COSS (Controller of Site Safety)

Course Summary

This course is designed to train persons who have been nominated by their sponsor to enable them to attain the Controller of Site Safety competence.

The COSS competence is required to be held by anyone who is required to set up a safe system of work on or near the line for a group (two or more people). A COSS can also carry out the duties of an IWA provided there is to medical restriction that would otherwise prevent this.

The COSS course will take delegates through the procedures as set out in the Rule Book; HB6 (General Duties of an IWA), HB7 (General Duties of a COSS), HB8 (IWA, COSS or PC Blocking a Line), HB9 (IWA or COSS Setting Up Safe Systems of Work Within Possessions), HB10 (Duties of the COSS and Person in Charge of a Hand Trolley) and HB13 (Duties of the Person in Charge of a Siding).

The course includes the importance of using the correct communication protocols and adopting the appropriate behaviours to be able to carry out this role safely and effectively.

Course Aim

On successful completion of the course delegates will be able to:

• Demonstrate their ability to correctly interpret relevant parts of the Rule Book, Handbooks and relevant Network Rail Specifications when acting as COSS.
• Demonstrate their understanding and ability to set up a Safe System of Work before they or any group of staff is allowed to go ‘On or Near the Line’
• Deliver a safety briefing, with an opportunity to practice and demonstrate during the course

Course Award

Delegates will be awarded with a Sentinel recognised certificate upon successful completion of this course. An update to the candidate’s Sentinel card, showing COSS and IWA competences, will be applied for.

Note: the IWA competence can only be held if the delegate does not have a red triangle on their Sentinel card. If they have, they cannot undertake IWA duties as part of their COSS role.

Prerequisites and Requirements

• Delegates must be a minimum age of 18.
• Meet the entry requirements of PTS competence.
• Have a good understanding of the English language.
• Hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card and meet the requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety.
• Meet the medical requirements of Network Rail Standard NR/L2/OHS/00124 Competence Specific Fitness Medical Requirements and Specification NR/L2/OHS/00120 (Drugs & Alcohol).

Course duration

Initial: 7 days (including PTS Recert)

Re-Cert: 3 days (including PTS Recert) plus 4th day for OLP and CRP (LLT) if required.