PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Access and Egress 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When crossing from one track to an adjacent track, a worker must ensure they have obtained the correct authority and checked for movements on which tracks?
- Only the track being crossed
- The track being crossed and the adjacent track (Correct answer)
- All tracks within the entire worksite
- Only the track they are currently standing on
Correct answer: The track being crossed and the adjacent track
Before crossing to an adjacent track, the worker must verify authority and check for train movements on both the track being crossed and the destination track.
Question 2: A worker approaches a track access point and finds the gate is padlocked with an unfamiliar lock. What should the worker do?
- Cut the lock and proceed since they have verbal authorization
- Contact the person in charge to clarify authorization before entering (Correct answer)
- Wait 10 minutes and attempt to open the gate again
- Enter through a different unsecured section of the fence
Correct answer: Contact the person in charge to clarify authorization before entering
An unfamiliar lock indicates the entry point may be controlled by another party, so the worker must contact the person in charge before proceeding.
Question 3: What is the minimum requirement before a worker can place any part of their body within the track structure, such as reaching down between the rails?
- They must be wearing high-visibility clothing
- They must have a specific authority that covers work within the track structure (Correct answer)
- They must inform a colleague of their intention
- They must confirm no trains are scheduled for the next 30 minutes
Correct answer: They must have a specific authority that covers work within the track structure
Placing any part of the body within the track structure constitutes working on track and requires a specific authority before doing so.
Question 4: During egress from the track in an emergency, a worker's first priority after stepping clear of the line is to:
- Recover any tools left on the track
- Signal the approaching train to stop
- Move to the designated assembly point and account for all personnel (Correct answer)
- Contact the control room to report the situation
Correct answer: Move to the designated assembly point and account for all personnel
After clearing the line, ensuring all personnel are accounted for at the assembly point is the immediate priority to confirm no one is left in danger.
Question 5: A lookout stationed on a curve signals danger. The correct egress direction for workers is:
- Toward the sound of the train to gauge distance
- To the cess or designated place of safety on the correct side of the track (Correct answer)
- Along the track in the direction the train is traveling
- Whichever direction each individual worker chooses
Correct answer: To the cess or designated place of safety on the correct side of the track
Workers must move to the pre-identified place of safety — typically the cess — on the appropriate side as briefed during the task briefing.
Question 6: Which document or authority specifically permits a worker to walk along or across the track during a normal workday?
- A signed timesheet for that shift
- A line blockage, possession, or lookout-protected working authority (Correct answer)
- An oral instruction from any supervisor on site
- The general site safety induction certificate
Correct answer: A line blockage, possession, or lookout-protected working authority
Access to and along the track requires a formal working authority such as a possession, line blockage, or lookout protection — informal instructions are insufficient.
Question 7: When egressing track at the end of a task, why must workers ensure tools and materials are removed from the track before authority is surrendered?
- To maintain a tidy worksite for the next shift
- Because obstruction left on track can cause derailment or damage to passing trains (Correct answer)
- To avoid fines for equipment abandonment
- So that tool inventory checks can be completed faster
Correct answer: Because obstruction left on track can cause derailment or damage to passing trains
Leaving tools or materials on the track creates a serious derailment hazard for any train that subsequently uses the line.
PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Access and Egress 3
When crossing from one track to an adjacent track, a worker must ensure they have obtained the correct authority and checked for movements on which tracks?