Digital Lock On

Appearance

Glossary ​

Business terminology and definitions for the KiwiRail Digital Lock On platform.

Core Concepts ​

Protection ​

A set of conventions and procedures which prevent trains from traversing through parts of the track inhabited by humans and equipment. When protection is in place, humans and equipment are allowed inside the rail corridor, and a train must stop before the protection boundary.

Protected Work Area (PWA) ​

A designated section of railway track that has been protected to allow safe work activities. PWAs can be single-worksite or multi-worksite and require specific authorisation and protection procedures.

NOTE: Not to be confused with PWA (Progressive Web App) as the type of application. Beware - the term PWA in these docs may be used to refer to both Protected Work Areas and Progressive Web Apps, depending on context.

Digital Lock On ​

The process of digitally registering a person's presence on a protected worksite, replacing traditional paper-based and physical sign-on and padlock procedures.

Lock-On ​

The act of a worker, equipment operator, or site protector registering their presence on a protected worksite and intention to enter the rail corridor. Establishes their authorisation to be in the work area and adds a "digital lock" to the worksite dashboard.

Lock-Off ​

The process of registering departure from the rail corridor. Required before leaving the work area.

User Roles ​

Railway Protection Officer (RPO) ​

Senior role responsible for coordinating multi-worksite PWAs and overall project safety. The person with overall responsibility for:

Providing rail protection for the Protected Work Area (PWA) Advising all site protectors, operators / drivers the details of the protection arrangements; before commencing work or entering the affected area Authorising movements to enter or proceed through a PWA Co-ordinating movement of rail vehicles within the PWA Responsible for communicating with Train Control Supervising Site Protectors, when more than one work site is operating

Responsibilities:

  • Activate multi-worksite PWAs
  • Authorise individual worksites
  • Coordinate Site Protector assignments
  • Maintain oversight of protection across project
  • Handle emergency situations and force lock-off authorisation

Site Protector ​

The Site Protector is responsible for all personnel and equipment within work site and reports to the RPO. Manages worker access, ensures safety compliance, and coordinates with RPO for multi-worksite projects.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage worker lock-on/off processes
  • Verify worker identity and competency
  • Maintain safety standards
  • Coordinate with RPO and Train Control

Worker ​

Personnel performing work activities within protected areas. Must lock on before accessing worksites and maintain safety compliance throughout their shift.

Types:

  • Track workers
  • Electrical workers
  • Maintenance personnel
  • Specialised trades

Equipment Operator ​

Personnel certified to operate plant and equipment within protected work areas. Must be assigned to specific equipment and maintain operational safety standards.

Responsibilities:

  • Operate assigned equipment safely
  • Maintain equipment boundaries
  • Coordinate with Site Protector
  • Follow equipment-specific safety procedures

Worksite Management ​

Single-Worksite PWA ​

A PWA that covers only one worksite and can be directly activated by a Site Protector without RPO coordination.

Multi-Worksite PWA ​

A PWA that spans multiple worksites and requires RPO coordination. Individual worksites must be authorised by the RPO before Site Protectors can establish protection.

Worksite Authorisation ​

The process by which an RPO grants permission for a Site Protector to establish protection at a specific worksite within a multi-worksite PWA.

Worksite Enabled ​

The process by which a Site Protector/RPO establishes protection at a specific worksite. Requires the Site Protector/RPO to personally lock on, and puts the worksite in the enabled state which allows them to lock on workers and plant.

Site Limits ​

The physical boundaries of a worksite, typically defined by:

  • Kilometer markers (e.g., "45.2km to 47.8km")
  • Platform references (e.g., "Platform 1 to Platform 3")
  • Signal references (e.g., "Signal A to Signal D")

Safety & Compliance ​

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) ​

Safety equipment required for specific work activities. Requirements vary based on work type and may include:

  • Hard hat
  • Safety vest
  • Safety boots
  • Gloves
  • Eye protection
  • Hearing protection
  • Arc flash protection

Competency ​

Verified skills and qualifications required for specific work activities. Examples include:

  • Track work competency
  • Electrical work competency
  • Confined space entry
  • Working at height

Certification ​

Formal qualifications and licenses required for specific roles or activities. Examples include:

  • Rail safety certification
  • Equipment operation licenses
  • Medical clearances
  • Professional qualifications

Safety Briefing ​

Mandatory information session covering site-specific safety requirements, emergency procedures, and work boundaries. Must be acknowledged before lock-on is completed.

