Exam prep · UK
PTS During the work practice questions
Staying within the safe system, warnings, tools, materials and rail vehicles.
Updated 8 November 2026 for the latest Rule Book
Key rules
See all 24 key rulesA lower-level safe system than the one authorised may only be used if the responsible manager authorises it and issues an authority reference.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.3
When the safe system is changed, the COSS/person in charge stops work and makes sure you are in a position of safety.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.3
Work restarts after a change of safe system only after the COSS/person in charge ensures you understand the new arrangements.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.3
Do not place objects such as measuring tapes or chains across the rails, as they could operate signalling and change a signal aspect in front of a driver.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.4
Do not allow any metal object near signalling equipment or within 0.3 m (1 foot) of an axle counter head.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §1.4
Metal equipment connecting the two running rails might put a signal to danger and interfere with signalling and level crossing equipment, and on electrified lines could give an electric shock.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.2
If you have doubts about a safe system, stop work, get to a position of safety, then tell the COSS/PIC.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
Only do things you are competent and, if necessary, qualified to do, and never do anything unsafe or against the rules even under pressure.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
Always stay within the limits of the safe system of work.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
Do not distract a site warden; if you think you might not hear their warning, tell the PIC/COSS.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
If the site warden shouts a warning, check you are within the safe system and move back into it if not.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
If you do not move back into the safe system straight away, the site warden gives a series of short blasts on a whistle or horn.
RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
Sample questions
1. You are working on the track when the lookout warns that a train is approaching. What must you do?
- Finish the task in hand, then walk to the position of safety
- Raise both arms above your head and wait for the lookout to come to you
- Stop work at once, raise one arm above your head and go to the position of safety
- Wave back to the lookout and keep working until you can see the train
Answer: C. Stop work at once, raise one arm above your head and go to the position of safety
When warned of an approaching train you stop work straight away and go to the position of safety, raising one arm above your head to show the lookout you heard. Any delay cuts the time you have to get clear.
- Finish the task in hand, then walk to the position of safety: You must stop work straight away, not finish the task first.
- Raise both arms above your head and wait for the lookout to come to you: The acknowledgement is one arm raised, and you must move yourself, not wait.
- Wave back to the lookout and keep working until you can see the train: You must stop work straight away; waiting until you see the train wastes vital warning time.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
2. After a lookout's warning, you do not move to the position of safety straight away. What will the lookout do?
- Give one long blast on their whistle or horn
- Give a series of short blasts on their whistle or horn
- Wave a red flag at you
- Radio the signaller to stop the train
Answer: B. Give a series of short blasts on their whistle or horn
If you do not move straight away, the lookout gives a series of short blasts on their whistle or horn. If you hear this, you are in danger and must get to the position of safety immediately.
- Give one long blast on their whistle or horn: A single long blast is not the signal for failing to move.
- Wave a red flag at you: A red flag is not how a lookout tells you to move.
- Radio the signaller to stop the train: Contacting the signaller is not the lookout's response here; they sound short blasts to you.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
3. While working, you hear the site warden shout a warning at you. What should you do?
- Go to the position of safety and wait for a train to pass
- Raise one arm to acknowledge and carry on working
- Stop and ask the COSS why the warning was given
- Check you are still within the safe system of work and move back into it if not
Answer: D. Check you are still within the safe system of work and move back into it if not
A site warden's warning means you may have strayed outside the safe system of work, so check and move back into it straight away. If you don't move back promptly, the warden will give a series of short blasts on a whistle or horn.
- Go to the position of safety and wait for a train to pass: A site warden warns you about leaving the safe system, not an approaching train.
- Raise one arm to acknowledge and carry on working: Acknowledging and carrying on ignores that you may be outside the safe system.
- Stop and ask the COSS why the warning was given: You must act first by getting back into the safe system, not stop to ask questions.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
4. True or false: once a train has fully passed your position of safety, you may return to the track as long as you check no other train is coming.
- True
- False
Answer: B. False
After a train has passed, you must stay in the position of safety until the COSS or person in charge tells you it is safe. They know whether another train is due or the warning system is ready again.
Source: RT3170 Iss 11 (2024) §6.1
5. You are putting a bag of tools down beside an open line. Unless you are sure slipstream won't move it, how close to the line may it go?
- No closer than 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches)
- No closer than 1.25 metres (4 feet)
- No closer than 3 metres (10 feet)
- No closer than 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches)
Answer: D. No closer than 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches)
Tools, equipment and materials must be kept at least 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) from a line a train could pass on, unless you are absolutely sure they won't be hit or moved by slipstream. Items struck or blown by a train can injure people or damage the train.
- No closer than 1 metre (3 feet 3 inches): 1 metre is too close; the minimum is 2 metres.
- No closer than 1.25 metres (4 feet): 1.25 metres is too close; the minimum is 2 metres.
- No closer than 3 metres (10 feet): 3 metres is not the rule; the minimum stated is 2 metres.
Source: GERT8000-HB1 Iss 9 §7.1