PTS Railway Hazards and Terminology 3

Question 1

What is a 'rail gap' and why is it considered a serious hazard?

Accepted Answer

A break in the running rail that can cause derailment and is difficult to detect visually

Answer

A space between sleepers that workers can trip in

Answer

The gap between two parallel running rails of the same track

Answer

A gap in the boundary fencing alongside the track

Question 2

What does 'track gauge' measure on a railway?

Accepted Answer

The distance between the inner faces of the two running rails

Answer

A device used to measure the speed of passing trains

Answer

The thickness of the rail head under traffic load

Answer

The slope of the track on a curve

Question 3

Which of the following best describes 'sun kink' as a railway hazard?

Accepted Answer

Lateral buckling of the rail caused by thermal expansion in hot weather

Answer

Glare that impairs a driver's vision in direct sunlight

Answer

Distortion of signal lenses when sunlight hits them

Answer

Overheating of the locomotive engine in summer

Question 4

What is the hazard associated with a 'derailed vehicle' near track workers?

Accepted Answer

Risk of secondary derailment, unstable rolling stock movement, and live electrical hazards

Answer

Increased noise levels only

Answer

Reduced visibility due to dust or smoke only

Answer

Contamination of the ballast with fuel oil

Question 5

What is a 'TPWS' system designed to do?

Accepted Answer

Train Protection and Warning System — automatically brake a train if it passes a red signal

Answer

Track and Position Warning System — alert workers to nearby trains by GPS

Answer

Track Panel Warning Signal — indicate unsafe track panels to drivers

Answer

Temporary Possession Work Schedule — plan engineering windows

Question 6

What does 'wrong-line working' mean in railway operations?

Accepted Answer

A train operating on a track it does not normally use, requiring special safety precautions

Answer

A driver misreading a signal and proceeding on the wrong aspect

Answer

A maintenance worker using incorrect tools on a track component

Answer

A train exceeding the posted line speed limit

Question 7

What is meant by the 'line speed' on a particular section of railway?

Accepted Answer

The maximum permitted speed for trains authorized on that section

Answer

The average speed of all trains passing in a given hour

Answer

The speed at which a track inspection car must travel

Answer

The rate at which signals can change from red to green