PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) 2

Question 1

What class of high-visibility vest is required for workers on or adjacent to a Network Rail operational line?

Accepted Answer

Class 2 or Class 3 high-visibility clothing meeting EN ISO 20471

Answer

Class 1 — lightweight reflective bands only

Answer

Any orange or yellow clothing is acceptable

Answer

High-visibility clothing is optional if working in daylight

Question 2

Why must safety footwear worn on track have ankle support as well as a steel toecap?

Accepted Answer

Because railway ballast is uneven and unstable, creating a high risk of ankle injury without adequate support

Answer

To comply with fashion requirements on Network Rail sites

Answer

Steel toecaps alone satisfy all track safety requirements

Answer

Ankle support is only required for workers operating heavy equipment

Question 3

What is the correct action if a worker's high-visibility vest is found to be damaged at the start of a shift?

Accepted Answer

Replace it with a serviceable vest before accessing the railway — damaged high-vis does not meet the required standard

Answer

Wear it anyway and report the damage at the end of the shift

Answer

Repair it with tape if possible and proceed

Answer

Only replace it if the damage covers more than 20% of the vest surface

Question 4

When is a hard hat mandatory for PTS holders working on or near the track?

Accepted Answer

Whenever there is a risk of head injury from falling objects, overhead structures, or moving equipment — as defined in the site risk assessment

Answer

Only when working in tunnels

Answer

Hard hats are optional for experienced workers

Answer

Only during the hours of darkness

Question 5

What type of gloves should be used when handling sharp metalwork or rail components on track?

Accepted Answer

Cut-resistant gloves meeting EN 388 standard

Answer

Thin disposable latex gloves

Answer

Rubber electrical insulation gloves

Answer

Standard cotton working gloves

Question 6

What is the legal basis for employers providing PPE to track workers?

Accepted Answer

The Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992 (as amended), which require employers to provide suitable PPE free of charge where risks cannot be adequately controlled by other means

Answer

Network Rail's internal guidance documents only

Answer

The Railways Act 1993

Answer

The Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015