COSS Assessment

Joining Instructions

Shannon Rail Services do not offer the following COSS Assessments:
• Candidate COSS + Assessor only
• Candidate COSS, + 1, + Assessor
• OTP Machine/Crane Controller (MC/CC) duties are not acceptable/suitable for COSS assessment purposes; this includes if the candidate is working as COSS – MC/CC.

Any dispensation from these arrangements by Sponsors that undertake contractual work for Network Rail when the work will routinely be planned as COSS +1 individual or in in depots or sidings must be submitted in writing to NSAR. The decision to grant any dispensation will be made in consultation with Network Rail Training Assurance and the competence owner in the Technical Authority. Where there are agreed dispensations, the Assessment Provider is to retain evidence.

General
Shannon Rail Services do not supply work sites and/or Safe Work Packs (SWP) for Assessment purposes. The site location, the production and/or supply of the SWP to the candidate (a minimum of 1 shift in advance) prior to the assessment remains the sole responsibility of the Primary Sponsor and or Sub-Sponsor as appropriate. Shannon Rail Services only supply the Track Safety Assessor at the location, time and date agreed in advance.

This assessment determines a person’s competency when performing the duties of a Controller of Site Safety (COSS) against the relevant Network Rail Company Standard NR/L2/OHS/019, NR/L2/CTM/021 and GE/RT8000 Rule Book.

Shannon Rail Services and our Track Safety Assessors acknowledge that assessments can be daunting, take place in un-favourable weather or at very short notice of work or due to late site availability, but in saying that it’s up to the candidate to be fully prepared for the assessment, it should be further noted whilst the Track Safety Assessor may be friendly, courteous and supportive, this is not a training, mentorship or guidance event. It is a Formal Assessment carried out in accordance with the Track Safety Assessor Code of Practice.

Prior Arrangements
All Prior Arrangements Must be in place for the Track Safety Assessor to conduct the assessment, including Principal Contractor Permissions, Site Access, Site Inductions and any other requirements, including approval for the Track Safety Assessor to obtain photographic evidence of the site, also suitable Free Parking Facilities must be made available for the Track Safety Assessor for the duration of the assessment.
Note: The Track Safety Assessor is representing Network Rail and should there be any kind of on-site conflict (real or otherwise), the Track Safety Assessor, will immediately stop the assessment, leave the site and raise a close call.

Shannon Rail Services only offer workplace assessments for one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift or workplace assessments for two candidates within the Assessors 12-hour shift (additional requirements must be met).

The duration of the assessment shall be of a sufficient time to gather the necessary evidence to make a decision on competence of the candidate, within the shift.

The Track Safety Assessor will take copies (photographic images) of the candidate’s Sentinel card or Sentinel Vicarda Card, completed COSS Log Book or print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database since last training/assessment event, the actual SWP used on site and any additional photographic evidence during the assessment as required.

The candidate must be in physical possession of his/her Sentinel Card or Sentinel Vicarda Card. His/Her competencies shall be verified as valid as of date/time of assessment via the Sentinel system prior to starting the assessment by the Track Safety Assessor.
• The candidate must be swiped out on sentinel a minimum 12 hours (this also applies to all members of the group) prior to the COSS assessment.

The candidate, Competence Work Experience Book (COSS/PC Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor and/or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).

Sponsorship must not take place solely for the purposes of training/assessments.
The Sentinel Board has endorsed more rigour to promote and enforce compliance with the Sentinel Scheme Rules including, where necessary, removing the right of sponsors to provide staff to work on Network Rail’s managed infrastructure. Network Rail would therefore like to take this opportunity to remind all sponsors of the following:
– Primary sponsors must provide all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to the sponsored individual.
– Primary sponsors must provide, at no cost to the individual, all the equipment a worker needs to undertake their task – including test, possession/worksite and earthing equipment.
– Primary sponsors must pay for personal track safety (PTS) training and recertification, and for any other competence required by the sponsor.
– Primary sponsors are responsible for identifying, implementing and paying for any health surveillance requirements.
– All PTS holders must be able to communicate effectively in English, so that they can fully understand safety briefings and emergency procedures and respond accordingly.
– Safe work packs must be verified by the Person in Charge before they are approved by the responsible manager.

Shannon Rail Services do not offer sponsorship and/or sub-sponsorship for the purposes of training/assessments or supply work sites and/or Safe Work Packs (SWP), only the Track Safety Assessor at the location, time and date agreed in advance.

Shannon Rail Services do not take bookings directly from individual’s, all assessments must be approved in advance and booked through the Primary Sponsor.
Note: Where the organisation booking the assessment is a sub-sponsor of the candidate, permission from the Primary Sponsor is still required.

Assessment Conformation.
Upon confirmation of the assessment booking, the Track Safety Assessor will send the candidate a text or WhatsApp message (containing the general assessment requirements) and contact the candidate directly (by mobile phone) prior to the assessment and explain how the on-site assessment will be conducted.

Go through the paperwork with the candidate so they understand what is required. Agree with the candidate, who and what documentation, equipment and PPE will be required for the assessment and if the candidate has any special needs that need to be considered.

The candidate will confirm with the Track Safety Assessor assessment meeting place, date, time and any other relevant information.

The Track Safety Assessor will further explain than an appeals procedure is available in the event of you disagreeing with the assessment decision.

Mandatory Requirements: COSS + PC Competence is held
The Protection Controller (PC) Assessment is carried out alongside your COSS Assessment (interim assessment only) but it is a separate standalone assessment and this can easily add 1 to 2 hours to the time required to carry out, including the completion of a diagram-based scenario plus Line blockage form RT3180 and Q&A, (it involves additional PC questions) if you’re not carrying out PC duties on the assessed shift.

Your Competence Work Experience Book (COSS/PC Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor and/or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).

Please note You must have a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database or your COSS/PC Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 COSS entries plus a minimum of 2 PC entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS/PC Log Book or in advance, otherwise the PC Assessment cannot be carried out and you will lose the PC competence.

Where the candidate holds both Controller Of Site Safety (COSS) and Protection Controller (PC)
• A PC Supplementary Assessment must be completed during the same event as the COSS interim assessment.

There are 2 options available
Option One:
Direct observation of the PC duties (completing a planned Line Blockage) the PC must complete:
• Workplace Assessment – PC Protection Controller

Option Two:
Not directly observing PC duties the PC must complete:
• Workplace Assessment – PC Protection Controller
• At least one (1) of the scenario documents

COSS Workplace Assessment – enhancing assurance of assessment
Routinely, COSS Assessments are effectively being manufactured only for the purposes of assessment. An authentic COSS assessment is a documented observation of the activities required to protect the safety of a group working on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure.

The most frequent examples of poor practice are listed below. All of these types of practices will be considered as manufactured assessments
• Candidate COSS + Assessor only
• Candidate COSS, + 1, + Assessor (with the exception of roles which are the operational norm to be COSS +1 i.e., AP, NP, S&T Tester/Assistant and are evidenced as such)
• Manufactured work activities such as non-obtrusive: (list is not exhaustive)
o Inspection on a station platform.
o Inspection of Road Rail Access Point [RRAP].
o Visual check of trackside position of cables from a location cabinet.
o Inspection of an access point for suitability.
o Track walk to check vegetation growth/scope future works.
o Lineside (3m) from the nearest running rail off track work with access to site being via walking routes.
o Visual structure inspections in an ES worksite.
o Where less than 75% of workplace assessment is not observed work activity.
o Two or more probationary assessments being completed in the same location at the same time or on the same date using the same workgroup.
o A candidate being assessed for COSS on a shift that is not required if the workplace assessment had not been requested.

Assured Assessment Providers are required by the RTAS Rules to make sure they are providing Assessors with the means to complete workplace assessments that meet these requirements.

Note: Shannon Rail Services do not offer:
– Candidate COSS + Assessor only
– Candidate COSS, + 1, + Assessor

Note: OTP Machine/Crane Controller (MC/CC) duties are not acceptable/suitable for COSS assessment purposes; this includes if the candidate is working as COSS – MC/CC.

Assessment Future Arrangements:
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift will not be permitted.
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than two candidates within the Assessors 12-hour shift will not be permitted.
• The Assessor shall not be considered as part of the workgroup considered as part of the workgroup but are required to listen to the COSS briefing, to sign RT9909, F01, task risk briefings and any other documentation that the site/work requires.
• There must be a minimum of three (3) people within the workgroup, including the COSS and excluding the Assessor.
• Where the COSS is working alone (effectively acting as an IWA) the criteria for a COSS Workplace assessment cannot be met.
• The duration of the assessment shall be of a sufficient time to gather the necessary evidence to make a decision on competence of the Candidate, within the shift.
• The Assessor shall not take part in the actual work unless the work must stop due to a concern over safety or to relieve the COSS due to unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, the work group shall be moved to a position of safety, and the work shall be suspended.
• The Assessor shall not assist the COSS being assessed in their duties unless to stop the work due to a concern over safety.

