PTSv2 Flashcards
When should we apply PTS?
We should apply PTS when on or near the line or when carrying out duties involving walking alone on or near the line. It is your responsibility to ensure your safety.
What is an authorised walking route?
An authorised walking route is a specially designated route for use when walking to or from a booking on point to a place of work or when going about duties.
What must you do before using an authorised walking route?
You can only use an authorised walking route which you have been briefed on, and you have authority to use that route.
Where can details of official walking routes be found?
Details of the official walking routes can be found in the booking on point and the Network rail hazard directory.
How will route marking be provided?
Route marking will be provided to clearly highlight one walking route from another by painting coloured tram lines to identify green and yellow routes.
What indicates a red route diverging from a yellow walking route?
A solid red line or red painted person sign can be used to highlight the difference between yellow and red routes.
What should you understand before using the AWR?
Understand the types of walking route & the layout of the Depot before using the AWR.
What should you do when using AWRs?
Obey the instructions within local working instructions when using AWRs.
How should you walk on the AWR?
Walk in single file, keep to the centre of the walking route wherever possible.
What should you be vigilant about while walking?
Be vigilant to slipping, tripping hazards and train movements.
What should you do if two users need to pass on a narrow route?
One person must give way and move to the side as far as is reasonably practical.
How should you carry equipment while walking?
Ensure this can be done without obscuring visibility or ability to respond to an approaching train.
How should long items be carried?
Carry long items horizontally, using a second person where possible.
What is the rule about placing objects near the running line?
No objects shall be placed or moved within 2 metres of the nearest running line.
What are the necessary precautions to take?
Wear correctly, clean high visibility clothing (in darkness these must have reflective markings).
What should you obey while on the AWR?
Obey any warning indications (lights, bells, etc.) and notices.
What should you do when you hear an approaching train?
Look and listen for approaching trains and acknowledge the audible warning from an approaching train.
When is it permissible to go on or near the line?
You must NOT go on or near the line unless it is absolutely necessary in connection with your duties and you have a current certificate of competence in personal track safety.
What does ‘lineside’ mean?
‘Lineside’ means you are within the boundary fence but 3m from the nearest line.
What does ‘on or near the line’ mean?
‘On or near the line’ means you are within 3m of the nearest line.
What does ‘on or near the line whilst on a platform’ mean?
‘On or near the line whilst on a platform’ is 1.25m only if engineering work is taking place on the platform.
What is a fishplate?
A fishplate attaches two links of rail together.
What does a Pandrol clip do?
Holds the rail to the chair or base plate.
What materials can sleepers be made of?
Sleepers can be made of wood, concrete, or metal.
What is ballast generally made of?
Ballast is generally made of granite or limestone.
What is the purpose of chairs in the permanent way?
Chairs are attached to the sleepers and hold the rail on top.
What is the Cess in permanent way terminology?
The Cess refers to the sides of the permanent way.
What is the four foot distance?
The four foot distance is the space between tracks.
What is the six foot distance?
The six foot distance is the space between two running lines.
What is the ten foot distance?
The ten foot distance is the space between two pairs of running lines.
What must you know when going lineside?
You must know the speed and direction of trains on each line.
What is a position of safety?
A position of safety is established by identifying line speed.
What is the minimum distance for a position of safety for speeds 0-100mph?
The minimum distance is at least 4 feet.
What is the minimum distance for a position of safety for speeds above 101mph?
The minimum distance is 6 feet 6 inches.
What should you do when a train approaches?
You must be in a position of safety at least 10 seconds before the train arrives.
How should you acknowledge a driver’s warning?
Acknowledge the driver’s warnings by raising one hand above your head.
What are the directions of train travel towards and away from London?
Towards London is known as the Up-Line, and away from London is known as the Down-Line.
What should you consult if the line does not go towards or away from London?
Consult the sectional appendix to know how the line is identified.
What is the 5 & 10 second rule?
You must look up every 5 seconds and be in a position of safety at least 10 seconds before the train arrives.
What should you not do when crossing over lines?
- Don’t stand on any rails or sleepers
- Don’t cross at points or crossings
- Don’t assume it is safe via a signal at danger
What should you do when walking the track?
You can carry tools provided they don’t affect your ability to see and acknowledge trains. These must be lowered to the ground when a train approaches and be at least 2m from the line.
What is the minimum distance you must maintain from another person while walking the track?
You must not be within 20m of someone. If there is more than 2 of you, a COSS must be elected.
What should you avoid using while walking the track?
Do not use umbrellas or earphones. If mobile use is required, stand in a position of safety.
What should you do if caught between two adjacent trains?
Eat dirt in the 6 or 10 foot.
What indicates an un-signalled wrong direction movement by a driver?
They will make a series of short blasts from the horn like reversing beeps.
What should you take when entering a tunnel?
Only enter a tunnel if safe to do so and take a handlamp.
What are in-dents in tunnels called?
Refuges, these are positions of safety.
Where else can refuges be found?
Built into a cutting, over an embankment, on a viaduct.
What do blue lineside signs indicate?
Mandatory Instructions.
What do red lineside signs indicate?
Often a warning sign.
What do yellow lineside signs indicate?
Usually a hazard sign.
