PTS Safe Access and Egress 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When approaching a track access point, what must you do BEFORE stepping onto the track?
- Look and listen for approaching trains from both directions (Correct answer)
- Wave to the signal operator
- Check your personal phone for alerts
- Remove your hard hat to improve hearing
Correct answer: Look and listen for approaching trains from both directions
Always look and listen in both directions before entering any track area to detect approaching trains.
Question 2: What is the minimum distance a worker must stay from an energized third rail unless properly protected?
- 5 feet
- 10 feet (Correct answer)
- 3 feet
- 1 foot
Correct answer: 10 feet
Workers must maintain at least 10 feet from an energized third rail to avoid electrical hazards.
Question 3: A 'designated access point' refers to which of the following?
- Any gap in a fence near the tracks
- An approved location with controlled entry onto the track (Correct answer)
- The nearest station platform
- A crossing used by the public
Correct answer: An approved location with controlled entry onto the track
Designated access points are specifically approved and controlled locations for authorized personnel to enter the track area.
Question 4: When exiting the track in an emergency, workers should move to the nearest:
- Station platform regardless of distance
- Place of safety such as a refuge area or clear of the gauge (Correct answer)
- Adjacent track
- Signal box
Correct answer: Place of safety such as a refuge area or clear of the gauge
In an emergency, workers must immediately move to a designated place of safety such as a refuge area or a position clear of the track gauge.
Question 5: Who is responsible for authorizing access to a PTS worksite?
- Any senior worker on site
- The Controller of Site Safety (COSS) or Person in Charge (PIC) (Correct answer)
- The nearest police officer
- The train driver
Correct answer: The Controller of Site Safety (COSS) or Person in Charge (PIC)
Only the Controller of Site Safety (COSS) or designated Person in Charge (PIC) has authority to grant access to a PTS worksite.
Question 6: Which action is PROHIBITED when crossing tracks at a non-designated location?
- Wearing PPE
- Carrying tools across the rails
- Crossing at an angle
- All of the above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: All of the above
Non-designated crossings are prohibited entirely — workers must only cross at approved, controlled locations.
Question 7: What should a worker do if they are unsure whether a line has been blocked for safe working?
- Proceed cautiously while listening for trains
- Assume the block is in place if no trains have passed recently
- Ask the COSS to confirm possession before entering (Correct answer)
- Check the timetable and enter during a gap
Correct answer: Ask the COSS to confirm possession before entering
Any uncertainty about track possession must be resolved by confirming with the COSS before any worker enters the track area.
PTS Safe Access and Egress 2
When approaching a track access point, what must you do BEFORE stepping onto the track?