PTS Flashcards
(84 cards)
1
Q
What does ABCP stand for?
A
Accurate.
Brief.
Clear.
Professional.
2
Q
What should you do when travelling in a group on the railway?
A
• Keep 20 metres apart to avoid distracting each other.
• Look up every 5 seconds.
3
Q
What should you do if a train approaches whilst you are walking on the railway?
A
Move to a position of safety and raise your arm to acknowledge the train’s presence.
4
Q
What is the minimum distance you can stand from a train travelling at 100mph or less?
A
4 feet/1.25 metres away.
5
Q
What is the minimum distance you can stand from a train travelling at 100mph or more?
A
6 feet/2 metres away.
6
Q
What does ‘on or near the line’ mean?
A
When someone is within 3 metres of the nearest running line or on the running line.
7
Q
What is the cess?
A
The area between the boundary fence and the running line.
8
Q
What does ‘lineside’ mean?
A
The area between the boundary fence but more than 3 metres from the nearest running line.
9
Q
What do you need to know before going near the railway?
A
• Line speed.
• Expected direction of travel.
• Areas of limited clearance.
• Prohibited areas.
10
Q
Which direction should you always walk in if possible?
A
Facing oncoming trains.
11
Q
What should you do if you are unable to reach a position of safety?
A
Lie face down in the 6’ or 10’, gather clothing as tight as possible and pull safety straps on bag.
12
Q
When must you carry a hand lamp?
A
When there is poor visibility, for example in tunnels and in the dark.
13
Q
What are the two main types of point?
A
Facing points and trailing points.
14
Q
What is the difference between a facing point and a trailing point?
A
A facing point allows trains to diverge off the track, whilst a trailing point converges two tracks into one.
15
Q
What happens to points when they are on a bi-directional line?
A
They function as both trailing and facing points.
16
Q
What is a spring/catch point?
A
A safety device that derails trains travelling in the wrong direction.
17
Q
How should you walk along a train track?
A
Ballast to ballast. Do not walk on sleepers or rails.
18
Q
When would you be considered as ‘on or near the line’ whilst on a station platform?
A
If carrying out technical work within 1.25 metres of the platform edge.
19
Q
What are A, B, C and D of the phonetic alphabet?
A
Alpha
Bravo
Charlie
Delta
20
Q
What are E, F, G and H of the phonetic alphabet?
A
Echo
Foxtrot
Golf
Hotel
21
Q
What are I, J, K and L of the phonetic alphabet?
A
India
Juliet
Kilo
Lima
22
Q
What are M, N, O and P of the phonetic alphabet?
A
Mike
November
Oscar
Papa
23
Q
What are Q, R, S, T and U of the phonetic alphabet?
A
Quebec
Romeo
Sierra
Tango
Uniform
24
Q
What are V, W, X, Y and Z of the phonetic alphabet?
A
Victor
Whiskey
X-ray
Yankee
Zulu
25
What does a red chequered sign with the words 'Warning' and 'Limited clearance' mean?
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.
26
What does a blue chequered sign with the words 'Warning' and 'No refuges' mean?
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.
27
What does a prohibition sign mean?
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 or refuge safely. If you are carrying out emergency protection, you must take extreme care.
28
What is the cant line?
An orange line on the train that indicates where the side of the train meets the roof. You should not touch or let anything touch above the line as it may be electrified.
29
What is the minimum distance you must be away from the OLE, pantograph and roof mounted electrical equipment?
9 feet/2.75 metres.
30
What must you say at the start of an emergency call?
This is an emergency call.
31
What is an E.C.O.?
Electrical Control Operator. This is the person in charge of whether the electricity is flowing.
32
What is a D.E.P.?
Designated Earthing Point.
33
What is the minimum distance you must be away from domestic power supplies?
5 metres.
34
What must you say when you have made a verbal mistake?
Correction.
35
What must you say if you need further clarification?
Repeat back.
