PTS Sentinel Scheme and Fitness 4 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a Lookout-protected system of work, what is the sentinel's primary duty?
- To operate hand-operated signals for approaching trains
- To watch for approaching trains and give timely warning to allow all workers to reach a place of safety (Correct answer)
- To act as the group's first-aider in an emergency
- To record train movements in the site log
Correct answer: To watch for approaching trains and give timely warning to allow all workers to reach a place of safety
The sentinel (lookout) must give early enough warning of approaching trains so that every worker can clear the track and reach a place of safety before the train arrives.
Question 2: Which condition would prevent a person from acting as a sentinel during a PTS operation?
- Having more than five years of railway experience
- Being unfamiliar with the specific warning devices and site geography at the location (Correct answer)
- Holding a valid Sentinel card with the lookout competence endorsed
- Wearing high-visibility clothing
Correct answer: Being unfamiliar with the specific warning devices and site geography at the location
A sentinel must be familiar with the warning signals being used and the site layout to give effective warnings; a person who lacks this knowledge must not take on the role.
Question 3: What is the minimum warning time that a sentinel must provide to workers in a Lookout-protected system?
- 5 seconds
- Time sufficient for all workers to reach a designated place of safety before the train arrives (Correct answer)
- 30 seconds regardless of site conditions
- 1 minute in all cases
Correct answer: Time sufficient for all workers to reach a designated place of safety before the train arrives
Warning time is not a fixed number of seconds; it must be enough for every worker to clear the line and reach their place of safety before the train arrives.
Question 4: A sentinel operating at a location with poor sightlines discovers they cannot see far enough to give adequate warning. What must they do?
- Remain in position and warn workers when the train comes into view
- Stop work immediately and inform the person in charge that the system of work cannot safely be used at that location (Correct answer)
- Use a radio to contact a nearby signal box for advance warning
- Estimate the train's approach time and adjust their warning accordingly
Correct answer: Stop work immediately and inform the person in charge that the system of work cannot safely be used at that location
If sightlines are insufficient to give adequate warning, work must stop and the person in charge must be informed so an alternative safe system can be established.
Question 5: Can a sentinel also perform physical track work while carrying out lookout duties?
- Yes, as long as the worksite is small
- No — the sentinel must be dedicated solely to watching for trains and must not carry out any other task (Correct answer)
- Yes, if a second lookout is also present
- Yes, as long as they keep their eyes on the track
Correct answer: No — the sentinel must be dedicated solely to watching for trains and must not carry out any other task
The sentinel role requires undivided attention; any additional task would distract them and compromise the warning system.
Question 6: Which warning device is typically used by a sentinel to alert workers of an approaching train?
- A red flag only
- An audible horn, whistle, or approved warning device appropriate for the site conditions (Correct answer)
- A mobile phone call to each worker individually
- A raised hand signal visible only in daylight
Correct answer: An audible horn, whistle, or approved warning device appropriate for the site conditions
An audible warning device — such as an approved horn or whistle — is used because it can alert all workers simultaneously regardless of their facing direction or ambient conditions.
Question 7: How many sentinels may be required at a single work site?
- Always exactly one
- As many as needed to ensure full sightline coverage from all directions trains may approach (Correct answer)
- A maximum of two per site regardless of site geometry
- One per every five workers present
Correct answer: As many as needed to ensure full sightline coverage from all directions trains may approach
The number of sentinels is determined by the site geometry; enough must be posted to cover every direction from which a train could approach without adequate warning.
PTS Sentinel Scheme and Fitness 4
In a Lookout-protected system of work, what is the sentinel's primary duty?