Going Onto the Line and Walking Safely
Not publishedof exam
Track ClearancesPosition of SafetyTrack GeographyWalking RoutesCrossing Rails
Safe Systems of Work and Safety Roles
Not publishedof exam
COSS ResponsibilitiesHierarchy of ProtectionSite Warden WarningSafety BriefingsWorksafe Procedure
Electrified Lines OLE and Conductor Rail
Not publishedof exam
Overhead AC ClearancesConductor DC ClearancesEmergency Switch OffInsulated ToolsElectrical Hazards
Emergency Procedures and Trackside Warnings
Not publishedof exam
Detonator PlacementTrack Circuit ClipsHand Danger SignalsEmergency Phone CallsTrackside Signage
Sentinel Scheme Lifesaving Rules and Fitness
Not publishedof exam
Medical StandardsDrugs and AlcoholFatigue ManagementLog Book PracticeProbationary Rules
Quick Facts
- Qualification Name
- Personal Track Safety PTS
- Competence Records
- Sentinel sponsorship and competence
- Competence Validity
- Normally two years
- Expired PTS
- Does not authorise work
- Practice Evidence
- Sponsor checks recorded competence use
- New Holder Support
- Blue helmet until sponsor confirmation
- Current Core Handbook
- HB1 Issue 9 currently in force
- Position of Safety
- 1.25m through 100mph; 2m above
SAFE Track Clearances
Stay Alert For Everyone on the line
S Safety position before trainA Apply correct speed clearanceF Face and watch approaching trafficE Exit only when safe
The Four Foot vs Six Foot
The Four Foot
- Between rails of one track
- Direct train impact zone
- Enter only when authorized
The Six Foot
- Between two adjacent tracks
- Aerodynamic turbulence hazard
- Never use as refuge
Neither space provides safe refuge
Action When Train Approaches
- Train sighted or horn heard→Move to position of safety(At least ten seconds early)
- Line speed up to 100mph→Stand 1.25 metres clear(Measured from nearest rail)
- Line speed exceeds 100mph→Stand 2.0 metres clear(Avoid aerodynamic vortex)
- Standing in position of safety→Face approaching train(Watch for loose loads)
- Train passes your location→Remain stationary until clear(Check other lines before moving)
Permanent Way Track Geography
- The Four Foot
- Space between two running railsDirect danger zone
- The Six Foot
- Space between two adjacent tracksNo safe clearance
- The Ten Foot
- Wide space between multiple linesWide way
- The Cess
- Outside edge of running railNot automatically a safe route
- Standard Gauge
- 1435 millimetres between rails4 feet 8.5 inches
- Rail Head
- Top surface contacting train wheelsNever step on
- Rail Foot
- Bottom flat base of railBaseplate support
- Ballast Crib
- Stones packed between consecutive sleepersTrack stability
Clearance Under vs Over 100mph
Up to 100mph Lines
- Minimum 1.25 metres distance
- Measured from nearest rail
- Standard clearance distance
Over 100mph Lines
- Minimum 2.0 metres distance
- Higher aerodynamic vortex suction
- Enhanced high speed clearance
Line speed dictates safe distance
Trackside Safe Clearances
- Position of Safety Through 100mph
- At least 1.25 metresFrom nearest approaching-train line
- Position of Safety Over 100mph
- At least 2.0 metresFrom nearest rail
- On or Near Line
- Within 3m without permanent separationOr on line itself
- Platform Engineering or Technical Work
- Within 1.25 metres of edgeOn or near line definition
- Train Approach Warning Time
- Ten seconds before train passesIn safe position
- Axle Counter Sections
- Track circuit clips cannot operate countersNever rely on clip alone
- Line Crossing Rule
- Cross track at right anglesNever walk diagonally
- Points Mechanism
- Keep hands clear of switchesCrush injury risk
COSS Safety Briefing Pillars
Every Worker Safe Under Plan
E Establish designated positionW Walking route identifiedS System of work definedU Understand and sign packP Personal PPE confirmed
COSS vs Site Warden Responsibilities
Controller of Site Safety
- Wears blue armlet
- Delivers mandatory safety briefing
- Sets up safe system
Site Warden
- White armlet with blue lettering
- Monitors static safe work boundaries
- No other working duties
COSS leads while warden monitors
Check the Briefed Safe System
- Relevant lines protected against trains→Keep within safeguarded work limits(Confirm COSS briefing)
- Fenced system is briefed→Stay behind approved barrier(Observe specified clearances)
- Separated static worksite is briefed→Stay inside safe boundary(Obey site warden where appointed)
- Approved warning system is briefed→Know warning and safety position(Ten seconds safe before arrival)
- Planned protection cannot be implemented→Stop and ask COSS to replan(Never improvise lookout protection)
Key Track Safety Roles
- COSS
- Controller of Site SafetyBlue armlet
- Site Warden
- Monitors static worksite boundaryWhite armlet; blue lettering
- PICOP
- Controls an engineering possessionSpecified possession responsibilities
- Engineering Supervisor
