PTS Sentinel Scheme and Fitness 3 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the prescribed alcohol limit for workers covered by the Sentinel Scheme when on duty or about to go on duty on or near the line?
- The same as the road driving limit in each state
- Zero tolerance — no alcohol is permitted (Correct answer)
- A blood alcohol concentration below 0.08%
- One standard drink is permissible if consumed more than two hours before the shift
Correct answer: Zero tolerance — no alcohol is permitted
The Sentinel Scheme enforces a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol for anyone working on or near the operational railway.
Question 2: Under the Sentinel Scheme's drug and alcohol testing policy, which type of testing can be carried out without prior notice?
- Post-incident testing only
- Random unannounced testing at any time (Correct answer)
- Testing only when a supervisor suspects impairment
- Testing only at the start of a new contract
Correct answer: Random unannounced testing at any time
Random unannounced testing is a key feature of the Sentinel Scheme's drug and alcohol policy to act as an effective deterrent.
Question 3: A worker prescribed medication by their doctor is due to work a PTS shift. What must they do before attending?
- Take the medication as prescribed and not inform anyone
- Consult their occupational health provider or doctor to confirm the medication does not impair their ability to work safely near the track (Correct answer)
- Avoid taking the medication on work days without consulting a doctor
- Inform only their team leader verbally on the day
Correct answer: Consult their occupational health provider or doctor to confirm the medication does not impair their ability to work safely near the track
Prescription medication can impair reaction time or judgment; occupational health must confirm the worker remains fit for trackside duties before they attend.
Question 4: If a drug test result returns a non-negative (positive) finding for a Sentinel cardholder, what typically happens next?
- The card is immediately and permanently cancelled with no right of appeal
- The worker is removed from trackside duties pending a confirmatory laboratory test and investigation (Correct answer)
- The worker is issued a formal warning and continues working
- The result is shared publicly with all contractors on site
Correct answer: The worker is removed from trackside duties pending a confirmatory laboratory test and investigation
A non-negative screen triggers removal from trackside duties and a confirmatory laboratory analysis before any formal action is taken.
Question 5: Which substances are covered by Sentinel Scheme drug testing panels in addition to common illegal drugs?
- Only cannabis and cocaine
- A broad panel that may include opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and other controlled substances (Correct answer)
- Only substances listed as Class A drugs
- Only alcohol and cannabis
Correct answer: A broad panel that may include opiates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and other controlled substances
Sentinel drug panels test for a wide range of controlled and impairing substances, not just the most common illegal drugs.
Question 6: How should a worker respond if they believe a colleague is under the influence of drugs or alcohol before a track access shift?
- Challenge the colleague privately and make a personal judgment
- Immediately report the concern to the responsible manager or person in charge so the colleague can be assessed and removed if necessary (Correct answer)
- Ignore the situation as it is not their responsibility
- Wait until after the shift to file a written report
Correct answer: Immediately report the concern to the responsible manager or person in charge so the colleague can be assessed and removed if necessary
Reporting suspected impairment to the manager before track access is a duty of care that protects everyone working in or near the line.
Question 7: What is the consequence for a Sentinel cardholder who refuses to submit to an authorised drug or alcohol test?
- No consequence if they have a personal reason for refusing
- Refusal is treated as a positive result and the worker is removed from trackside duties (Correct answer)
- They may delay testing by 30 minutes
- The test is waived and recorded as not applicable
Correct answer: Refusal is treated as a positive result and the worker is removed from trackside duties
Refusal to comply with an authorised test is treated equivalently to a positive result, resulting in removal from track access.
PTS Sentinel Scheme and Fitness 3
What is the prescribed alcohol limit for workers covered by the Sentinel Scheme when on duty or about to go on duty on or near the line?