COSS (Controller Of Site Safety) Initial Course

What is it for:

Any group of staff going to walk or work “On or Near the Line” must have a COSS (Controller Of Site Safety) appointed to look after their safety, by them establishing, monitoring and amending as necessary a safe system of work for the duration of their time on Network Rail’s Infrastructure.

Who should attend:

Any person who is over the age of 18 years, who their Sponsor has deemed suitably rail experienced and mature enough to be given the responsibility of keeping a group of staff safe whilst on the railway environment. This must be notified to the NCCA before course commencement.

Any person with a Blue Circle or Red Triangle on their card can also attend the course, however, those with Red Triangles will be prohibited from working alone on the Infrastructure.

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, the candidates will be able to interpret correctly the relevant parts of the Rule Book, the Railway Group Standards and will understand the relevant aspects of the Sentinel Scheme procedures appertaining to COSS duties.

They will be able to demonstrate their understanding and ability to set up and maintain a safe system of work before any group of staff are allowed to go “On or Near the Line”

What does it contain:

To bring certification in line with each other, PTS Recertification is the first part of the COSS Initial Course. This is to prevent one certification expiring before the other. The course content is as follows;

• PTS Re-certification
• Introduction to COSS Duties
• Planning the Safe System of Work (SSOW)
• Working within Possessions and Blocking Lines correctly
• Safeguarded, Fenced & Site Warden Systems of Work (inc. scenarios)
• Open Lines Systems of Work (inc. scenarios)
• Communication Protocols
• Sentinel Scheme and Procedures – Checking Qualifications
• Working Alone
• Additional Duties (Buried Services, Emergency Procedures etc.)
• Site Security

How is it taught:

Tutor led sessions, along with group discussions, brainstorming exercises, with desktop scenarios to practice the skills delegates have just learnt.

Theory and practical assessments are included at the end of the course to determine satisfactory competence.

Post course objectives are included to explain to the new COSS how to proceed with evidence gathering and workplace assessments to ensure continued competence.

Features:

Delegates will be provided with COSS Key Point Card when attending the course.

Requirements to attend:

• Confirmation of Sponsorship to attend course
• NCCA notified by Sponsor of candidates suitability for course
• Current valid Sentinel Card
• Rule Book / Handbooks

Duration: 4days (5 days if OLP/CRP module is undertaken as well)