PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Systems of Work 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which safe system of work is appropriate when line speed is too high for a Lookout-Warned system to be effective?
- Absolute Block working
- Bi-directional working
- Blocked Line or train-free line guarantee (Correct answer)
- Extended Warning Time system
Correct answer: Blocked Line or train-free line guarantee
At high line speeds, a Lookout cannot provide sufficient warning time, so a blocked or train-free line guarantee must be used instead.
Question 2: A PTS certificate holder who has not worked on or near the line for an extended period may need to complete what before resuming track work?
- A new medical examination only
- A refresher or reassessment to confirm competency (Correct answer)
- A fresh application to Network Rail
- A witness statement from their last Supervisor
Correct answer: A refresher or reassessment to confirm competency
Prolonged absence from track work can erode competency, requiring a refresher or reassessment before returning.
Question 3: What does the term 'cess' refer to in the context of PTS?
- The trackbed ballast between the rails
- The area outside the rails used as a walkway or refuge (Correct answer)
- The drainage channel beneath the sleepers
- The overhead line equipment zone
Correct answer: The area outside the rails used as a walkway or refuge
The cess is the area alongside the track, outside the running rails, used as a walkway and initial refuge.
Question 4: Who is responsible for ensuring that workers under their supervision remain within the limits of the safe system?
- The individual PTS-certified worker
- The COSS or Engineering Supervisor in charge (Correct answer)
- The Lookout
- The Possession Signaller
Correct answer: The COSS or Engineering Supervisor in charge
The COSS or Engineering Supervisor is accountable for keeping all workers within the established safe system boundaries.
Question 5: A worker who feels the safe system in place is inadequate should:
- Continue working but record concerns in their personal logbook
- Raise the concern immediately with the COSS or Engineering Supervisor (Correct answer)
- Inform the nearest signaller directly
- Exit the site and file a safety report within 24 hours
Correct answer: Raise the concern immediately with the COSS or Engineering Supervisor
Workers have a duty to raise safety concerns immediately with the responsible person on site before any incident occurs.
Question 6: What is the purpose of the 'site protection' element within a safe system of work?
- To protect tools and equipment from damage by passing trains
- To prevent trains from entering the limits of the work site (Correct answer)
- To guard workers from weather conditions on exposed sections
- To restrict public access to the railway boundary
Correct answer: To prevent trains from entering the limits of the work site
Site protection controls train movements to ensure no train can enter the work area while workers are present.
Question 7: Under PTS rules, which signal device is typically used by a Lookout to give an audible warning to workers?
- A referee's whistle only
- A horn, klaxon, or whistle as specified in the local safe system (Correct answer)
- A vehicle horn from a road-rail vehicle
- A radio broadcast to all workers' ear pieces
Correct answer: A horn, klaxon, or whistle as specified in the local safe system
The specific audible warning device must be as specified in the safe working arrangements, but commonly includes a horn or whistle.
PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Systems of Work 4
Which safe system of work is appropriate when line speed is too high for a Lookout-Warned system to be effective?