Technical Systems ​

SHIELD App ​

Mobile application used by workers for QR code scanning, lock-on/off processes, and receiving safety information. Supports offline operation for areas with poor connectivity.

QR Code ​

Quick Response code used for identity verification and system access. Each person and piece of equipment has a unique QR code containing verification information.

Digital Platform ​

The overall KiwiRail 902 digital transformation system that replaces paper-based processes with digital workflows.

Equipment & Plant ​

Plant ​

Heavy machinery and equipment used in railway construction and maintenance activities. Examples include:

  • Excavators
  • Dump trucks
  • Cranes
  • Specialised rail equipment

Equipment Deployment ​

The process of assigning equipment to a specific worksite and operator. Includes certification verification and safety validation.

Equipment Certification ​

Verification that equipment meets safety and operational standards for specific work environments (e.g., rail-certified equipment).

Maintenance Status ​

Current condition of equipment regarding scheduled maintenance, inspections, and operational readiness.

System Integration ​

TARS (Track Access Recording System) ​

KiwiRail's existing system for managing track access and work planning. Integrates with the Digital Lock On platform for project coordination.

Train Control ​

Railway traffic management system that coordinates train movements and track access. Must be notified of PWA activations and work activities.

Integration Points ​

Connections between the Digital Lock On platform and other KiwiRail systems for data sharing and coordination.

Operational Concepts ​

Shift Management ​

Tracking of worker hours, fatigue levels, and break requirements to ensure safety compliance and regulatory adherence.

Fatigue Management ​

System for monitoring and managing worker fatigue through hour tracking, mandatory breaks, and self-assessment tools.

Break Procedures ​

Temporary lock-off processes for meal breaks, rest periods, or rail movement requirements.

Rail Movement ​

Scheduled train operations that may require temporary cessation of work activities and worker clearance from track areas.

Force Lock-Off ​

Emergency procedure to immediately remove a worker from a worksite, typically used in safety incidents or emergencies. Requires proper authorisation and documentation.

Audit & Compliance ​

Audit Trail ​

Complete record of all system activities, including lock-on/off events, safety briefings, and system access. Required for regulatory compliance and incident investigation.

Compliance Tracking ​

Monitoring and reporting of safety compliance, certification status, and regulatory requirements.

Incident Reporting ​

Documentation and management of safety incidents, system failures, and non-compliance events.

Status & States ​

Worksite States ​

  • Inactive - PWA not yet active; or has been deactivated after work is complete
  • Active - RPO has activated a PWA, and is work is ready to be authorised or is underway on a site within the PWA
  • Disabled - applies to a specific worksite that is not yet authorised by an RPO for work to begin; or worksite that is safe and clear/not active
  • Authorised - RPO has authorised a site, ready for the Protector to enable it and begin worksite operations
  • Establish protection - The process of a Site Protector locking on to a site and getting ready to lock on workers/plant
  • Enabled - Worksite is ready for plant and workers to lock on/off; is under active protection and operation by a Site Protector
  • Protected - Active with Site Protector managing access
  • Completed - Work finished and protection closed

Worker States ​

  • Not Locked On - Worker not currently assigned to any worksite
  • Locked On - Worker actively present on a worksite
  • Temporary Lock-Off - Worker temporarily absent (break, rail movement)
  • Locked Off - Worker has departed worksite

Equipment States ​

  • Available - Equipment ready for deployment
  • Deployed - Equipment assigned to worksite with operator
  • Maintenance - Equipment undergoing maintenance or inspection
  • Out of Service - Equipment not available for use

Acronyms & Abbreviations ​

  • PWA - Protected Work Area
  • RPO - Railway Protection Officer
  • PPE - Personal Protective Equipment
  • TARS - Track Access Recording System
  • QR - Quick Response (code)
  • API - Application Programming Interface
  • ID - Identification

References ​

This glossary is based on:

  • KiwiRail 902 Digitisation Business Case
  • KiwiRail 902 App User Guide
  • Railway safety regulations and procedures
  • Digital platform requirements and specifications

Internal use only