PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Safe Access and Egress 2

Question 1

What must be confirmed before using a designated access point onto the railway?

Accepted Answer

The access point is included in the site plan and risk assessment, the line protection is in place, and the COSS has authorised access

Answer

The access point is within 500 metres of the work site

Answer

Any gate or gap in the railway fence constitutes a valid access point

Answer

The access point has been used by the team before on a previous shift

Question 2

Why must workers not run while on or near the railway track?

Accepted Answer

Running on or near the track risks losing footing on uneven ballast, stumbling into the running line, or missing warning signals — all potentially fatal

Answer

Running is prohibited because it creates excessive noise that disturbs train drivers

Answer

Running is only prohibited when carrying heavy equipment

Answer

Workers may run to their position of safety but must not run at other times

Question 3

What is the correct procedure for stepping over a rail when crossing it on foot?

Accepted Answer

Step over the rail without stepping on it — rails are slippery and stepping on them risks a fall onto or toward the track

Answer

Step on the rail as it provides a firm, stable surface

Answer

Jump over the rail to cross it as quickly as possible

Answer

Crawl under the rail if there is insufficient clearance to step over

Question 4

What hazard does 'cess vegetation' present to workers accessing the railway?

Accepted Answer

Dense vegetation on the cess can hide trip hazards, obscure edges, conceal drainage ditches, and make footings uncertain — increasing the risk of falls toward the running line

Answer

It provides camouflage that makes workers invisible to train drivers

Answer

Cess vegetation is beneficial as it stabilises the ground for walking

Answer

Vegetation only becomes a hazard during the growing season

Question 5

What must a worker do before stepping off the track at the end of a work period?

Accepted Answer

Confirm with the COSS that it is safe to egress, follow the designated egress route, and ensure the COSS has confirmed all workers are off the track before any protections are surrendered

Answer

Simply walk to the nearest gate and leave the site

Answer

Leave as soon as personal work tasks are complete without waiting for other workers

Answer

Inform the signaller directly that they are leaving the track

Question 6

What special considerations apply to access and egress through a tunnel?

Accepted Answer

Access through a tunnel requires specific risk assessment covering restricted escape options, limited visibility, forced air movements, increased noise, and the identification of all tunnel refuges before entry

Answer

Tunnels require no special access arrangements beyond standard PTS procedures

Answer

Workers should move quickly through tunnels to minimise exposure to hazards

Answer

Tunnels can only be accessed during train-free possessions