Term: Non-intrusive work
Network Rail Definition: Work which is not planned to affect the operational capability of the line.
Work normally carried out On or Near the Line, generally using a Separated SSOW, 2m minimum from the nearest open line (Running Rail) but not greater than 3m (Lineside).

Requirement of the Assessor
Assessors shall witness the COSS undertaking their role, this shall include the minimum requirement of:
• Undertaking a COSS workplace briefing as required by GE/RT8000 Rule Book and cover the requirements of the SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Access to and from site of work making sure their actions promote the safety of themselves and the work group.
– When possible, the egress from the site should be additionally observed.
• Observe the COSS during work to confirm the actions and duties comply with the requirements of GE/RT8000 Rule Book and in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• The assessor shall question the COSS on any elements of the workplace assessment unable to be observed to confirm knowledge of the COSS up to a maximum of 25% of the required observed assessment. This is to confirm the requirements of the assessment are met in full.
• COSS working alone questions within the COSS workplace assessment shall always be asked by the Assessor and answered by the COSS candidate during the COSS workplace assessment unless there are restrictions recorded in Sentinel that prevent the individual from working alone.

Note: Shannon Rail Services will only offer workplace assessments for one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift or workplace assessments for two candidates within the Assessors 12-hour shift (additional requirements must be met).
– The duration of the assessment(s) shall be of a sufficient time to gather the necessary evidence to make a decision on competence of the Candidate, within the shift.

Note: Shannon Rail Services do not supply work sites and/or Safe Work Packs (SWP) for Assessment purposes. The site location, the production and/or supply of the SWP to the candidate prior to the assessment remains the responsibility of the Primary Sponsor and or Sub-Sponsor as appropriate. Shannon Rail Services only supply the Track Safety Assessor at the location, time and date agreed in advance.

Important: The above may need additional planning by Sponsors to make sure workplace assessments are planned and to take place on shifts with the required work group members.

The assessment must be conducted On or Near the Line
You are on or near the line (shown in Handbook 1, orange diagram 1.1) if you are:
• within 3 metres (10 feet) of a line and there is no permanent fence or structure between you and the line
• on the line itself.
Note: You are not On or Near the Line if you are on a station platform unless you are carrying out engineering or technical work within 1.25 metres (4 feet) of the platform edge.

Important: The Track Safety Assessor cannot act in the role of a suitable replacement competent person.

Note: The Assessor shall not take part in the actual work unless the work must stop due to a concern over safety or to relieve the COSS due to unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, the work group shall be moved to a position of safety, and the work shall be suspended.

Note: The Assessor shall not assist the COSS being assessed in their duties unless to stop the work due to a concern over safety.

COSS Log Book
Your Competence Work Experience Book (COSS Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor and/or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).

COSS (I)– You must have your COSS Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS Log Book in advance.
COSS (P) – You must must be is possession of your paper Logbook (blue book), completed correctly with a minimum of 4 entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your mentor(s), also the final mentor should make final entry and must sign off the mentor page of your COSS Log Book (approximately 10 pages from front) prior to the assessment.
Inaddition the entries on your paper COSS(P) Logbook (blue book) should correspond/date match as a minimum 4 PTS entries on Sentinel Logbook on the Sentinel Database.
PC (I) – You must have your COSS/PC Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 COSS entries plus a minimum of 2 PC entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS/PC Log Book in advance..

The Track Safety Assessor will take copies (photographic images) of your completed COSS Log Book or print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database since last training/assessment event.

Important: You know you forget to swipe in or out of the app occasionally, but it’s even worse when your COSS Assessor notices that you haven’t been swiped in or out for the last for example 730 hours (1 month), 2190 hours (3 months), 4380 hours (6 months), 6570 hours (9 months), 8760 hours (12 months), 10950 hours (15 months) despite giving them your Sentinel logbook with recent entries in it. Bit of a giveaway that you’ve been missing bits of the process and the assessment may not proceed.

Sentinel Card Check
Sentinel card check on the Sentinel system (you must be in physical possession of your Sentinel Card or Sentinel Vicarda Card).
• The Candidate’s Sentinel Track Safety competencies shall be verified as valid as of date/time of assessment via the Sentinel system prior to starting the assessment by the Track Safety Assessor.
• You must be swiped out on sentinel a minimum 12 hours (this also applies to all members of the group) prior to the COSS assessment.
• The Track Safety Assessor must observe the COSS authenticating all of the group’s (including the Track Safety Assessor) competencies (100%) with Sentinel by any of the recognised methods e.g. Smartphone.

Swipe In And Out for assessment purposes
Make sure you use the Sentinel app on every shift as follows:
Select location and Swipe in cardholders at the start of each shift to check their competences before allowing them access to the infrastructure.
• Assessor – Start of Assessment
The COSS must swipe in the in the Assessor at the beginning of the assessment, during the card check and supply a screen shot to the assessor.
– You can then swipe in the remainder of the working group during your official group card check and Swipe In.
• Assessor – Continue working at another location
If the assessor at the end of the assessment is moving to secondary location(s) within the same day, you must select the option Continue working at another location and supply a screen shot to the assessor.
• Assessor – Finish work for the day
If the assessor at the end of the assessment is NOT moving to secondary location(s) within the same day, you must select option Finish work for the day and supply a screen shot to the assessor.
– You must swipe out the remainder of the working group at the end of the shift.

Safe Work Pack (SWP) requirements for COSS Workplace Assessment

Requirement for COSS Workplace Assessment
• It is required to be an assessment in the workplace, in the area known as ‘on or near the line’ for an item of work that has been planned to take place in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• There shall be a Safe Work Pack (SWP) that the assessor shall be provided with or have the opportunity to review to confirm it is a compliant SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Evidence of planning the SWP in Rail Hub, On-Track, or a similar planning system in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12 is required.

Requirements for COSS Workplace Assessment in Sidings or Depots
• The assessment during an item of work that has been planned in advance. The requirements for sidings, depot protection in accordance with the Rule Book Handbook 13 apply.
• The work shall be planned in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• There shall be a Safe Work Pack (SWP) that the assessor shall be provided with or have the opportunity review to confirm it is a compliant SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Evidence of planning the SWP in Rail Hub, On-Track, or a similar planning system in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12 is required.

Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a Safe Work Pack (SWP) in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 (Safety of people at work on or near the line):
• prepared, signed and dated by the Safe System of Work Planner (SSOWP),
• verified signed and dated by the Person In Charge (PIC),
• authorised signed and dated by the Responsible Manager (RM)
Note: Safe Work Packs (SWP) must be verified by the PIC before they are approved by the RM.
• issued to and accepted by the COSS at least (1) shift in advance of assessment.

You must email to training@shannonrail.co.uk or WhatsApp to 07766774970 at least one (1) shift in advance:
– a pdf copy of the final Safe Work Pack (SWP), or in the case of
– OnTrac EPIC SWP (or equivalent), you must also request a final version pdf copy from the SSOWP and the final pdf version must be emailed

Note: You can do this by logging into in to On-Trac Rail Hub Version 4 – V4 Railhub – SWP v4
1. Select SWP
2. On Main Menu Select – Pack Register
3. Open the relevant SWP (Click on SWP number) and enable maps
4. On the right-hand menu Select – Print (a new Print window will open)
5. Under Printer Select – Save As PDF (this will save the SWP to your computer) Click – Save
6. Then you can email or WhatsApp the SWP as an attachment

Note: The Track Safety Assessor needs to consider his/her own safety at all times, when on or near the line; he/she must have a Sentinel Card with the appropriate valid competencies on the Rail Sentinel database, be equipped with the appropriate PPE as required.

COSS Safety Briefing
The Track Safety Assessor must observe the COSS giving the on-site safety briefing to the working group prior to going on or near the line.
• The COSS must invite and ask questions on the COSS safety briefing and Safe System of Work (SSOW).
• The COSS’s Record of Arrangements and Briefing Form (RT9909) or OnTrac EPIC (SWP equivalent) must then, be signed by each member of the group (including the Track Safety Assessor) to confirm understanding and only then the RT9909 COSS declaration must be signed by the COSS.

Note: It is not acceptable for the COSS to sign the RT9909 COSS declaration prior to the on-site briefing, having been delivered.

Whilst the Track Safety Assessor shall (where practical) maintain a discreet distance from the candidate and not interfere with any of their site duties or the work in progress. The Assessor shall not be considered as part of the workgroup considered as part of the workgroup but are required to listen to the COSS briefing, to sign

Safe Systems of Work (SSOW)
The following are the safe systems of work are available for COSS On-Site assessment purposes.
• 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.

