Personal Track Safety

Question 1

What is the definition of “Operational Railway”?

Answer 1

The term operational railway includes the area called on the lineside and the area called on or near the line

(Rule Book- Module G1- Section 6)

Question 2

What is the definition of “The Lineside”?

Answer 2

You are on the lineside if:

• you are between the railway boundary fence and the area called on or near the line, and
• you can be seen by the driver of an approaching train (Note: you are not on the lineside if you are on a station platform)

(Rule Book- Module G1- Section 6)

Question 3

What is the definition of “On or near the line” ?

Answer 3

You are on or near the line if you are:

• within 3metres (10ft) of a line and there is no permanent fence or structure between you and the line
• on the line itself
• on a station platform carrying out engineering or technical work within 1.25metres (4ft) of the platform edge

(Rule Book- Module G1- Section 6)

Question 4

What is the definition of a “Position Of Safety”?

Answer 4

A position of safety is a place where it is safe to stand when a train is passing

Distances (from the nearest line):

• 1.25metres if maximum speed is less than 100mph (0- 100mph)
• 2 metres if the maximum speed is over 100mph (101- 125mph)

(Rule Book- Module G1- Section 6)

(Network Rail- PTS handbook)

Question 5

What is this sign and what does it mean?

Answer 5

Limited Clearance Warning Sign:

There is no position of safety on this side of the railway for the length of the structure. You must not enter or stand at that location when a train is approaching

(Rule Book- Module G1- Section 8)

Question 6

What is this sign and what does it mean?

Answer 6

No Refuges Warning Sign:

There is no position of safety on this side of the railway for the length of the structure. However, there are positions of safety, or refuges, on the opposite side of the railway line.

(Rule Book- Module G1- Section 8)

Question 7

What is this sign and what does it mean?

Answer 7

Prohibition Sign:

You must not pass beyond this sign while trains are running unless you are carrying out emergency protection. This is because you would not be able to reach a position of safety of refuge safely.

(Rule Book- Module G1- Section 8)

Question 8

Name the components of the OLE (Overhead Line Equipment)

Answer 8

1. Catenary Wire
2. Dropper
3. Contact Wire
4. Headspan Wire
5. Cross Span Wires
6. Structure Bond
7. Insulators
8. Mast or Structure
9. Structure Number Plate
10. Along-Track Conductors

(Rule Book- Module AC- Section 3)

Question 9

What is the safe distance from the OLE, for you and any equipment you are carrying?

Answer 9

2.75 Metres (9ft)

(Rule Book- Module AC- Section 4)

Question 10

How far can you leave tools and equipment from a running line?

Answer 10

Tools/Equipment must be left at least 2 Metres from the line when a train is passing, unless there is no chance of them being moved by the trains slipstream.

(Network Rail- PTS Handbook)

Question 11

What are the actions of person ‘on or near the line’ when a train approaches?

Answer 11

• Immediately move to a position of safety or, if already in a position of safety, stay there
• If the driver sounds the warning horn, raise one arm above your head to acknowledge the warning
• You must stay in your position of safety until the train has passed clear. (Before leaving the P.O.S ensure it is safe to do so and there are no more approaching trains in either direction)

(Rule Book- Module G1- Section 7)

Question 12

What are the best ways to cross the line?

Answer 12

• Use a bridge, subway or level crossing
• If possible cross where protective guarding has been provided
• make sure there are no trains approaching, then go straight across without stepping on the rails or sleepers (cross ballast to ballast)

(Network Rail- PTS Handbook)

Question 13

Name the sections of the 4 track layout in the picture below

Answer 13

A. Four Foot

B. Six Foot

C. Ten Foot

D. Cess

Question 14

What are the risks when crossing the line

Answer 14

• Train movements
• Slips, trips & falls- ensure you don’t step on the rails or sleepers as they can become slippery in wet and icy conditions
• Points in the track- be careful when crossing near points, they could quickly move and trap your foot
• Stationary Trains- take care when crossng near stationary vehicles, they can move without warning, and could be hiding another approaching train

Question 15

What is the voltage of the OLE?

Answer 15

25,000 Volts AC (25KV AC)

Question 16

How do you stop a train in an emergency?

Answer 16

• You must show a RED FLAG, or
• Raise both arms above your head, or
• If you are riding on a vehicle, raise one arm held out horizontally, or
• In darkness: You must show a red light to the driver or wave any light violently (vigorously)

(Rule Book- Module G1- Section 3)

Question 17

What are the types of telephone shown below?

Answer 17

A. SPT (Signal Post Telephone)- associated with a signal, if the telephone has a number on the cabinet the number states the maximum amount of minutes that can elapse before the signaller is contacted by the driver.

B. Lineside Phone- usually found near points, these are provided to contact the signaller.

Question 18

What things need to be established before going ‘on or near the line’?

Answer 18

• the direction trains are travelling in
• the maximum line speeds

Question 19

What items of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) must be worn if you are ‘on or near the line’?

Answer 19

• Orange high visibility clothing or approved vest
• Safety shoes