PTS PTS - Personal Track Safety Working Near Electrified Lines 2

Question 1

What is the standard voltage of the 25kV AC overhead line electrification (OLE) system used on many Network Rail main lines?

Accepted Answer

25,000 volts AC

Answer

11,000 volts AC

Answer

750 volts DC

Answer

1,500 volts DC

Question 2

What is the minimum clearance distance that PTS holders must maintain from an energised 25kV overhead line?

Accepted Answer

Workers must not approach within 600mm of energised OLE equipment — and in practice should remain further away as arc distance is greater

Answer

0.5 metres — equivalent to arm's length

Answer

2 metres at all times

Answer

Contact is safe provided it is brief and the equipment has good insulation

Question 3

What must a COSS do when planning work that may bring workers or equipment close to the 750V DC third rail?

Accepted Answer

Obtain a third rail isolation for the relevant section, confirmed by a qualified Traction Electrical Engineer, before allowing any work where accidental contact is possible

Answer

Train workers to jump over the third rail quickly

Answer

Mark the third rail with warning cones and proceed

Answer

Work is safe if tools are wooden

Question 4

What should a PTS holder do if they see a colleague accidentally contact the 750V DC third rail?

Accepted Answer

Do NOT touch them — electrical current will pass through you too. Cut or isolate the power if possible, call 999, and call for emergency assistance using SPT

Answer

Grab the colleague to pull them away immediately

Answer

Pour water on the contact point to extinguish any fire

Answer

Wait for the electricity to stop automatically before assisting

Question 5

Why must conductive tools and equipment be kept a safe distance from the third rail even during approved track work?

Accepted Answer

Metal tools can complete an electrical circuit between the third rail and earth or adjacent rail, causing electrocution or equipment damage even when workers do not touch the rail directly

Answer

Conductive materials can damage the third rail surface, requiring expensive repairs

Answer

Health and Safety regulations prohibit metal tools near railways

Answer

Conductive tools may interfere with train detection systems

Question 6

What is an 'OLE possession' and what does it enable workers to do that they cannot do under normal conditions?

Accepted Answer

An OLE possession formally isolates and earths overhead line equipment, allowing workers to work on or near the OLE without electrocution risk

Answer

An OLE possession is a speed restriction for trains under OLE structures

Answer

An OLE possession is an asset ownership record for overhead line infrastructure

Answer

An OLE possession is a training session for working near electrified lines