36
What must you say when there is a line blockage?
Line blocked. Do not say "not clear".
37
What must you say to report a dangerous goods incident?
This is a rail dangerous goods emergency.
38
How should you cross a 3rd rail?
Ideally don’t, instead look for a gap between the 3rd rails. If you must cross a 3rd rail, step over both the running rail and 3rd rail- do not put your foot between the gap.
39
What type of communication system do emergency calls use?
Emergency calls use the GSM-R system, a simplex communication whereby only one person speaks at a time- press to talk.
40
What must you do before attempting to save a person who has been electrocuted?
Ensure that the OLE is isolated and earthed unless you’re sure that:
• The person is alive and has reached the ground.
• An emergency switch-off has been requested and is in place.
• The person is no closer than 2ft from the OLE, pantograph or roof kit.
• You don’t go closer than 2ft to the OLE, pantograph or roof kit.
41
How many volts, and what type of current, runs through the OLE?
25,000 volts. Alternating current.
42
How many volts, and what type of current, runs through the 3rd rail?
750 volts. Direct current.
43
What information is displayed on an ID plate?
• The letters on the first line indicate the route.
• The number on the second line indicates the number of miles away from the station of origin.
• The number on the third line indicates the number of OLE structures there are within the mile.
44
What must you do when dealing with a rail dangerous goods emergency?
• Keep well clear.
• Keep unauthorised people well clear.
• Keep naked lights and lamps well clear.
• Keep the wind behind you.
• Avoid low-lying places where gas may gather.
• Try to extinguish the fire without putting yourself or others at risk.
• Not smoke, use matches or pocket lighters.
• Not use a mobile phone near a vehicle carrying flammable loads.
45
What is the procedure for making an emergency call?
• State "this is an emergency call".
• Give your name, role and employer.
• State the location and nature of incident.
• Give your location and contact number.
• Inform which lines are or may be blocked.
• Ask for OLE to be switched off if necessary.
• Request emergency services.
• Ask for a repeat back.
46
When are you permitted to use a limited clearance telephone?
Only in an emergency and if no other form of communication is available.
47
What must you say when reporting a dangerous goods incident?
• State "This is a rail dangerous goods emergency".
• Give your name, job and employer.
• State your location and telephone number.
• Give the exact location of the incident.
• State the United Nations number (displayed on the hazard warning panel).
48
Where would you find a hazard warning panel?
Displayed on the side of a vehicle or container carrying dangerous goods.
49
What information is displayed on a hazard warning panel?
• Emergency action code
• UN number
• Class diamond*
• Specialist advice telephone number*
*Found on large hazard warning panels.
50
What may put an approaching train in danger?
Track defect
Obstruction
Flood
Fire
Emergency indicator light gone out
Earth works damaged (embankment washed out/cutting landslide)
Elephant (large animals on the track).
51
Explain some of the barriers to safety critical communication.
• Environmental (e.g. ambient noise).
• Equipment (e.g. transmission interference).
• Linguistic (e.g. jargon, vague language, regional words).
52
Explain some of the ways to overcome communication barriers.
• Speak more slowly and at a good volume.
• Avoid jargon and regional words.
• Find a dry, quiet location in a position of safety if possible.
• Confirm understanding using repeat backs.
53
What is an emergency indicator?
A device that uses constant flashing lights to warn drivers of emergency speed restrictions.
54
What is a C.O.S.S.?
Controller of site safety. This person wears a blue armband and is responsible for setting up a safe system of work for a group of people.
55
How can you stop a train in an emergency in the daytime?
Raise both arms above your head or wave a red flag.
56
How can you stop a train in an emergency at night?
Shine a red light or wave any colour light vigorously.
57
How should you apply/remove a T.C.O.C. when there is a third rail?
Apply the T.C.O.C. to the running rail furthest away from the 3rd rail first, so that it can’t stretch to the 3rd rail. Remove the T.C.O.C. beginning with the running rail closest to the 3rd rail.
