PTS Railway Hazards and Terminology 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does the term 'fouling point' refer to in railway terminology?
- The point where a vehicle on one track would obstruct a vehicle on an adjacent converging track (Correct answer)
- The location where track becomes contaminated with oil or grease
- The boundary marker of a level crossing
- The point where two rail lines merge into a single track
Correct answer: The point where a vehicle on one track would obstruct a vehicle on an adjacent converging track
The fouling point is the location beyond which a vehicle on one track would be struck by or interfere with a vehicle on an adjacent converging track.
Question 2: Which of the following best describes a 'trap point' on a railway?
- A signal that stops trains at a junction
- A derailing device installed to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering an occupied section (Correct answer)
- A point where animals frequently trespass onto the line
- A type of crossing used at busy intersections
Correct answer: A derailing device installed to prevent unauthorized vehicles from entering an occupied section
A trap point is a safety device designed to deliberately derail any runaway vehicle that passes it, protecting against unauthorized movements into occupied sections.
Question 3: What is a 'cess' in the context of railway track infrastructure?
- A type of signal control system
- The drainage channel or walkway area running alongside the track (Correct answer)
- The ballast layer beneath the sleepers
- The space between two running rails
Correct answer: The drainage channel or walkway area running alongside the track
The cess is the area alongside the railway track, including the drainage ditch and ground-level walkway where workers travel.
Question 4: What hazard is most associated with working in the 'six-foot' on a multi-track railway?
- Falling into the drainage channel
- Being struck by trains on adjacent tracks traveling in either direction (Correct answer)
- Tripping over loose ballast in the center area
- Electric shock from a conductor rail between tracks
Correct answer: Being struck by trains on adjacent tracks traveling in either direction
The six-foot is the space between two sets of running lines, and workers there face risk from trains passing at high speed on both adjacent tracks.
Question 5: What does 'OLE' stand for in railway safety terminology?
- Overhead Line Equipment (Correct answer)
- Onboard Locomotive Electronics
- Outer Limit Exclusion zone
- Outgoing Line Entry signal
Correct answer: Overhead Line Equipment
OLE stands for Overhead Line Equipment, referring to the electrified wires suspended above the track that provide traction current to electric trains.
Question 6: What is the definition of a 'possession' in railway track work?
- Ownership of railway property by a private contractor
- A formal arrangement granting engineers exclusive use of a section of track (Correct answer)
- The act of physically placing equipment on the track
- A timetabled engineering train movement on the main line
Correct answer: A formal arrangement granting engineers exclusive use of a section of track
A possession is a formal arrangement where a section of track is taken out of normal service and handed to engineers for maintenance or construction work.
Question 7: Which term describes the minimum distance that must be maintained from the nearest rail when a train is passing?
- Safe clearance distance
- Clearance gauge envelope
- Stepping-back distance (Correct answer)
- The standard margin of safety
Correct answer: Stepping-back distance
The stepping-back distance is the minimum distance workers must maintain from the nearest rail when a train passes, ensuring they are clear of the danger zone.
PTS Railway Hazards and Terminology 2
What does the term 'fouling point' refer to in railway terminology?