Shannon Rail Service no longer offer for COSS On-Site assessment purposes.
• Equipment warning
• Unassisted Lookout warning

Knowledge Questions
If the Assessor has no opportunity to witness a particular element, he/she shall ask a selection of mandatory/non-mandatory questions to the candidate, covering all the appropriate working conditions relevant to the assessment to establish their underpinning knowledge.
The COSS can refer to the following reference material during the assessment:
• Key point Cards – 9925
• A Guide to Personal Track Safety – RT3170
• Rule Book Modules/Handbooks – HB1, HB2, HB3, HB6, HB7, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB13, HB16 & HB17
Note: These documents are all available free to read or download at https://ugsn.co.uk/rulebook/

• The assessor shall question the COSS on any elements of the workplace assessment unable to be observed to confirm knowledge of the COSS up to a maximum of 25% of the required observed assessment. This is to confirm the requirements of the assessment are met in full.
• COSS working alone questions within the COSS workplace assessment shall always be asked by the Assessor and answered by the COSS candidate during the COSS workplace assessment unless there are restrictions recorded in Sentinel that prevent the individual from working alone.

Appeals
An appeals procedure is available in the event of the candidate disagreeing with the assessment decision and a copy will be provided to each candidate prior the commencement of the assessment.

Equality and Diversity
Shannon Rail Services welcomes candidate’s regardless of age, disability, marital status (including civil partnerships), pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender status, sex (or gender), employment status, trade union affiliation, or other irrelevant factors.

Shannon Rail Services have a zero-tolerance policy on physical and verbal abuse towards our staff, whilst they are at work. “any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work”, in this context physical and verbal abuse also includes:
• unreasonable and/or offensive behavior
• harassment
• threatening behavior (e.g. non-verbal insults or indicators such as gestures or “squaring-up” without physical contact etc.)
• assault including battery
• attacks on or damage to property belonging to the employee (or Shannon Rail Services where the employee is present or is made to feel threatened).

Unforeseen Circumstances
We will endeavor to deliver the specified assessment on the date, time and location advised. However, should unforeseen circumstances prevail, the company cannot be held liable for any losses, however caused by its inability to provide the required assessment on the specified time, date or location. If the assessment is cancelled for any other reason or cancelled without 24 hours prior notice, Full Assessment Fees will be charged.

Shannon Rail Services reserve the right to cancel the assessment at any time prior to or during the assessment.

Failure to meet the any of above requirements, under no circumstance will the assessment take place and Full Assessments Fees will be charged.

June 2024 Update

These changes have been mandated by Network Rail not Shannon Rail Services, we are just complying with their requirments as mandated on us as an Assessment provider. Due to the high volume of Questions/Quieres by sponsors and indivduals, which we are unable to answer at this time as we are goverened by Network Rail and National Sklills Accadamy Rail (NSAR). all Questions/Quieres should be sent to them directly.

These changes were mandated from Monday 17th June 2024

Shannon Rail Services do not offer the following COSS Assessments:
• Candidate COSS + Assessor only
• Candidate COSS, + 1, + Assessor
• COSS Assessments in in Depots or Sidings
• OTP Machine/Crane Controller (MC/CC) duties are not acceptable/suitable for COSS assessment purposes; this includes if the candidate is working as COSS – MC/CC.

COSS Workplace Assessment – enhancing assurance of assessment

Important: The following may need additional planning by Sponsors to make sure workplace assessments are planned and to take place on shifts with the required work group members.

Routinely, COSS Assessments are effectively being manufactured only for the purposes of assessment. An authentic COSS assessment is a documented observation of the activities required to protect the safety of a group working on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure.

Future Arrangements:
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift will not be permitted.
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than two candidates within the Assessors 12-hour shift will not be permitted.
• The Assessor shall not be considered as part of the workgroup considered as part of the workgroup but are required to listen to the COSS briefing, to sign
RT9909, F01, task risk briefings and any other documentation that the site/work requires.
• There must be a minimum of three (3) people within the workgroup, including the COSS and excluding the Assessor.
• Where the COSS is working alone (effectively acting as an IWA) the criteria for a COSS Workplace assessment cannot be met.
• The assessor is not considered as part of the workgroup but are required to listen to the COSS briefing, to sign RT9909, F01, task risk briefings and any other documentation that the site/work requires.
• The Assessor shall not take part in the actual work unless the work must stop due to a concern over safety or to relieve the COSS due to unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, the work group shall be moved to a position of safety, and the work shall be suspended.
• The Assessor shall not assist the COSS being assessed in their duties unless to stop the work due to a concern over safety.

Term: Non-intrusive work
Network Rail Definition: Work which is not planned to affect the operational capability of the line.
Work normally carried out On or Near the Line, generally using a Seperated SSOW, 2m miniminum from the nearest open line (Running Rail) but not greater than 3m (Lineside).

Requirement of the Assessor
Assessors shall witness the COSS undertaking their role, this shall include the minimum requirement of:
• Undertaking a COSS workplace briefing as required by GE/RT8000 Rule Book and cover the requirements of the SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Access to and from site of work making sure their actions promote the safety of themselves and the work group.
– When possible, the egress from the site should be additionally observed.
• Observe the COSS during work to confirm the actions and duties comply with the
requirements of GE/RT8000 Rule Book and in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• The assessor shall question the COSS on any elements of the workplace assessment unable to be observed to confirm knowledge of the COSS up to a maximum of 25% of the required observed assessment. This is to confirm the requirements of the assessment are met in full.
• COSS working alone questions within the COSS workplace assessment shall always be asked by the Assessor and answered by the COSS candidate during the COSS workplace assessment unless there are restrictions recorded in Sentinel that prevent the individual from working alone.

As directed by Network Rail, sponsors arranging assessments of their COSS competence holders, under work arrangements made for the purposes of assessment and with less than three members of a team should be referred to Network Rail for investigation via CIRAS or Network Rail ‘Speak Out’.

Assured Providers and Assured Trainer/Assessors are required by the RTAS Rules to make sure they are providing Assessors to complete workplace assessments that meet these requirements.

Assured Providers are required by the RTAS Rules to make sure they are providing Assessors with the means to complete workplace assessments that meet these requirements.

Note 1: Shannon Rail Services do not offer:
– Candidate COSS + Assessor only
– Candidate COSS, + 1, + Assessor
– COSS Assessments in in Depots or Sidings

Note 2: OTP Machine/Crane Controller (MC/CC) duties are not acceptable/suitable for COSS assessment purposes; this includes if the candidate is working as COSS – MC/CC.

Note 3: Shannon Rail Services will only offer workplace assessments for one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift or workplace assessments for two candidates within the Assessors 12-hour shift (additional requirements must be met).
– The duration of the assessment shall be of a sufficient time to gather the necessary evidence to make a decision on competence of the Candidate, within the shift.

Note 4: Shannon Rail Services do not supply work sites and/or Safe Work Packs (SWP) for Assessment purposes. The site location, the production and/or supply of the SWP to the canididate prior to the assessment remains the responsiblity of the Primary Sponsor and or Sub-Sponsor as appropiate. Shannon Rail Services only supply the Track Safety Assessor at the location, time and date agreed in advance.

Note 5: Shannon Rail Services will only offer workplace assessments for one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift or workplace assessments for two candidates within the Assessors 12-hour shift (additional requirements must be met).
– The duration of the assessment shall be of a sufficient time to gather the necessary evidence to make a decision on competence of the Candidate, within the shift.

Important: The above may need additional planning by Sponsors to make sure workplace assessments are planned and to take place on shifts with the required work group members.

Protection Controller (PC) Update

MANDATORY REQUIREMENTS: COSS + PC Competence is held

The Procetion Controller (PC) Assessment is carried out alonge side your COSS Assessment (interim assessment only) but it is a separate stand alone assessment and this can easily add 1 to 2 hours to the time required to carry out, including the completion of a diagram-based scenario plus Line blockage form RT3180 and Q&A, (it involves additional PC questions) if you’re not carrying out PC duties on the assessed shift.

There are 2 options available
Option One:
Direct observation of the PC duties (completing a planned Line Blockage) the PC must complete:
• Workplace Assessment – PC Protection Controller

Option Two:
Not directly observing PC duties the PC must complete:
• Workplace Assessment – PC Protection Controller
• At least one (1) of the scenario documents

Controller Of Site Safety (COSS) and Protection Controller (PC) Logbook
Your Competence Work Experience Book (COSS/PC Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).
• PC (I) – You must have a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database or your COSS/PC Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 COSS entries plus a minimum of 2 PC entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS/PC Log Book or in advance, otherwise the PC Assessment cannot be carried out and you will lose the PC competence.

General Requirements

Network Rail’s licensing process for track safety critical activities requires that assessments are undertaken. This demonstrates that the person can perform their duties in the work place. The assessment will be carried out by an Approved Track Safety Assessor observing the candidate doing their normal duties. Immediately following the on- site assessment, a decision will be given, together with constructive feedback from the Track Safety Assessor.
This assessment determines a person’s competency when performing the duties of a Controller of Site Safety (COSS) against the relevant Network Rail Company Standard NR/L2/OHS/019, NR/L2/CTM/021 and GE/RT8000 Rule Book.