58
How many detonators are there in each cab?
There are 10 detonators stored in a sealed cupboard.
59
How many times can you use a T.C.O.C. before it should be replaced?
Once.
60
How long do detonators last before needing to be replaced?
5 years. They are checked every September.
61
What is the minimum distance you should be from an exploding detonator?
30 metres.
62
What should you do when a detonator is about to explode?
Face away from the detonator.
63
How far apart should detonators be placed?
20 metres.
64
When carrying out emergency protection work, how far away from the site of the issue should detonators be placed?
1 1/4 miles (2km).
65
What should you do if you are carrying out emergency protection work and a train is approaching?
Immediately place down as many detonators as possible, even if you haven’t reached 1 1/4 miles, and raise both arms in the air.
66
What should you do if you are carrying out emergency protection work and the 1 1/4 miles is inside a tunnel?
Place three detonators at both the entrance and exit of the tunnel.
67
What does T.C.O.C. stand for?
Track Circuit Operating Clips.
68
What dangers to trains should you be aware of?
• Doors open
• Insecure load
• Fire
• Hot axle box
• Lights (e.g. hazard warning lights, head or tail lights displaying the wrong colour)
• Driver sounding a continuous series of long blasts on the horn.
• Train staff waving a red flag.
69
What must be reported to the E.C.O. via the signaller?
• Objects thrown onto, hanging from or touching the OLE.
• Damage to the OLE.
• OLE that is smoking, flashing or fusing.
• Broken or displaced along-track conductors.
• Broken or displaced wires connecting to the OLE.
• Damaged or loose automatic power control track inductors.
• Broken or parted rail.
• Broken or defective bond (state the colour of the bond).
70
What are the four components of a safety critical conversation?
• Opening (e.g. name, role, location, employer).
• Information.
• Actions (can be passed in both directions and should be definitive)
• Confirmation (ask for a repeat back if necessary).
71
What is the meaning of lead responsibility?
The person within a safety critical communication who leads the conversation to ensure that a clear understanding is reached between all parties.
72
How can you identify a 3rd rail?
They are raised above the running rail and rest on plastic or ceramic insulators.
73
What must the person with lead responsibility do?
• Read back the message to check understanding.
• Prompt the other to read back the message to check understanding.
• Correct errors in the read back until the message is fully understood.
• Ensure numbers, codes or times are stated and repeated back in full.
• Not allow any movement or give authority until a clear understanding has been reached.
74
Who has lead responsibility?
Normally the signaller, although if it isn’t clear, the person who initiates the conversation must take lead responsibility.
75
What is a P.I.C.O.P.?
Person In Charge Of Possession. This person wears a yellow armband and is responsible for ensuring work is carried out within the relevant rules and to required standards.
76
How should you attempt to preserve evidence at a serious accident?
Avoid interfering with, disturbing or removing any evidence of the possible cause of the accident except to help the injured or to prevent further injury or damage.
77
What should you do if you are contaminated by dangerous goods?
• If your eyes are affected, wash them with cold water.
• Wash any affected parts of the body with cold water.
• Take off contaminated clothing (avoid further contamination in doing so).
• Get medical help quickly.
• Give the United Nations number of the substance.
• Get advice from the specialist assistance contact.
78
What is the horn code to give a warning on a running line?
Both tones.
79
What is the horn code to give a warning when in a depot or a siding?
Only low/soft tone.
80
What is the horn code to sound a local/special code?
Follow local/company instructions.
81
What is the horn code to use at a whistle board between 0600 and 2359 hours?
Low.
82
What is the horn code for a train in distress?
Continuous series of long blasts.
83
What is the horn code to give a warning to anyone on or near the line considered to be on danger?
Long blast.
84
What information can be found in a lineside telephone?
• Signaller that controls the area.
• Date of telephone’s last service.
• Phonetic alphabet.
• Ordinance Survey grid reference.
