COSS EXAM QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE
SOLUTIONS
Before working with a group on or near the line what must
happen under the requirements of the Network Rail standard
'safety of people at work on or near the line' NR/L2/OHS/019?
Correct Answers · A SWP must be in place
· A COSS must be appointed
· Everyone must be briefed
Can a COSS be a lookout? Correct Answers No
Can a COSS be a Site Warden? Correct Answers Yes
Can a COSS book in with a PICOP? Correct Answers Yes
provided it is pre-planned
Can a COSS share their protection with another COSS? If so,
what must happen to allow this? Correct Answers A protection
controller must be appointed
Can a COSS sign into an Engineering Supervisors work site?
Correct Answers Yes but you must sign in with the ES
Certain items of equipment carried by the Lookout are required
for protecting the line in an emergency. What are these items?
Correct Answers · T-COC
· 3 x detonators
· Red flag
, Explain the criteria for using the Crossing the Line Procedure
(CTLP)? Correct Answers · Must be in authorised locations
· The procedure is planned and in the SWP
· You are competent in using the procedure and the signaller has
your name on a list of authorised people
· Can only be used to cross up to 4 lines or pass a structure
· Phone must have at least 50% battery and 3 bars of signal
· Phone line must be kept open to signaller until the line is
crossed
Following your briefing to the work group, how would you and
they confirm understanding of that briefing? Correct Answers
Ask questions about the briefing
From where would a COSS obtain details of any single line
working or other exceptional wrong direction movements?
Correct Answers The Signaller
How are you protected with a Line Blockage? Correct Answers
By a protecting signal placed to danger by the Signaller
How is protection provided by the Signaller on an absolute
block line? Correct Answers Signal maintained at danger with
reminder appliance
How many yards in a chain? Correct Answers 22yds
How must a flexible fence be set up if going to be left in place
after work is complete? Correct Answers There must be a gap
in the fence every 40m
SOLUTIONS
Before working with a group on or near the line what must
happen under the requirements of the Network Rail standard
'safety of people at work on or near the line' NR/L2/OHS/019?
Correct Answers · A SWP must be in place
· A COSS must be appointed
· Everyone must be briefed
Can a COSS be a lookout? Correct Answers No
Can a COSS be a Site Warden? Correct Answers Yes
Can a COSS book in with a PICOP? Correct Answers Yes
provided it is pre-planned
Can a COSS share their protection with another COSS? If so,
what must happen to allow this? Correct Answers A protection
controller must be appointed
Can a COSS sign into an Engineering Supervisors work site?
Correct Answers Yes but you must sign in with the ES
Certain items of equipment carried by the Lookout are required
for protecting the line in an emergency. What are these items?
Correct Answers · T-COC
· 3 x detonators
· Red flag
, Explain the criteria for using the Crossing the Line Procedure
(CTLP)? Correct Answers · Must be in authorised locations
· The procedure is planned and in the SWP
· You are competent in using the procedure and the signaller has
your name on a list of authorised people
· Can only be used to cross up to 4 lines or pass a structure
· Phone must have at least 50% battery and 3 bars of signal
· Phone line must be kept open to signaller until the line is
crossed
Following your briefing to the work group, how would you and
they confirm understanding of that briefing? Correct Answers
Ask questions about the briefing
From where would a COSS obtain details of any single line
working or other exceptional wrong direction movements?
Correct Answers The Signaller
How are you protected with a Line Blockage? Correct Answers
By a protecting signal placed to danger by the Signaller
How is protection provided by the Signaller on an absolute
block line? Correct Answers Signal maintained at danger with
reminder appliance
How many yards in a chain? Correct Answers 22yds
How must a flexible fence be set up if going to be left in place
after work is complete? Correct Answers There must be a gap
in the fence every 40m