All Prior Arrangements Must be in place for the Track Safety Assessor to conduct the assessment, including Principal Contractor Permissions, Site Access, Site Inductions and any other requirements, including approval for the Track Safety Assessor to obtain photographic evidence of the site, also suitable Free Parking Facilities must be made available for the Track Safety Assessor for the duration of the assessment.
Note: The Track Safety Assessor is representing Network Rail and should there be any kind of on-site conflict (real or otherwise), the Track Safety Assessor, will immediately stop the assessment, leave the site and raise a close call.

Upon confirmation of the assessment booking, the Track Safety Assessor will send the candidate a text message (containing the general assessment requirements) and contact the candidate directly (by mobile phone) prior to the assessment and explain how the on-site assessment will be conducted. Go through the paperwork with the candidate so they understand what is required. Agree with the candidate, who and what documentation, equipment and PPE will be required for the assessment and if the candidate has any special needs that need to be considered. The Track Safety Assessor will confirm with the candidate the assessment meeting place, date, time and any other relevant information. The Track Safety Assessor will further explain than an appeals procedure is available in the event of you disagreeing with the assessment decision.

The assessment, must take place during your normal rostered duties.
Normal duties cannot be interpreted as anything other than a shift which you are working, as deployed by your Sponsor and cannot be solely for the purpose of the assessment.

Sponsorship must not take place solely for the purposes of training/assessments.
The Sentinel Board has endorsed more rigour to promote and enforce compliance with the Sentinel Scheme Rules including, where necessary, removing the right of sponsors to provide staff to work on Network Rail’s managed infrastructure. Network Rail would therefore like to take this opportunity to remind all sponsors of the following:
• Primary sponsors must provide all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to the sponsored individual.
• Primary sponsors must provide, at no cost to the individual, all the equipment a worker needs to undertake their task – including test, possession/worksite and earthing equipment.
• Primary sponsors must pay for personal track safety (PTS) training and recertification, and for any other competence required by the sponsor.
• Primary sponsors are responsible for identifying, implementing and paying for any health surveillance requirements.
• All PTS holders must be able to communicate effectively in English, so that they can fully understand safety briefings and emergency procedures and respond accordingly.
• Safe work packs must be verified by the Person in Charge before they are approved by the responsible manager.

Manufactured Assessments
Important: COSS Assessments cannot be manufactured, solely for the purposes of assessment.

Future Arrangements:
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift will not be permitted.
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than two candidates within the Assessors 12-hour shift will not be permitted.
• The Assessor shall not be considered as part of the workgroup considered as part of the workgroup but are required to listen to the COSS briefing, to sign RT9909, F01, task risk briefings and any other documentation that the site/work requires.
• There must be a minimum of three (3) people within the workgroup, including the COSS and excluding the Assessor.
• Where the COSS is working alone (effectively acting as an IWA) the criteria for a COSS Workplace assessment cannot be met.
• The duration of the assessment shall be of a sufficient time to gather the necessary evidence to make a decision on competence of the Candidate, within the shift.
• The Assessor shall not take part in the actual work unless the work must stop due to a concern over safety or to relieve the COSS due to unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, the work group shall be moved to a position of safety, and the work shall be suspended.
• The Assessor shall not assist the COSS being assessed in their duties unless to stop the work due to a concern over safety.

Term: Non-intrusive work
Network Rail Definition: Work which is not planned to affect the operational capability of the line.
Work normally carried out On or Near the Line, generally using a Seperated SSOW, 2m miniminum from the nearest open line (Running Rail) but not greater than 3m (Lineside).

Requirement of the Assessor
Assessors shall witness the COSS undertaking their role, this shall include the minimum requirement of:
• Undertaking a COSS workplace briefing as required by GE/RT8000 Rule Book and cover the requirements of the SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Access to and from site of work making sure their actions promote the safety of themselves and the work group.
o When possible, the egress from the site should be additionally observed.
• Observe the COSS during work to confirm the actions and duties comply with the
requirements of GE/RT8000 Rule Book and in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• The assessor shall question the COSS on any elements of the workplace assessment unable to be observed to confirm knowledge of the COSS up to a maximum of 25% of the required observed assessment. This is to confirm the requirements of the assessment are met in full.
• COSS working alone questions within the COSS workplace assessment shall always be asked by the Assessor and answered by the COSS candidate during the COSS workplace assessment unless there are restrictions recorded in Sentinel that prevent the individual from working alone.

Assured Providers and Assured Trainer/Assessors are required by the RTAS Rules to make sure they are providing Assessors to complete workplace assessments that meet these requirements.

Assured Providers are required by the RTAS Rules to make sure they are providing Assessors with the means to complete workplace assessments that meet these requirements.

Note 1: Shannon Rail Services do not offer:
– Candidate COSS + Assessor only
– Candidate COSS, + 1, + Assessor

Note 2: OTP Machine/Crane Controller (MC/CC) duties are not acceptable/suitable for COSS assessment purposes; this includes if the candidate is working as COSS – MC/CC.

Important: The above may need additional planning by Sponsors to make sure workplace assessments are planned and to take place on shifts with the required work group members.

Suitable replacement competent person (Full COSS)
You must make sure a suitable replacement competent person (Full COSS) is available should the assessment decision be deemed ‘not yet competent’ or ‘not competent’.
Note: The Track Safety Assessor cannot act in the role of a suitable replacement competent person.

COSS Logbook
Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a completed Work Experience Book with the required number of entries and counter signatures or print off the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database.

Sentinel Card Check
Sentinel card check on the Sentinel system (you must be in physical possession of your Sentinel Card).
• The Candidate’s Sentinel Track Safety competencies shall be verified as valid as of date/time of assessment via the Sentinel system prior to starting the assessment by the Track Safety Assessor.
• You must be swiped out on sentinel a minimum 12 hours (this also applies to all members of the group) prior to the COSS assessment.
• The Track Safety Assessor must observe the COSS authenticating all of the group’s (including the Track Safety Assessor) competencies (100%) with Sentinel by any of the recognised methods e.g. Smartphone.

Swipe In And Out for assessment purposes
Make sure you use the Sentinel app on every shift as follows:
Select location and Swipe in cardholders at the start of each shift to check their competences before allowing them access to the infrastructure.
• Assessor – Start of Assessment
The COSS must swipe in the in the Assessor at the beginning of the assessment, during the card check and supply a screen shot to the assessor.
– You can then swipe in the remainder of the working group during your official group card check and Swipe In.
• Assessor – Continue working at another location
If the assessor at the end of the assessment is moving to secondary location(s) within the same day, you must select the option Continue working at another location and supply a screen shot to the assessor.
• Assessor – Finish work for the day
If the assessor at the end of the assessment is NOT moving to secondary location(s) within the same day, you must select option Finish work for the day and supply a screen shot to the assessor.
– You must swipe out the remainder of the working group at the end of the shift.

Safe Work Pack (SWP) requirements for COSS Workplace Assessment
• It is required to be an assessment in the workplace, in the area known as ‘on or near the line’ for an item of work that has been planned to take place in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• There shall be a Safe Work Pack (SWP) that the assessor shall be provided with or have the opportunity to review to confirm it is a compliant SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Evidence of planning the SWP in Rail Hub, On-Track, or a similar planning system in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12 is required.

Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a Safe Work Pack (SWP) in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 (Safety of people at work on or near the line):
• prepared, signed and dated by the Safe System of Work Planner (SSOWP),
• verified signed and dated by the Person In Charge (PIC),
• authorised signed and dated by the Responsible Manager (RM)
Note: Safe Work Packs (SWP) must be verified by the PIC before they are approved by the RM.
• issued to and accepted by the COSS at least (1) shift in advance of assessment.

You must email to training@shannonrail.co.uk or WhatsApp to 07766774970 at least one (1) shift in advance:
– a pdf copy of the final Safe Work Pack (SWP), or in the case of
– OnTrac EPIC SWP (or equivalent), you must also request a final version pdf copy from the SSOWP and the final pdf version must be emailed

Note: You can do this by logging into by loging in to On-Trac Rail Hub Version 4 – V4 Railhub – SWP v4
1. Select SWP (019 Issue 11)
2. On Main Menu Select – Pack Register
3. Open the relevant SWP (Click on SWP number)
4. On the right hand menu Select – Print (a new Print window will open)
5. Under Printer Select – Save As PDF (this will save the SWP to your computer) Click – Save
6. Then you can email or WhatsApp the SWP as an attachment

Important: Shannon Rail Services do not supply work sites and/or Safe Work Packs (SWP) for Assessment purposes,.The site location, the production and/or supply of the SWP to the canididate prior to the assessment remains the responsiblity of the Primary Sponsor and or Sub-Sponsor as appropiate. Shannon Rail Services only supply the Track Safety Assessor at the location, time and date agreed in advance.

