Track Safety

Like these splendid gentlemen, to be qualified to be in charge of the platform for a train departure, you have to pass the Personal Track Safety examination. You can be extremely helpful as platform staff without the PTS, but it does give you an extra value - and greater awareness.

It's not difficult, but it is quite a useful bit of knowledge. Try it for yourself here; it's a multiple choice, 13 question list.

Q1. What is a running line?
A1. The main line
A2. The sidings
A3. All lines

Q2. When should you be on the running line?
A1. When taking a walk
A2. When your duties require you to
A3. When taking a photo

Q3. What should you wear when on or near a running line?
A1. Your overalls
A2. Your cap
A3. Your high visibility clothing

Q4. Who should authorise you to go on to a running line?
A1. Your supervisor
A2. The station master
A3. The cabin boy

Q5. What do you need to know before going on to a running line?
A1. What time to come back
A2. What direction and speed of the trains
A3. What engine is running

Q6. If you are in a gang with a lookout man appointed and he signals that a train is approaching, what should you do?
A1. Carry on working
A2. Get your camera out
A3. Raise your arm to acknowledge, and stand clear

Q7. Where is your place of safety?
A1. In the four foot
A2. In the six foot
A3. In the cess

Q8. When walking to your site of work along the line, where is a safe place to walk?
A1. In the four foot
A2. In the six foot
A3. In the cess

Q9. If a train is approaching at 20mph, how long does it take to travel a quarter of a mile?
A1. 15 seconds
A2. 45 seconds
A3. 35 seconds

Q10. If you are working on a running line without a lookout man being appointed, who is responsible for your safety?
A1. The oldest hand
A2. Yourself
A3. All for each other

Q11. During fog or falling snow, when should you go on to the running line?
A1. Only with a lookout man
A2. Never
A3. Only when the trains have been stopped for the work to be carried out

Q12. How near to the track should you or your tools be when a train is passing?
A1. 10ft (3m)
A2. 6'6" (2m)
A3. 3'3" (1m)

Q13. If you are on or near a running line, and an approaching train sounds its whistle, what do you do?
A1. Ignore it
A2. Raise your arm to acknowledge it
A3. Sit down on the bank

If you'd like your answers checked by the Bridgnorth ASM (with no obligation!), send them to the station website email mailbox@bridgnorthstation.co.uk