WMATA RWP Rules 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under WMATA Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) rules, who has the authority to establish on-track safety before work begins on the roadway?
- The Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC) (Correct answer)
- Any crew member nearest the track
- The train operator passing the work zone
- The station manager
Correct answer: The Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC)
The Roadway Worker In Charge (RWIC) is responsible for establishing and maintaining on-track safety for the work group.
Question 2: What is the minimum number of designated lookouts required when watchman/lookout protection is used for a work group?
- At least one dedicated lookout (Correct answer)
- No lookout is needed
- Exactly three lookouts
- One lookout per worker
Correct answer: At least one dedicated lookout
Watchman/lookout protection requires at least one dedicated lookout whose sole duty is to warn of approaching trains.
Question 3: When a roadway worker receives a warning of an approaching train, what is the required action?
- Move to a predetermined place of safety immediately (Correct answer)
- Finish the current task first
- Signal the train to slow down
- Continue working but stay alert
Correct answer: Move to a predetermined place of safety immediately
Workers must clear to the predetermined place of safety the moment a warning is given.
Question 4: How much advance warning time must a lookout provide before a train arrives at the work location?
- Enough time to clear and be safe at least 15 seconds before the train arrives (Correct answer)
- Exactly 5 seconds
- Two full minutes
- No specific time is required
Correct answer: Enough time to clear and be safe at least 15 seconds before the train arrives
Lookouts must give warning so workers can occupy a place of safety at least 15 seconds before the train passes.
Question 5: Which of the following is NOT an acceptable method of establishing on-track safety under RWP rules?
- Verbal agreement among workers with no formal protection (Correct answer)
- Watchman/lookout protection
- Foul time authority
- Exclusive track occupancy
Correct answer: Verbal agreement among workers with no formal protection
An informal verbal agreement is not a recognized form of on-track safety protection.
Question 6: What color and type of light is typically used by a lookout to warn workers in low-visibility conditions?
- A high-intensity warning light or horn audible/visible to all workers (Correct answer)
- A dim red flashlight only
- A green station signal
- No warning device is permitted
Correct answer: A high-intensity warning light or horn audible/visible to all workers
Lookouts use an audible horn and/or high-visibility light that all affected workers can perceive.
Question 7: Who must acknowledge the lookout's warning to confirm it was received?
- Every roadway worker being protected (Correct answer)
- Only the RWIC
- The train operator
- The first worker who hears it
Correct answer: Every roadway worker being protected
All protected workers must acknowledge the warning to confirm everyone heard it and will clear.
WMATA RWP Rules 2
Under WMATA Roadway Worker Protection (RWP) rules, who has the authority to establish on-track safety before work begins on the roadway?