Knowledge Questions
If the Assessor has no opportunity to witness a particular element, he/she shall ask a selection of mandatory/non-mandatory questions to the candidate, covering all the appropriate working conditions relevant to the assessment to establish their underpinning knowledge.
The COSS can refer to the following reference material during the assessment:
• Key point Cards – 9925
• A Guide to Personal Track Safety – RT3170
• Rule Book Modules/Handbooks – HB1, HB2, HB3, HB6, HB7, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB13, HB16 & HB17
Note: These documents are all available free to read or download at https://ugsn.co.uk/rulebook/

Appeals
An appeals procedure is available in the event of the candidate disagreeing with the assessment decision and a copy will be provided to each canitate prior the the commencemet of the assessment.

Sponsorship
Shannon Rail Services do not take bookings directly from individual’s, all assessments must be approved in advance and booked through the Primary Sponsor.
Note: Where the organisation booking the assessment is a sub-sponsor of the candidate, permission from the Primary Sponsor is still required.

Shannon Rail Services have a zero-tolerance policy on physical and verbal abuse towards our staff, whilst they are at work. “any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work”, in this context physical and verbal abuse also includes:
• unreasonable and/or offensive behaviour
• harassment
• threatening behaviour (e.g. non-verbal insults or indicators such as gestures or “squaring-up” without physical contact etc.)
• assault including battery
• attacks on or damage to property belonging to the employee (or Shannon Rail Services where the employee is present or is made to feel threatened)

Unforeseen Circumstances
We will endeavour to deliver the specified assessment on the date, time and location advised. However, should unforeseen circumstances prevail, the company cannot be held liable for any losses, however caused by its inability to provide the required assessment on the specified time, date or location. If the assessment is cancelled for any other reason or cancelled without 24 hours prior notice, Full Assessment Fees will be charged. Shannon Rail Services reserve the right to cancel the assessment at any time prior to or during the assessment.

Mandatory Requirements

Sponsorship must not take place solely for the purposes of training/assessments.
The Sentinel Board has endorsed more rigour to promote and enforce compliance with the Sentinel Scheme Rules including, where necessary, removing the right of sponsors to provide staff to work on Network Rail’s managed infrastructure. Network Rail would therefore like to take this opportunity to remind all sponsors of the following:
• Primary sponsors must provide all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to the sponsored individual.
• Primary sponsors must provide, at no cost to the individual, all the equipment a worker needs to undertake their task – including test, possession/worksite and earthing equipment.
• Primary sponsors must pay for personal track safety (PTS) training and recertification, and for any other competence required by the sponsor.
• Primary sponsors are responsible for identifying, implementing and paying for any health surveillance requirements.
• All PTS holders must be able to communicate effectively in English, so that they can fully understand safety briefings and emergency procedures and respond accordingly.
• Safe work packs must be verified by the Person in Charge before they are approved by the responsible manager.

COSS Workplace Assessment – enhancing assurance of assessment

Important: The following may need additional planning by Sponsors to make sure workplace assessments are planned and to take place on shifts with the required work group members.

Future Arrangements:
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift will not be permitted.
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than two candidates within the Assessors 12-hour shift will not be permitted.
• The Assessor shall not be considered as part of the workgroup considered as part of the workgroup but are required to listen to the COSS briefing, to sign
RT9909, F01, task risk briefings and any other documentation that the site/work requires.
• There must be a minimum of three (3) people within the workgroup, including the COSS and excluding the Assessor.
• Where the COSS is working alone (effectively acting as an IWA) the criteria for a COSS Workplace assessment cannot be met.
• The duration of the assessment shall be of a sufficient time to gather the necessary evidence to make a decision on competence of the Candidate, within the shift.
• The Assessor shall not take part in the actual work unless the work must stop due to a concern over safety or to relieve the COSS due to unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, the work group shall be moved to a position of safety, and the work shall be suspended.
• The Assessor shall not assist the COSS being assessed in their duties unless to stop the work due to a concern over safety.

Requirement of the Assessor
Assessors shall witness the COSS undertaking their role, this shall include the minimum requirement of:
• Undertaking a COSS workplace briefing as required by GE/RT8000 Rule Book and cover the requirements of the SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Access to and from site of work making sure their actions promote the safety of themselves and the work group.
– When possible, the egress from the site should be additionally observed.
• Observe the COSS during work to confirm the actions and duties comply with the
requirements of GE/RT8000 Rule Book and in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• The assessor shall question the COSS on any elements of the workplace assessment unable to be observed to confirm knowledge of the COSS up to a maximum of 25% of the required observed assessment. This is to confirm the requirements of the assessment are met in full.
• COSS working alone questions within the COSS workplace assessment shall always be asked by the Assessor and answered by the COSS candidate during the COSS workplace assessment unless there are restrictions recorded in Sentinel that prevent the individual from working alone.

Note 1: Shannon Rail Services do not offer:
– Candidate COSS + Assessor only
– Candidate COSS, + 1, + Assessor

Note 2: OTP Machine/Crane Controller (MC/CC) duties are not acceptable/suitable for COSS assessment purposes; this includes if the candidate is working as COSS – MC/CC.

Important: The above may need additional planning by Sponsors to make sure workplace assessments are planned and to take place on shifts with the required work group members.

COSS/PC Logbook
Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a completed Work Experience Book with the required number of entries and counter signatures or print off the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database.

You know you forget to swipe in or out of the app occasionally, but it’s even worse when your COSS Assessor notices that you haven’t been swiped in or out for the last for example 730 hours (1 month), 2190 hours (3 months), 4380 hours (6 months), 6570 hours (9 months), 8760 hours (12 months) despite giving them your Sentinel logbook with recent entries in it. Bit of a giveaway that you’ve been missing bits of the process and the assessment may not proceed.

Controller Of Site Safety Logbook
Your Competence Work Experience Book (COSS Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).
• COSS (I) – You must have your COSS Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS Log Book in advance.
• COSS (P) – You must have your COSS log book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your mentor(s), also the mentor must sign off the mentor page of your COSS Log Book (approximately 10 pages from front) prior to the assessment.

Logbook where COSS + PC Competence is held
Your Competence Work Experience Book (COSS/PC Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).
• PC (I) – You must have your COSS/PC Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 COSS entries plus a minimum of 2 PC entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS/PC Log Book in advance.

Note: The Track Safety Assessor will take copies (photographic images) of your completed COSS/PC Log Book or print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database since last training/assessment event.

Safe Work Pack (SWP)equirement for COSS Workplace Assessment
• It is required to be an assessment in the workplace, in the area known as ‘on or near the line’ for an item of work that has been planned to take place in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• There shall be a Safe Work Pack (SWP) that the assessor shall be provided with or have the opportunity to review to confirm it is a compliant SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Evidence of planning the SWP in Rail Hub, On-Track, or a similar planning system in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12 is required.

Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a Safe Work Pack (SWP) in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 (Safety of people at work on or near the line):
• prepared, signed and dated by the Safe System of Work Planner (SSOWP),
• verified signed and dated by the Person In Charge (PIC),
• authorised signed and dated by the Responsible Manager (RM)
Note: Safe Work Packs (SWP) must be verified by the PIC before they are approved by the RM.
• issued to and accepted by the COSS at least (1) shift in advance of assessment.

Note: You can do this by logging into by loging in to On-Trac Rail Hub Version 4 – V4 Railhub – SWP v4
1. Select SWP (019 Issue 11)
2. On Main Menu Select – Pack Register
3. Open the relevant SWP (Click on SWP number) – enable maps
4. On the right hand menu Select – Print (a new Print window will open)
5. Under Printer Select – Save As PDF (this will save the SWP to your computer) Click – Save
6. Then you can email or WhatsApp the SWP as an attachment

Important: Shannon Rail Services do not supply work sites and/or Safe Work Packs (SWP), for Assessment purposes, The site location, the production and/or supply of the SWP to the canididate prior to the assessment remains the responsiblity of the Primary Sponsor and or Sub-Sponsor as appropiate. Shannon Rail Services only supply the Track Safety Assessor at the location, time and date agreed in advance.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The candidate must wear a COSS or COSS/SW badge as appropriate; the COSS and all members of the working group must have full PPE including gloves and glasses, plus any additional site-specific PPE as required.
Note: The Track Safety Assessor needs to consider his/her own safety at all times, when on or near the line; he/she must have a Sentinel Card with the appropriate valid competencies on the Rail Sentinel database, be equipped with the appropriate PPE as required.

Whilst the Track Safety Assessor shall (where practical) maintain a discreet distance from the candidate and not interfere with any of their site duties or the work in progress. The Assessor shall not be considered as part of the workgroup but is required to sign RT9909 and any other documentation that the site requires

Safe Systems of Work (SSOW)
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.
• 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.
• Unassisted Lookout warning – We no longer offer Unassisted Lookout warning assessments.

Important: You can no longer use COSS + 1 for COSS Assessment purposes.

