must be included in every method statement so that all workers know exactly what to do if a dangerous situation arises.
Question 3: A risk matrix scores a hazard as likelihood 2 (unlikely) and severity 4 (major). What score does this produce and how should it generally be treated?
- Score 6 — acceptable with standard precautions
- Score 8 — requires additional controls and management review before work proceeds (Correct answer)
- Score 2 — negligible risk requiring no further action
- Score 24 — must be eliminated before work can begin
Correct answer: Score 8 — requires additional controls and management review before work proceeds
A likelihood × severity score of 8 (2 × 4) typically falls in the medium-high band, requiring enhanced controls and formal management sign-off before the work is authorized.
Question 4: A new worker joins the gang after the method statement briefing has taken place. What MUST occur before they start work?
- The worker may begin immediately since the method statement is already in force for the site
- The worker must receive a full briefing on the method statement and sign to confirm understanding (Correct answer)
- The worker should read the method statement independently and ask questions later
- The site supervisor verbally confirms the worker's previous experience is sufficient
Correct answer: The worker must receive a full briefing on the method statement and sign to confirm understanding
Every individual working under a method statement must receive a documented briefing and sign to confirm they understand the hazards, controls, and emergency procedures before starting work.
Question 5: Under PTS rules, who is authorized to perform the risk assessment for a work activity that requires a line blockage on a busy mainline route?
- Any PTS-certified worker who has read the Network Rail standards
- A competent person with appropriate qualifications, experience, and knowledge of the specific site and task (Correct answer)
- The train driver whose service will be affected by the blockage
- Any member of the management team who holds a current PTS card
Correct answer: A competent person with appropriate qualifications, experience, and knowledge of the specific site and task
Risk assessments must be produced by a person who is competent — combining the right qualifications, relevant experience, and task-specific site knowledge — not simply anyone holding a PTS card.
Question 6: A method statement is produced for summer conditions. The task is rescheduled to winter. What is the MINIMUM required action?
- No action is required as the track hazards are the same in all seasons
- The method statement must be reviewed and updated to reflect winter-specific hazards such as ice, reduced daylight, and altered train performance (Correct answer)
- Workers should apply common sense and adapt informally on the day
- Only the PPE section needs updating to add high-visibility cold weather clothing
Correct answer: The method statement must be reviewed and updated to reflect winter-specific hazards such as ice, reduced daylight, and altered train performance
Seasonal change introduces new hazards (ice, darkness, condensation, altered braking distances) that can fundamentally change the risk profile, requiring a full review and reissue of the method statement.
Question 7: Which statement CORRECTLY describes the relationship between a risk assessment and a method statement in PTS work planning?
- They are interchangeable documents serving the same purpose
- The risk assessment identifies hazards and determines controls; the method statement translates those controls into the step-by-step safe working procedure (Correct answer)
- The method statement is completed first, then a risk assessment is produced to justify the chosen approach
- A risk assessment is only required for high-risk activities; a method statement covers all risk levels
Correct answer: The risk assessment identifies hazards and determines controls; the method statement translates those controls into the step-by-step safe working procedure
The risk assessment informs the method statement — hazards and their controls identified in the assessment are embedded into the sequence of work steps described in the method statement.
PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Risk Assessment and Method Statements 5
A method statement requires workers to operate within 1 meter of an open line.
Visibility is reduced to less than the required warning distance due to fog.
What should the PICOP do?