Shunter/ATM/Groundstaff Questions

[cj_1985]

i was wonbering if anyone could help me with any of the following...
i have previously seen a list of medications that railway workers (or is it just drivers) are prohibited to use... and was wondering if the same list applys to shunters/ATMs or groundstaff?

also are there any aspects of the shunter/ATM/groundstaff role that could be learned independant of an operator or prior to applicatior or employment with an operator.?

 

[scotsman]

I was advised by my Inspector that when I pass out/do Trainee Guard duties I shouldn't anything that says "Do not drive/operate machinery after taking/may make you drowsy" shouldn't be taken when I'm working/working in the hours following taking it.

However, I expect this is much stricter on the 'big' railway.

 

[MggW]

The list is the same for all safety critical staff.

About the only thing you could do would be a PTS course.

 

[cj_1985]

forgive my ignorance.. but what is PTS?

 

[Jordy]

Personal Track Safety, a standard NR training course - the name is self explanatory.

 

[networkrail1]

You can not do a PTS independently, you have to have a sponsor and be employed by the sponsor.

 

[Jordy]

There isn't much point doing it independently, if your job requires it you will be put through the course. I highly doubt having PTS would make any difference in an interview for example!

 

[networkrail1]

If you have a PTS it does improve your chances of a job if the job you have applied for requires PTS.

 

[GB]

The PTS for drivers and ground staff are different to that of Network Rail and its contractors anyway. So if you did some how manage to get onto a PTS course prior to getting a shunters job all you will do is learn masses of information that will not apply to your job.

The PTS for ATMs is all incorporated into the 5 week ATM course anyway and even if you have prior knowledge of PTS stuff, you will still have to complete the PTS course to the set standard with your new employer.