Knowledge Questions
If the Assessor has no opportunity to witness a particular element, he/she shall ask a selection of mandatory/non-mandatory questions to the candidate, covering all the appropriate working conditions relevant to the assessment to establish their underpinning knowledge.
The COSS can refer to the following reference material during the assessment:
• Key point Cards – 9925
• A Guide to Personal Track Safety – RT3170
• Rule Book Modules/Handbooks – HB1, HB2, HB3, HB6, HB7, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB13, HB16 & HB17
Note: These documents are all available free to read or download at https://ugsn.co.uk/rulebook/

Safe Work Pack (SWP)

Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a Safe Work Pack (SWP) in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 (Safety of people at work on or near the line):
• prepared, signed and dated by the Safe System of Work Planner (SSOWP),
• verified signed and dated by the Person In Charge (PIC),
• authorised signed and dated by the Responsible Manager (RM)
Note: Safe Work Packs (SWP) must be verified by the PIC before they are approved by the RM.
• issued to and accepted by the COSS at least (1) shift in advance of assessment.

Note: You can do this by logging into by loging in to On-Trac https://swp.on-trac.co.uk/users/login
1. Select SWP
2. Select Packs
3. Open the relevent SWP (Click on SWP number)
4. Right Click on the SWP and Select – Print (a new Print window will open)
5. Under Printer Select – Save As PDF (this will save the SWP to your computer) Click – Save
6. Then you can email or WhatApp the SWP as an attachment

To comply with the Specific Assessment Criteria, the Safe Work Pack (SWP) will be photographed for retention with the candidate’s assessment materials, prior to the assessment taking place.
• You must have 1 copy of the SWP or have an OnTrac EPIC (or equivalent) available, issued to and accepted by the COSS, at least one (1) shift in advance, to be used and photographed on site.
• The SWP must be produced and signed off and dated by the SSOW Planner (SSOWP), verified by the Person In Charge (PIC) and authorised by the Responsible Manager (RM) in advance of the assessment – including a fully completed, signed and dated SWP Validation Form (NR/L2/OHS/019/F01).
• Safe Work Packs (SWP) must be verified by the PIC before they are approved by the RM.
• The SWP must be issued to and accepted by the COSS, at least one (1) shift in advance.
• The SWP must as a minimum contain: Record of Arrangements and Briefing Form (RT9909), SWP Validation Form (NR/L2/OHS/019/F01), Sectional Appendix and Hazard Directory,
• A generic SWP planned using Warning Systems in particular a Safe system of work using Unassisted Lookouts for safeguarded, fenced or separated SSOW is not acceptable.
• It is not acceptable for the COSS to be issued with and/or pick up on-site the SWP on the day/night of the assessment.

Important: You must email to training@shannonrail.co.uk or WhatsApp to 07766774970 at least one (1) shift in advance:
– a pdf copy of the final Safe Work Pack (SWP), or in the case of
– OnTrac EPIC SWP (or equivalent), you must also request a final version pdf copy from the SSOWP and the final pdf version must be emailed.

Note: Shannon Rail Services do not supply work sites and/or Safe Work Packs (SWP) for Assessment purposes. The site location, the production and/or supply of the SWP to the canididate prior to the assessment remains the responsiblity of the Primary Sponsor and or Sub-Sponsor as appropiate.

Shannon Rail Services only supply the Track Safety Assessor at the location, time and date agreed in advance.

COSS/PC Log Book

Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a completed Work Experience Book with the required number of entries and counter signatures or print off the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database.

Further to this review it has been concluded that evidence of a candidate work experience can only be accepted in the standardised logbook entries where this is required and specified within course joining instructions. Each candidate must ensure that the required number of work experience entries are documented and that they have been witnessed by the required person in charge. Logbooks must also be reviewed by the candidate’s line manager and this must also be witnessed in the logbook annually. 4 Sentinel Database COSS Swipe in/Swipe out entries are also acceptable but these must be swipe in and not web check / spot check.

You know you forget to swipe in or out of the app occasionally, but it’s even worse when your COSS Assessor will notice that you haven’t been swiped in or out for the last for example 730 hours (1 month), 2190 hours (3 months), 4380 hours (6 months), 6570 hours (9 months), 8760 hours (12 months) despite giving them your Sentinel logbook with recent entries in it. Bit of a giveaway that you’ve been missing bits of the process and the assessment may not proceed.

Controller Of Site Safety (COSS) Logbook
Your Competence Work Experience Book (COSS Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).
• COSS (I) – You must have your COSS Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS Log Book in advance.

• COSS (P) – You must have your COSS log book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your mentor(s), also the mentor must sign off the mentor page of your COSS Log Book (approximately 10 pages from front) prior to the assessment.

Controller Of Site Safety (COSS) and Protection Controller (PC) Logbook
Your Competence Work Experience Book (COSS/PC Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).
• PC (I) – You must have your COSS/PC Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 COSS entries plus a minimum of 2 PC entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS/PC Log Book in advance.

COSS Safety Briefing

Whilst the Track Safety Assessor shall (where practical) maintain a discreet distance from the candidate and not interfere with any of their site duties or the work in progress, but remains a member of the group under control of the COSS.

The Track Safety Assessor must observe the COSS giving the on-site safety briefing to the working group prior to going on or near the line.
• The COSS must invite and ask questions on the COSS safety briefing and Safe System of Work (SSOW).
• The COSS’s Record of Arrangements and Briefing Form (RT9909) or OnTrac EPIC (SWP equivalent) must then, be signed by each member of the group (including the Track Safety Assessor) to confirm understanding and only then the RT9909 COSS declaration must be signed by the COSS.
Note: It is not acceptable for the COSS to sign the RT9909 COSS declaration prior to the on-site briefing, having been delivered.

COSS Safety Briefing – HB 7 Section 5
Before the group goes on or near the line, you must make sure each member fully understands the safe system of work. You will need to tell the group:
• the nature of the work
• the location of the work
• which lines have been blocked and which are still open
• if they are using a safety barrier, not to pass beyond the barrier and not to lean or place tools on it
• if they are using site wardens, who the site wardens are and the limits of the safe area
• if they are using equipment warning, the method of warning and the position of safety.

You must make sure each member of the group confirms they understand the safe system of work by signing your safe-work briefing form (RT9909).
Note: it is not acceptable for the COSS to sign the RT9909 COSS declaration prior to the on-site briefing, having been delivered.

Whilst you are delivering the COSS briefing there are a couple of things you can consider which may help towards the overall safety of the site.
Did you know that when you have a conversation with someone, less than 10% of what they take in is the actual words you are saying to them? That’s just the way humans are! Over 30% of what someone notices is your tone of voice and over 50% is how they perceive your body language. Therefore, considering your tone and body language is very important when delivering the COSS briefing.

Safe Systems Of Work (SSOW)

Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a Safe Work Pack (SWP), prepared, verified, authorised and issued to the COSS in compliance with NR/L2/OHS/019.

The assessment must be conducted On or Near the Line
You are on or near the line if you are:
• within 3 metres (10 feet) of a line and there is no permanent fence or structure between you and the line
• on the line itself.
Note: You are not On or Near the Line if you are on a station platform unless you are carrying out engineering or technical work within 1.25 metres (4 feet) of the platform edge.

‘Removing the need to routinely work with lookout protection needs to be done in such a way that a permanent way can be maintained safely and without transferring the risk elsewhere,’

Note: You can no longer use COSS + 1 for COSS Assessment purposes.

The Track Safety Assessor
Important: For COSS Assessment purposes.
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift will not be permitted.
• The Track Safety Assessor may no longer act as the second person (+1)
• Track Safety Assessor cannot act as the Site Warden for the group
• There must be a minimum of three (3) people within the workgroup, including the COSS and excluding the Assessor.
– This may need additional planning by Sponsors to make sure workplace assessments are planned to take place
on shifts with the required work group members.
• The Assessor shall not be considered as part of the workgroup but is required to sign RT9909 and any other documentation that the site requires.

Manufactured Assessments
Important: COSS Assessments cannot be manufactured, solely for the purposes of assessment.

All of these types of practices will be considered as manufactured assessments:
• Candidate COSS + Assessor only
• Manufactured work activities such as non-obtrusive: (list is not exhaustive)
o Inspection on a station platform.
o Inspection of Road Rail Access Point [RRAP].
o Visual check of trackside position of cables from a location cabinet.
o Inspection of an access point for suitability.
o Track walk to check vegetation growth/scope future works.
o Lineside (3m) from the nearest running rail off track work with access to site being via walking routes.
o Visual structure inspections in an ES worksite.

Note: OTP Machine/Crane Controller (MC/CC) duties are a Personal Track Safety (PTS) competence and are not acceptable/suitable for COSS assessment purposes; this includes if the candidate is working as COSS – MC/CC.

Safe system of work using lookouts (Unassisted lookout warning)
Note: Shannon Rail Services no longer off assessments for a Safe System of Work using Unassisted Lookouts.

