PTS Study Guide 2026

If a position of safety is compromised, work must be suspended immediately and the safe system of work revised to identify and brief workers on a new, adequate position of safety.

Near misses should be reported to the COSS immediately and documented as soon as practicable so that risks can be assessed and controlled without delay.

If any doubt exists about a received message, the COSS must ask for it to be repeated and use three-part communication to verify accuracy before acting on it.

The cess is the area to the side of the track, beyond the ballast shoulder. Its main functions are to provide a safe place for track workers to walk and stand clear of passing trains, and to act as a channel for water drainage away from the trackbed.

For your own safety from the exploding detonators, you must move at least 30 metres away from them after they have been placed. From this position, you can safely display a hand danger signal to the approaching train.

Bonding connects metallic structures to a common earth potential, preventing dangerous voltage differences that could cause electrocution if a worker simultaneously touches two differently-potentialled objects.