What do green lineside signs provide?
Information.
What does limited clearance indicate?
There is no position of safety on this side of the railway line for the length of the structure. Avoid entering this location when a train is approaching.
What should you do when you see a limited clearance sign?
Cross over to access refuges or points of safety.
What is the warning regarding no refuges?
Unless carrying out emergency protection, you must not go beyond this point because there is no position of safety that can be reached whilst trains are operating.
What is the warning about safe access while trains are running?
There is no safe access while trains are running.
What types of phones are used to contact a signaller?
A SPT (signal post telephone) and a lineside telephone.
Where is a SPT typically located?
At a signal post, mainly to the left of each line, with a plate above to identify the post.
What is the purpose of level crossing phones?
They are for road users to contact a signaller.
What should you do if you see a limited clearance sign near a phone?
Use the phone only in the event of an emergency or if informed the line is blocked.
When can a driver use the phone at a limited clearance sign?
If their train protects the line it is used on.
What is the first step to make an emergency call?
“This is an emergency call”
What should you say after stating it’s an emergency call?
“Am I speaking to…”
What information should you provide about yourself during an emergency call?
“I am Josh Watson, Driver of…”
What location information should you provide during an emergency call?
“I am speaking from…”
What should you communicate about the incident during an emergency call?
“…has happened”
What should you specify regarding your location?
(The exact location)
What should you say if the line is obstructed?
“…line/s is/are obstructed (I require… blocked)”
What should you mention about emergency services during a call?
(Which emergency services if any are required)
How can mile posts help in locating your position?
Mile posts can be located along the route to help locate where you are. A dot or strike represent a ¼ of a mile.
What is the voltage of Overhead Line Equipment (OLE)?
They carry extremely high voltage. OHLE has 25,000AC volts running through it.
What is the voltage of third rails?
Third rails have 650-750DC running through them.
What are red bonds also known as?
Red bonds are also known as DEP - Designated Earthing Points.
What are the alternative names for posts along the track?
The posts can also be referred to as stentions or gantries.
What should you do if you see a detached red bond?
Report it to the E.C.O. Treat as live OHLE.
How do trains connect to the OLE?
Trains connect to the OLE via a pantograph.
What does the ‘G’ represent in location codes?
The G represents the location/route.
What does the ‘10’ represent in mileage codes?
The 10 represents the mileage.
What does the ‘17’ represent in structure codes?
The 17 represents the structure number within that mile.
What can you use to provide your location to the ECO?
You can use the structure codes on stentions.
What does ‘SPC2’ refer to in location codes?
The top letters refer to the Engineering Line Reference (ELR).
What do the first set of numbers in location codes represent?
The first set of numbers is the route Kilometrage.
What do the second set of numbers in location codes represent?
The second set of numbers are metres.
What does the last reference in location codes indicate?
The last reference refers to the location of the OLE structure to the nearest track.
What is a cantilever in OLE?
A cantilever is OLE for one track.
What does a head-span cover?
A Head-span covers two tracks.
What does a portal cover?
A portal covers two or more tracks but with more support.
What must you consider when on or near the line?
You must consider the OHLE live and dangerous.
What should you avoid near live wires?
Don’t go near live wire.
What should you not let come near you?
Don’t let anything in your possession come near.
What is the minimum distance to maintain from the cant rail line?
Don’t come any nearer than 9ft.
What is the cant rail line?
There is an orange line near the roof of a train called a cant rail line. Do not go above this for your own safety.
What should you do if powerlines fall on the track?
Get the lines blocked and do not get nearer than 5m.
What should you do if you become aware of an emergency situation?
Immediately contact the ECO for a shut off or arrange for this to be done.
What information should you provide when making an emergency call about OHLE?
State the nearest OHLE post, why you need the shut off, and if anyone is in danger.
What must the person reporting to the ECO do?
Stay in touch until assured that the electricity has been switched off or if other arrangements are made.
What happens when the switch occurs?
The ECO selects a Person In Charge of the Electrical Emergency (PICEE).
What should you ensure before approaching a person near the wire?
Ensure the electricity is off before approaching a person who is either within 9” or completely under the wire.
What should you remember when the electricity is off?
Diesel trains can still run; this is not necessarily a line block; restricted voltage may remain.
What should happen if the person who requested the isolation changes?
The ECO must be informed.
What type of ladders should be used near OLE?
Only ladders made of wood or other non-conducting material should be used.
How should objects be carried near OLE?
Objects should not come within 9” and should be carried horizontally.
What is the best way to cross the third rail?
There may be a gap in the third rail which is best for crossing.
What should you never do regarding the third rail?
DO NOT STEP ON the wooden shoe beam that comes down onto the rail.
What should you do when stepping near the third rail?
Never step between the third rail and parallel line; always step over both if necessary.
What should you not allow to touch the CRE?
Do not allow clothing, tools, equipment, or any object you are carrying to touch CRE unless intended for this purpose.
What should you avoid touching?
Do not touch broken or displaced CRE or the collector shoe on any train.
What should you avoid stepping into?
Do not step into flood water which may be in contact with the CRE.
What should you not direct onto the CRE?
Do not direct a jet of water or any other liquid onto the CRE.