Handbook 7 General duties of a COSS

KEY CHANGES
Section 2.3 has been introduced as a result of introduction of the crossing the line procedure. When a COSS working alone or with a group wishes to cross no more than four running lines or pass by a structure that limits clearance, this provides a simpler alternative to a line blockage. This can only be used at locations that have been approved and details provided to the signaller, and by individuals permitted to use it whose names have been supplied to the signaller. Communication must be by mobile phone. Signals are not placed to danger and permission can be given only if there is enough time for the line to be crossed before a train will approach. The person requesting use of the procedure remains in contact with the signaller until the line has been crossed or the structure passed by.

As a result of the introduction of protection zones (PZ), another method of blocking the line is at the COSS’s site of work is within a PZ, and a safe system of work has been agreed by the COSS with the engineering supervisor (ES) or safe work leader (SWL2) who has set up the PZ. This is referred to in sections 3.2 and 4.4.

Click Here to Download

NR9925 COSS Key Point Card

COSS Key Point Card NR9925

Click Here to Download

Booking Information

Booking Requirements

Network Rail’s licensing process for track safety critical activities requires that assessments are undertaken. This demonstrates that the person can perform their duties in the work place. The assessment will be carried out by an Approved Track Safety Assessor observing the candidate doing their normal duties. Immediately following the on-site assessment, a decision will be given, together with constructive feedback from the Track Safety Assessor. This assessment determines a person’s competency when performing the duties of a Controller of Site Safety (COSS) against the relevant Network Rail Company Standard NR/L2/OHS/019, NR/L2/CTM/021 and GE/RT8000 Rule Book.

The Sentinel Board has endorsed more rigour to promote and enforce compliance with the Sentinel Scheme Rules including, where necessary, removing the right of sponsors to provide staff to work on Network Rail’s managed infrastructure. Network Rail would therefore like to take this opportunity to remind all sponsors of the following:
– Primary sponsors must provide all necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) at no cost to the sponsored individual.
– Primary sponsors must provide, at no cost to the individual, all the equipment a worker needs to undertake their task – including test, possession/worksite and earthing equipment.
– Primary sponsors must pay for personal track safety (PTS) training and recertification, and for any other competence required by the sponsor.
– Primary sponsors are responsible for identifying, implementing and paying for any health surveillance requirements.
– All PTS holders must be able to communicate effectively in English, so that they can fully understand safety briefings and emergency procedures and respond accordingly.
– Safe work packs must be verified by the Person in Charge before they are approved by the responsible manager.

Manufactured Assessments
Important: COSS Assessments cannot be manufactured, solely for the purposes of assessment.

COSS Workplace Assessment – enhancing assurance of assessment

Requirement of the Assessor
Assessors shall witness the COSS undertaking their role, this shall include the minimum requirement of:
• Undertaking a COSS workplace briefing as required by GE/RT8000 Rule Book and cover the requirements of the SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Access to and from site of work making sure their actions promote the safety of themselves and the work group.
– When possible, the egress from the site should be additionally observed.
• Observe the COSS during work to confirm the actions and duties comply with the
requirements of GE/RT8000 Rule Book and in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• The assessor shall question the COSS on any elements of the workplace assessment unable to be observed to confirm knowledge of the COSS up to a maximum of 25% of the required observed assessment. This is to confirm the requirements of the assessment are met in full.
• COSS working alone questions within the COSS workplace assessment shall always be asked by the Assessor and answered by the COSS candidate during the COSS workplace assessment unless there are restrictions recorded in Sentinel that prevent the individual from working alone.

Note 1: Shannon Rail Services do not offer:
– Candidate COSS + Assessor only
– Candidate COSS, + 1, + Assesso

Note 2: OTP Machine/Crane Controller (MC/CC) duties are not acceptable/suitable for COSS assessment purposes; this includes if the candidate is working as COSS – MC/CC.

Important: The above may need additional planning by Sponsors to make sure workplace assessments are planned and to take place on shifts with the required work group members.

The assessment, must take place during the candidate’s normal rostered duties. Normal duties cannot be interpreted as anything other than a shift which the candidate is working as deployed by their Sponsor and cannot be solely for the purpose of the assessment.

The assessment must be conducted On or Near the Line – You are on or near the line if you are:
• within 3 metres (10 feet) of a line and there is no permanent fence or structure between you and the line
• on the line itself.
Note: You are not On or Near the Line if you are on a station platform unless you are carrying out engineering or technical work within 1.25 metres (4 feet) of the platform edge (must be pre-planned as safeguarded or fenced).

The sponsor/candidate must make sure a suitable replacement competent person (Full COSS) is available should the assessment decision be deemed ‘not yet competent’ or ‘not competent’.
Note: The Track Safety Assessor cannot act in the role of a suitable replacement competent person and/or as Site Warden (if applicable).

The candidate must be in physical possession of their Sentinel Card or Sentinel Vicarda Card as the candidate’s Sentinel Track Safety competencies shall be verified as valid as of date/time of assessment via the Sentinel system, prior to starting the assessment by the Track Safety Assessor.
Note: The candidate must be swiped out on sentinel a minimum 12 hours (this also applies to all members of the group) prior to the assessment.

COSS Log Book
The Competence Work Experience Book (COSS Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).
• COSS (I) – You must have your COSS Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS Log Book in advance.
• COSS (P) – You must have your COSS log book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your mentor(s), also the mentor must sign off the mentor page of your COSS Log Book (approximately 10 pages from front) prior to the assessment.

• PC (I) – You must have a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database or your COSS/PC Log Book completed correctly with a minimum of 4 COSS entries plus a minimum of 2 PC entries (since your last training/assessment event) signed off by your supervisor(s) and your line manager must have signed off the line manager review page (approximately 3 pages from back) of your COSS/PC Log Book or in advance, otherwise the PC Assessment cannot be carried out and you will lose the PC competence.

Note: The Track Safety Assessor will take copies (photographic images) of your completed COSS and/or COSS Log Book or print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database since last training/assessment event.

Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a Safe Work Pack (SWP) in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 (Safety of people at work on or near the line):
• prepared, signed and dated by the Safe System of Work Planner (SSOWP),
• verified signed and dated by the Person In Charge (PIC),
• authorised signed and dated by the Responsible Manager (RM)
Note: Safe Work Packs (SWP) must be verified by the PIC before they are approved by the RM.
• issued to and accepted by the COSS at least (1) shift in advance of assessment.

Note: You must email to training@shannonrail.co.uk or WhatsApp to 07766774970 at least one (1) shift in advance:
– a pdf copy of the final Safe Work Pack (SWP), or in the case of
– OnTrac EPIC SWP (or equivalent), you must also request a final version pdf copy from the SSOWP and the final pdf version must be emailed.

Note: You can do this by logging into by loging in to On-Trac Rail Hub Version 4 – V4 Railhub – SWP v4
1. Select SWP (019 Issue 11)
2. On Main Menu Select – Pack Register
3. Open the relevent SWP (Click on SWP number)
4. On the right hand menu Select – Print (a new Print window will open)
5. Under Printer Select – Save As PDF (this will save the SWP to your computer) Click – Save
6. Then you can email or WhatApp the SWP as an attachment

Important: Shannon Rail Services do not supply work sites and/or Safe Work Packs (SWP), The production and/or supply of the SWP to the canididate prior to the assessment remains the responsiblity of the Primary Sponsor and or Sub-Sponsor as appropiate. Shannon Rail Services only supply the Track Safety Assessor at the location, time and date agreed in advance.

Shannon Rail Services welcomes candidate’s regardless of age, disability, marital status (including civil partnerships), pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender status, sex (or gender), employment status, trade union affiliation, or other irrelevant factors.

Shannon Rail Services have a zero tolerance policy on physical and verbal abuse towards our staff, whilst they are at work. “any incident in which a person is abused, threatened or assaulted in circumstances related to their work”, in this context physical and verbal abuse also includes:
• unreasonable and/or offensive behaviour
• harassment
• threatening behaviour (e.g. non-verbal insults or indicators such as gestures or “squaring-up” without physical contact etc.)
• assault including battery
• attacks on or damage to property belonging to the employee (or Shannon Rail Services where the employee is present or is made to feel threatened)

We will endeavour to deliver the specified assessment on the date, time and location advised. However, should unforeseen circumstances prevail, the company cannot be held liable for any losses, however caused by its inability to provide the required assessment on the specified time, date or location. If the assessment is cancelled for any other reason or cancelled without 24 hours prior notice, Full Assessment Fees will be charged. Shannon Rail Services reserve the right to cancel the assessment at any time prior to or during the assessment.

Booking Form

Click Here to View Booking Form

Assessment Guidelines

Assessment Process

Candidate
1. Network Rail’s licensing process for track safety critical activities requires that assessments are undertaken.

2. This demonstrates that the person can perform their duties in the workplace.

3. The assessment will be carried out by an Approved Track Safety Assessor observing the candidate doing their normal duties.

4. Immediately following the on-site assessment a decision will be given, together with constructive feedback from the Track Safety Assessor.

