Personal Track Safety (PTS) — Sentinel (Network Rail/NSAR, UK)

You are 2.5 metres from the nearest rail, with no permanent fence or structure between you and the line. What does the Rule Book definition mean for your access?

• AYou are on or near the line.
• BYou are outside the on-or-near area because you exceed 2 metres.
• CYou are on or near the line only if a train is visible.
• DYou are outside the on-or-near area if you stand in the cess.

No special approved method or company instruction applies. How far must you and anything you hold remain from live AC overhead line equipment?

• AAt least 2.75 metres in every direction.
• BAt least 1.5 metres in every direction.
• CAt least 1.25 metres in every direction.
• DAt least 2.75 metres horizontally, with no vertical limit.

Which clothing meets the Network Rail all-orange visibility requirement for someone working on or near the line?

• AApproved orange high-visibility clothing on upper and lower body.
• BAn orange high-visibility vest over ordinary dark trousers.
• CApproved yellow high-visibility upper-body clothing and trousers.
• DOrange trousers with an ordinary dark waterproof jacket.

A group is about to go on or near the line to start work. Who must brief its safe system of work and confirm each person understands it?

• AThe Controller of Site Safety (COSS) responsible for the group.
• BThe lookout appointed to watch for approaching trains.
• CThe site warden appointed to watch the safe-area boundary.
• DThe machine controller responsible only for the plant movement.

What is the purpose of a track-circuit operating clip used by a trained worker in an emergency on a suitable line?

• ATo operate the track circuit by connecting the running rails.
• BTo disconnect the traction electricity supply from the running rails.
• CTo apply the brakes directly on every train approaching the site.
• DTo authorise the worker to remove other protection from the line.

A line has a maximum permitted speed of exactly 100 mph. What is the minimum distance from its nearest rail for a position of safety?

• A1.25 metres.
• B1 metre.
• C1.5 metres.
• D2 metres.

A worker is 1.8 metres from the nearest rail of a line with a maximum permitted speed of 110 mph. Does that meet the minimum position-of-safety clearance?

• ANo; the minimum is 2 metres, so the worker is 0.2 metres short.
• BYes; 1.25 metres is enough at every permitted speed.
• CYes; the clearance is adequate if the next train is moving slowly.
• DNo; the minimum is 3 metres, so the worker is 1.2 metres short.

No approved method, electrical risk assessment or closer-working precautions apply. What is the basic minimum clearance from live conductor rail equipment?

• A1.5 metres for you and anything you hold.
• B300 millimetres for you and anything you hold.
• C600 millimetres for your body, with tools allowed closer.
• D1.25 metres from the adjacent running rail.

You have arrived for work on managed infrastructure with a virtual Sentinel card. What must happen before you undertake work?

• APresent your card for the required pre-work checks.
• BStart work if the card image displays your photograph.
• CAsk a colleague to swipe their card for both of you.
• DWait until the end of the shift to have the card checked.

The COSS identifies the adjacent line as open during the briefing. How should a worker interpret that information?

• ATrain movements remain possible on that line.
• BThe line may be entered once the nearest signal shows red.
• CThe line is available to the work group between timetable entries.
• DThe line is safe to cross whenever no train can be heard.

At night or in poor visibility, how do you give a hand danger signal to an approaching train?

• AShow a red light, or wave any light violently.
• BHold a white light steadily at waist height.
• CWave one arm slowly without using a light.
• DShow a steady green light towards the driver.

While walking under the agreed arrangements, a driver sounds the horn to warn you. What should you do?

• AAcknowledge with one raised arm and make sure you are in a position of safety.
• BWave both arms above your head to acknowledge the warning.
• CContinue walking and acknowledge only after the train passes.
• DApproach the track so the driver can see your acknowledgement.

Under an authorised lookout-warning system, which duty belongs to the appointed lookout?

• AWatch the agreed lines and give the specified train warning.
• BWatch only whether workers cross the safe-area boundary.
• CHelp with the task whenever there is a gap between trains.
• DApprove changes to the group safe system without consulting the COSS.

Which badge identifies a person acting as a lookout?

• AA white badge with LOOKOUT in red letters.
• BA blue badge with COSS in white letters.
• CA white badge with SITE WARDEN in blue letters.
• DA badge showing ES for the engineering supervisor.

A separated safe system has an identifiable boundary at least 2 metres from an open line. What is the site warden appointed to monitor?

• AWhether anyone attempts to cross the safe boundary.
• BWhether approaching trains are travelling below the permitted speed.
• CWhether the signaller has set each approaching signal to danger.
• DWhether electrical isolation has been applied to every adjacent line.

For a permitted lookout system, stopping work takes 4 seconds and reaching safety takes 8 seconds. The lookout watches two directions. Including the required 10-second safety margin, what warning time is needed?

• A27 seconds.
• B22 seconds.
• C32 seconds.
• D17 seconds.

The task you are asked to perform cannot be done safely under the arrangements provided. What should you do?

• AStop and raise the unsafe condition before resuming.
• BComplete the task and report the concern during the debrief.
• CContinue if another member of the group accepts the risk.
• DChange the protection arrangements yourself and then continue.

You need to use a mobile phone while walking on or near the line under an agreed safe system. What should you do before making the call?

• AMove to a position of safety and stand still.
• BContinue walking slowly while watching the screen.
• CStand between the running rails so you can see both directions.
• DUse a hands-free device and keep walking on the same route.