- Controls an engineering worksiteWithin possession arrangements
- Person in Charge
- Controls the work activityCoordinates with COSS
- Lookout
- Warns under specifically authorised arrangementsWhite armlet; red lettering
- Individual Working Alone
- Authorized to work by oneselfIWA competence
- PTS Competence Alone
- Does not authorise working aloneAdditional competence and authority required
Safe Systems of Work Hierarchy
- Safeguarded System
- Relevant lines protected against train approachFollow authorised limits
- Fenced System
- Approved barrier and specified clearancesDo not improvise fencing
- Separated Worksite
- Specified separation from open linesSite warden where required
- Track Warning Systems
- ATWS SATWS TAWS or TOWSUse only approved arrangements
- Lookout or LOWS
- Restricted arrangements require specific authorityNever an improvised fallback
- Safe System Pack
- Authorized plan generated by SSOWPSigned before work
- COSS Briefing
- Understand before signing or digital acknowledgementBefore access and work
- Worksafe Procedure
- Stop and report unsafe workResolve concern before restarting
AC Overhead vs DC Conductor Rail
AC Overhead Line
- Nominal 25000 volts AC
- Basic working clearance 2.75 metres
- Permit specifies isolation and earthing
DC Conductor Rail
- Nominal 750 volts DC
- Basic live clearance 1.5 metres
- Never step between adjacent rails
Different systems require different electrical precautions
Electrified Line Emergency Response
- Railway OLE falls or breaks→Keep clear and warn others(Treat equipment and contacts live)
- Electrical danger threatens life→Request emergency switch-off through ECO(Give exact location and hazard)
- Person contacts live conductor rail→Request switch-off; do not touch(Rescue only under HB17 conditions)
- ECO unreachable; person contacts live CRE→Competent person considers short-circuiting bar(All HB17 application restrictions apply)
- Guard board or yellow shroud present→Do not apply short-circuiting bar(Unsafe location for bar)
- Section gap separates bar and casualty→Do not use that bar location(Other electrical sections may remain live)
- Short-circuiting bar has been applied→Notify ECO; obtain removal permission(Ordinary metal tools are not substitutes)
- Electricity-company power line has fallen→Stay at least five metres away(Until electricity company confirms safety)
AC 25kV Overhead Line Equipment
- AC OLE Voltage
- 25000 volts alternating currentLethal contact risk
- OLE Working Clearance
- At least 2.75m every directionCloser work needs approved precautions
- Live Equipment Rule
- Treat live until prescribed assuranceSwitch-off alone is insufficient
- Pantograph
- Roof arm collecting electric currentHigh voltage equipment
- Overhead Line Permit
- Defines isolated earthed equipment and limitsDoes not stop trains
- Traction Bonds
- Never interfere with any bondReport defects and colour
- Broken Railway OLE
- Treat live; keep clear; reportWarn others and notify ECO
- Emergency Switch Off
- Immediate ECO phone notificationLife threatening hazard
DC 750V Conductor Rail Equipment
- DCCR Voltage
- 750 volts direct currentThird rail system
- Live Conductor Rail Clearance
- 1.5m basic distance from live equipmentApproved exceptions need all precautions
- Crossing Adjacent Rails
- Step over both rails togetherNever place foot between
- Conductor Guard Board
- Timber or composite protective coverNever stand on
- Collector Shoe Gear
- Treat as live when disconnected tooNever touch shoe gear
- Short Circuiting Bar
- Specialist HB17 emergency equipmentCompetence and strict conditions required
- Flooded Track Warning
- Never touch water near railsConducted shock hazard
- Electrical Protection
- Ordinary boots do not confer isolationFollow approved electrical precautions
STOP Emergency Track Protection
Stop, Tell, Observe, Protect within competence
S Signal danger when necessaryT Tell signaller the exact locationO Observe other line dangersP Protection only within training
Emergency Call vs Railway Call
Emergency Phone Call
- State this is emergency
- Immediate threat to safety
- Direct signaller or ECO
Railway Related Call
- Standard structured conversation protocol
- Routine operational railway messaging
- Mandatory message read back
Danger immediately dictates call urgency
Track Obstruction Emergency Actions
- Track is obstructed or unsafe→Warn signaller by quickest means(Give location and affected lines)
- Train approaches affected line→Show clear hand danger signal(Protect your own safety)
- Trained to use emergency equipment→Follow applicable HB2 protection procedure(Clips ineffective on axle counters)
- Detonator protection becomes necessary→Only trained personnel follow HB2(Three; twenty metres; normally 2km)
Emergency Track Protection Equipment
- Detonator Spacing
- Twenty metres apart under HB2Trained emergency protection personnel
