Annetts key
Established Member
What is a unassisted lookout on open working compared to a assisted lookout on open working?
I passed my PTS this month but I don't recall being told the differences by the tutor.
Unassisted = Just flags.
Assisted = Has some additional system or equipment, usually LOWS or TOWS.
Unassisted - means only people, no additional equipment over and above a whistle or horn. Or flags if an advance lookout has been appointed by the COSS.The latter has an assistant/second person?
So a site lookout working on their own. Or a site lookout working with one or more additional/advance or touch lookouts. All are examples of unassisted lookout systems.
An answer for assisted has already been given.
A COSS should set up the safest system that is practical.
The rule book says:
The following are the safe systems of work available.
Safeguarded - where every line at the site of work has been blocked to normal train movements.
Fenced - where there is a suitable barrier between the site of work and any line open to the normal movement of trains.
Separated - where there is a distance of at least 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) between the nearest running rail of an open line and the site of work, and a site warden has been appointed.
There must be an identifiable limit to the site of work.
If it is only you and one other person in the group, you do not need to appoint a site warden. However, you must make sure neither of you go any closer than 2 metres (6 feet 6 inches) to the nearest running rail of the open line.
Equipment warning - where there is equipment provided to give enough warning to allow everyone involved to reach a position of safety before any train arrives at the site of work.
Lookout warning - where one or more lookouts are positioned to provide enough warning to allow everyone involved to reach a position of safety before any train arrives at the site of work.
Lookout warning can only be used if:
• There is no realistic alternative safe system of work that can be used.
• Using lookouts at that location is not prohibited.
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