5. The purpose of the planning meeting is to give the candidate a full briefing on the forthcoming assessment.

6. The Assessor will explain the process and material used for the assessment.

7. Candidates are encouraged to study the Rule Book and its associated publications prior to assessment.

8. This meeting provides the opportunity for the candidate to ask questions and to clarify what will take place.

Assessor
1. The Assessor will explain how the site assessment will be conducted.

2. The Assessor will go through the paperwork with the candidate so they understand what is required.

3. The Assessor will agree with candidate, who and what documentation, equipment and PPE will be required for the assessment.

4. The Assessor and the candidate will confirm the assessment meeting place, date, time and contact phone number.

4. The Assessor will ask if the candidate has any special needs that need to be considered.

4. The Assessor will explain that an appeals procedure is available in the event of you disagreeing with the assessment decision.

Future Arrangements:
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than one candidate within the Assessors 8-hour shift will not be permitted.
• Planning to complete workplace assessments for more than two candidates within the Assessors 12-hour shift will not be permitted.
• The Assessor shall not be considered as part of the workgroup considered as part of the workgroup but are required to listen to the COSS briefing, to sign
RT9909, F01, task risk briefings and any other documentation that the site/work requires.
• There must be a minimum of three (3) people within the workgroup, including the COSS and excluding the Assessor.
• Where the COSS is working alone (effectively acting as an IWA) the criteria for a COSS Workplace assessment cannot be met.
• The duration of the assessment shall be of a sufficient time to gather the necessary evidence to make a decision on competence of the Candidate, within the shift.
• The Assessor shall not take part in the actual work unless the work must stop due to a concern over safety or to relieve the COSS due to unforeseen circumstances. If this occurs, the work group shall be moved to a position of safety, and the work shall be suspended.
• The Assessor shall not assist the COSS being assessed in their duties unless to stop the work due to a concern over safety.

Requirement of the Assessor
Assessors shall witness the COSS undertaking their role, this shall include the minimum requirement of:
• Undertaking a COSS workplace briefing as required by GE/RT8000 Rule Book and cover the requirements of the SWP in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• Access to and from site of work making sure their actions promote the safety of themselves and the work group.
– When possible, the egress from the site should be additionally observed.
• Observe the COSS during work to confirm the actions and duties comply with the
requirements of GE/RT8000 Rule Book and in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 issue 12.
• The assessor shall question the COSS on any elements of the workplace assessment unable to be observed to confirm knowledge of the COSS up to a maximum of 25% of the required observed assessment. This is to confirm the requirements of the assessment are met in full.
• COSS working alone questions within the COSS workplace assessment shall always be asked by the Assessor and answered by the COSS candidate during the COSS workplace assessment unless there are restrictions recorded in Sentinel that prevent the individual from working alone.

The duration of the assessment shall be of a sufficient time to gather the necessary evidence to make a decision on competence of the Candidate, within the shift.

Note 1: Shannon Rail Services do not offer:
– Candidate COSS + Assessor only
– Candidate COSS, + 1, + Assessor
– COSS Assessments in Depots or Sidings

Note 2: OTP Machine/Crane Controller (MC/CC) duties are not acceptable/suitable for COSS assessment purposes; this includes if the candidate is working as COSS – MC/CC.

Important: The above may need additional planning by Sponsors to make sure workplace assessments are planned and to take place on shifts with the required work group members.

Preparing for the Assessment

1. The assessment shall be planned in advance so that the candidate can prepare themselves.

2. An Assessment Plan shall be formulated and agreed with the candidate prior to the assessment.

3. The candidate must understand the standard(s) that they are being assessed against.

4. Under no circumstances shall an assessment be carried out if the candidate is not in possession of a Safe Work Pack (SWP), prepared (SSOWP), verified (PIC), authorised (RM) and issued to the COSS, in accordance with NR/L2/OHS/019 (Safety of people at work on or near the line).

5. Competence Work Experience Book (Log Book) must be verified by the Track Safety Assessor or a print out of the Sentinel Logbook from the Sentinel Database produced prior to starting the assessment (if either is not completed in accordance with NR/L2/CTM/021 then the assessment must not be allowed to proceed).

6. The Track Safety Assessor must observe the candidate authenticating all of the group’s (including the Track Safety Assessor) competencies (100%) with Sentinel by any of the recognised methods e.g. Smartphone.

7. The Track Safety Assessor must observe the candidate giving the on-site safety briefing to the working group prior to going on or near the line.
• The candidate must invite and ask questions on the candidate safety briefing and Safe System of Work (SSOW).
• The briefing form (RT9909) or OnTrac EPIC (SWP equivalent) must then, be signed by each member of the group (including the Track Safety Assessor) to confirm understanding and then the COSS declaration must be signed by the COSS (it is not acceptable for the candidate to sign the COSS declaration prior to the on-site briefing, having been delivered).

Whilst you are delivering the Safety Briefing there are a couple of things you can consider which may help towards the overall safety of the site.
Did you know that when you have a conversation with someone, less than 10% of what they take in is the actual words you are saying to them? That’s just the way humans are! Over 30% of what someone notices, is your tone of voice and over 50% is how they perceive your body language. Therefore, considering your tone and body language is very important when delivering the Safety Briefing.

8. The candidate must make sure a suitable replacement competent person (Full COSS) is available should the assessment decision be deemed ‘not yet competent’ or ‘not competent’.
Note: The Track Safety Assessor cannot act in the role of a suitable replacement competent person.

9. The candidate must wear a COSS or COSS/SW badge as appropriate, the COSS and all members of the working group must have full PPE including gloves and glasses, plus any additional site specific PPE as required.

10. The Candidate can refer to the following reference material during the assessment:
• Key point Cards – 9925
• A Guide to Personal Track Safety – RT3170
• Rule Book Modules/Handbooks – HB1, HB2, HB3, HB6, HB7, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB13, HB16 & HB17

These documents are all available to read or download at https://ugsn.co.uk/rulebook/

Observing the Candidate

1. During the observational part of the assessment, the Assessor shall maintain a discreet distance from the candidate and not interfere with any of their site duties or the work in progress.

2. Assessments shall be carried out in a live environment.

3. Where possible all the observational activities contained in the assessment material should be performed by the candidate. However, if there was no opportunity to observe the element, the Assessor question the candidate and note the outcome in the assessment documentation.

Questioning the Candidate

1. Knowledge Questions – If the Assessor has no opportunity to witness a particular element, he/she shall ask a selection of mandatory/non-mandatory questions to the candidate, covering all the appropriate working conditions relevant to the assessment to establish their underpinning knowledge.

2. The candidate can refer to the following reference material during the assessment:
• Key point Cards – 9925
• A Guide to Personal Track Safety – RT3170
• Rule Book Modules/Handbooks – HB1, HB2, HB3, HB6, HB7, HB8, HB9, HB10, HB13, HB16 & HB17
These documents are all available to read or download at https://ugsn.co.uk/rulebook/

At the end of the Assessment

1. The assessment is not valid unless the Assessor and candidate have signed the Record of Assessment in all the designated places.

2. Assessor shall give the Candidate the assessment decision first and then provide specific feedback on how the candidate performed during the assessment

3. The assessment decision shall be based on the observed evidence and the candidate’s answers to the underpinning knowledge questions.

4. The Assessor has the occupational experience and vocational qualifications to make an assessment decision regarding the candidate’s ongoing competency.

5. There are no pre-set pass marks, an assessment can only be considered successful if all the safety critical elements were correctly completed.

Assessment Decision

1. The assessment decision is based on the candidate’s ability to prove knowledge and competence through the assessment method.

2. The assessor shall make a judgement on the level of competence based on the evidence obtained.

3. All results will be notified to Sentinel.

There are 3 levels of competence as described below:

Competent:
Applies to a candidate who have sufficient knowledge, performance and experience to complete the work and are performing to the required standard.

Not Yet Competent (NYC):

Applies to candidates who have been previously judged as competent (either fully or under probationary status) but their performance and/or knowledge during the assessments indicate that they are not currently performing to the required standard.
• The assessment will be completed in full to enable the development of a meaningful action plan to aid the candidate to regain the former status.
• A not yet competent decision will result in a candidate being awarded probationary status. (Please note: (P) Probationary status can only be awarded 3 times within any 24 month period.
• This includes the initial (P) Probationary period awarded at the end of initial training.
• On completion of the 3rd (P) Probationary status, if a candidate cannot be marked as Competent then they shall attend full initial training.)

Not Competent
Has been trained and previously judged as competent but their performance and/or knowledge indicate that they are currently not performing at the required standard.
• In cases of not yet competent or not competent an Action Plan is required to be completed to identify the knowledge and/or skills gap the candidate needs to address.
• Copies of this will be: Retained with the original assessment pack and a copy issued to the candidate and their line manager.

Appeals Procedure

An appeals procedure is available in the event of the candidate disagreeing with the assessment decision and a copy will be provided to each canitate prior the the commencemet of the assessment.