- Full Detonator Protection
- Three detonators on each affected lineApplicable HB2 instructions
- Full Protection Distance
- Normally two kilometres towards approaching trainsExceptions require HB2 training
- Track Circuit Clip
- Operates track circuit when correctly appliedNot guaranteed to stop trains
- Clip Restrictions
- No fourth rail or conductor attachmentThird rail: furthest running rail first
- Hand Danger Signal Day
- Red flag; otherwise both arms raisedMake visible to driver
- Hand Danger Signal Night
- Red light; or wave any lightViolently if not red
- Flashing Train Headlights
- Train hazard warning indicatorReport unsafe train immediately
Safety Critical Communications Protocol
- Emergency Call Phrase
- This is an emergency callImmediate priority
- Phonetic Alphabet
- Standard phonetic letters like AlphaClarifies spelling
- Spoken Numbers
- Normally one digit at a timeExceptions include time and handbook references
- Lead Responsibility
- Role hierarchy determines conversation leadInitiator only if otherwise unclear
- Read Back Protocol
- Repeat messages verbatim to senderPrevents misunderstandings
- Telephone Location
- Confirm correct phone and control contactKnow emergency contact details
- Location Identification
- State line mileage and bridgePinpoints worker
- Signal Post Telephone
- Identify signal and exact locationConfirm correct signaller
Trackside Warning Signs and Indicators
- Limited Clearance Warning
- No safety position along this sideDo not enter with trains running
- No Refuges Sign
- Safety positions only on opposite sideFollow briefed route
- Prohibition Sign
- No access while trains runningSpecified emergency protection exception
- Whistle Board
- W directs driver horn warningNever rely on hearing alone
- Limited Clearance Telephone
- May be used only in emergencyCheck sign and location
- Applicable Line Speeds
- Use Sectional Appendix and briefingDo not infer from colour alone
Probationary vs Full PTS Holder
Probationary Track Worker
- Green square: learning support
- Blue helmet as required
- Sponsor manages experience requirements
Full Competent Worker
- Sponsor confirms required competence
- Helmet change is not automatic
- Red triangle still requires accompaniment
Experience and restrictions require sponsor confirmation
Sentinel Scheme and Sponsorship
- Primary Sponsor
- One sponsor manages competence and fitnessPays for competences it uses
- Sub Sponsors
- Up to two with Primary approvalOne Primary plus two Sub-Sponsors
- Green Square
- New PTS holder receiving learning supportNot the accompaniment symbol
- Blue Helmet
- Required during new-holder learning supportSponsor confirms sufficient experience
- Red Triangle
- Must be accompanied on infrastructureObserve recorded restriction
- Swipe In Verification
- Electronic check before entering trackConfirms valid card
- Practice Records
- Record actual competence used in SentinelSwipe-in alone is not proof
- Recertification Admission Window
- Provider may accept eight weeks lateExpired PTS does not authorise work
Medical Fitness and Fatigue Limits
- Medical Standard
- NR L2 OHS 00124 examinationPhysical fitness
- Supply-chain PTS D&A test
- Negative within three months before trainingWorkforce-specific course requirement
- Network Rail worker PTS admission
- Separate three-month pre-course test removedOther D&A duties still apply
- Alcohol Policy
- Strict Network Rail zero toleranceMandatory testing
- Applicable Working Hours
- Use shortest applicable working-hour limitLaw infrastructure manager and sponsor
- Previous Twelve Hours
- No work without approved risk exceptionSponsor assessment and controls required
- Fatigue and Travel
- Report all work and excessive travelNot just hours on site
- CIRAS Reporting
- Confidential independent rail safety reportingWhistleblower service
- Medication with safety-affecting side effects
- Seek Chemist on Call guidanceReport and follow restrictions
Common Traps
Six Foot Refuge Assumption Trap
Normal six-foot is not refuge ≠ Use designated position of safety
Overhead Equipment De-energization Trap
Emergency switch-off alone ≠ Isolated and earthed under permit
Conductor Rail Stepping Hazard
Guard boards are not footholds ≠ Never step between adjacent rails
Working Alone as PTS Trap
PTS alone does not authorise working ≠ COSS or IWA needed when alone
Emergency Telephone Communication Mistake
State emergency and exact location ≠ Confirm instructions and repeat back
Last Minute
- 1.Carry physical or virtual Sentinel card
- 2.Verify swipe in before work
- 3.Wear full orange trackside PPE
- 4.Mentored workers must wear blue
- 5.Confirm designated position of safety
- 6.Maintain 2.75 metres from OLE
- 7.Know authorised conductor-rail working precautions
- 8.Understand COSS briefing before acknowledging
- 9.Exercise Worksafe if conditions change