COSS Course – How to Become a Controller of Site Safety

The Controller of Site Safety (or COSS) is a person qualified with Network Rail to ensure safe practice for work occurring on or near rail infrastructure.

Their primary role is to set up a safe system of work to protect staff from trains and trains from staff and activities.  A COSS can also carry out the duties of an IWA provided there are no medical restrictions that would prevent this.

To become a COSS, you will have had to serve a suitable period of time on the railways and undertake a five-day COSS course (6 if including the DCCR competency).

This is then followed by a period of mentoring by an experienced COSS and then independent regular assessments to ensure that you’re competent enough to undertake your role safely and effectively.

Requirements – Controller of Site Safety

• To be over the age of 18
• Meet the entry requirements of PTS competence
• A good level of literacy
• Must hold a valid Sentinel Track Safety Card and meet the requirements of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety
• The requirements of Network Rail specification NR/L1/OHS/051 (Drugs & Alcohol) must be met
• Your suitability has been verified by your line manager
• Candidate is in possession of a current Personal Track Safety Logbook

It is the responsibility of your Line Manager to decide upon your suitability to attend the Controller of Site Safety Course, in accordance with the current issue of NR/L2/CTM/021 – Competence and Training in Track Safety

Summary

A career in railway can be an extremely rewarding and satisfying with plenty of opportunities to develop knowledge and skills and progress within the industry.

Depending on where you are on your rail career journey, becoming a Controller of Site Safety need not be far from your reach.  Should you be interested in becoming a COSS, and you meet the requirements above, get yourself qualified by attending one of our accredited railway courses at Atom Training Centre.