Course Aims
This course is the second part of the PTS Initial Course and can only be undertaken following the successful completion of the PTS e-learning module. Personal Track Safety (PTS) - Initial - E-learning Course
At the end of the course the candidate will:
- Understand the rules and regulations that are in force for personal safety which need to be observed when working ‘On or Near the Line’ on the Railway Infrastructure.
Who is this course suitable for?
This course is intended for candidates who wish to work on or near the line on Network Rail’s infrastructure.
Candidates must be over the age of 16 and sponsored by a link-up approved railway company before undertaking the PTS course. This is a company who have been audited and certificated to supply workers to the Railway industry. The Sentinel co-ordinator of this sponsoring company will need to sign our course booking form to confirm their intent to sponsor you and supply their linkup site ID number.
Candidates will also need to have completed a medical and drug & alcohol screening prior to attending the course.
Only those with a sufficient grasp of the English language to be able to give an emergency call will be eligible to attend.
Course Objectives
On successful completion of the course Candidates will:
- Correctly interpret the relevant parts of the Rule Book, the Track Safety Handbook and will understand the relevant aspects of the Sentinel Scheme.
- Demonstrate their understanding and ability to follow a safe system of work that their COSS will set up for them.
PLEASE NOTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SENTINEL SCHEME RULES ALL SAFETY CRITICAL TRAINING MUST BE BOOKED AND PAID FOR BY THE PRIMARY SPONSOR.
Additional Information
The PTS course is insufficient for those wishing to carry out any work which will affect the geometry of the track in any way. For that a person must attend a Track Induction Course.
Pre-Requisite Requirements
Candidates Must have successfully completed the PTS E-learning Assessment prior to attendance and must bring the completed certificate to the course. Sponsor must have created a Sentinel profile for the candidate and uploaded a current photograph before course commencement.
A valid medical and D&A must also be uploaded prior to course commencement. Must be a minimum age of 16 Meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements to minimum medical level 4 and Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/0120 (Drugs & Alcohol).
Please be advised that a drugs & alcohol test must have been carried out no more than 3 months prior to attending a PTS Initial training event. Must have sufficient command of English language as detailed in Network Rail Company Specification NR/L2/CTM/021 (Competence & Training in Track Safety).
Please advise of any additional needs within a learning environment, such as Dyslexia, amongst candidates in advance of the course.
Must Bring Photo ID - For British Nationals, one of the following (original hard copy - not electronically): a current and valid branded form of identity token, used for accessing the RMI (Railway Maintained Infrastructure) such as a Sentinel Card; in-date and valid full driving licence; in-date and valid UK Provisional Photo Card Driving Licence; in-date and valid passport, a UK biometric ID Card/Residence Permit (BRP), an Armed Forces Identity Card, a proof of age card recognised under PASS with a unique reference number (this includes the Citizen ID Card), N.I. Electoral Identity Card or a resident permit as per Home Office guidance.
Non-British Nationals - an in-date and valid passport, Identity Card or Driving Licence from an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country or a US Passport Card is required (original hard copy - not electronically).
Must bring full PPE High Visibility clothing to RIS-3279-TOM standard (upper and lower body), Blue hard hat, Safety boots with full ankle/mid-sole protection/steel cap toes, gloves and safety glasses.
Further information
Where an individual has successfully completed PTS initial training they shall undergo a period of learning support (green square) in the workplace. The employer is responsible for and shall appoint a competent person who shall give guidance to the individual and monitor their progress during the period of learning support.
When the employer is satisfied that the individual no longer requires learning support they shall complete a sponsors confirmation of competence. Learning support shall not exceed 24 months. Where the candidate is unable to fully meet the criteria of competence within the 24 month period they shall be required to attend initial training.
The employer shall be able to provide records of workplace experience the individual has completed during the learning support period. Please be aware that candidates will be treated on a training event as if they are at work and they must comply with the relevant medical policy and bring their Sentinel Smartcard (if applicable) which will be swiped at the start of the course.