Sydney Trains

The following initiatives are being progressed by Sydney Trains:

Installed 2x ZKL3000 Remote Control units for environmental testing to confirm suitability for Australian conditions.
- ZKL 3000 RC is a SIL-4 rated remote-controlled track circuit operating device that allows localised control of the rail signaling system. The ZKL device is fitted on the track by a rail safety worker and then operated by remote control via a smart App from a place of safety.
- 30x units being rolled out across the network in 2022-23.

Installed sensors to identified locations on the network to allow the use of Automatic Track Warning System (ATWS) as a recognised form of protection.
- ATWS is a SIL-4 rated system providing real-time visual and audible warnings at worksites, alerting workers to oncoming trains and allowing them to move off-track. The system is comprised of a set of points connected to the track which, when they detect a train, sends a signal to a junction box which then transmit to one or more receiver unit(s).
- Rollout: 22 locations with sensors installed, with a further 12 identified for completion by end December 2022, 50 plus sites being assessed for suitability.

Upgraded existing Possession Limit Markers (PLM); with a built-in GPS locating device to set the boundaries of work possessions and a 72-hour battery for extended use.
- The GPS feature accurately cross-checks that the limit markers are located correctly (within 5cms) and gives warning if moved and/or damaged, allowing positive. confirmation of protection boundaries and accurate identification of effected tracks.
- Rollout: 50 units currently with another 90 units by the end of September 2022.

Completing verification of track asset data and GPS accuracy, allowing positive confirmation of track assets when used in field.
- Track Augmented Reality View App gives positive location of an individual against fixed GIS-recorded assets. It enables positive record of protection placed on track to be taken and used as an independent verification particularly in complex areas, ensuring that protection can be independently reviewed prior to mobilising track access. In addition, this record allows an auditable record of protection to be placed in the event of an incident or operational audit.

Installed Blindsight to mobile plant and heavy vehicle to provide an additional layer of protection to workers near mobile plant.
- Partnered with a local technology designer and are the first in the world to use their Blindsight technology. This technology uses cameras placed on track-mounted and mobile plant to register the presence of persons within the equipment’s blind spot scan which then creates an alert to the plant operator and alarm for the person in danger.
- Rollout: Currently 26 units installed with an additional 15 units by the end of September 2022.

Removed operational barriers to rapid drone deployment through achieving CASA approval to fly over controlled airspace and reduce flight plan approval lead time from 4 weeks to 24 hours.

Installed additional Signal Key Switches (SKS):
- SKS is a manual switch integrated into an automatic signal to allow staff to control the signal aspect through a manual switch. Use of SKS to change signal aspect is supported by the presence of a hand signaler located at the signal to communicate with train drivers.
- Rollout: 25 units installed across the network.
- Additional 32 sites identified as target sites for intervention.

Identified 9 use cases for Measurement and Inspection Digital Twin (MIDT) with the estimated reduction of 45,000 hours in the danger zone per annum from FY24 onwards.
- Measurement and Inspection Digital Twin (MIDT) to improve track worker safety by validating Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology to replace manual measurement and inspection results in the danger zone.

Transforming protection planning tools from paper-based to an online App, consisting of:
- Digital Network Diagrams and mark-up tools for worksite protection planning.
- Workflow – Digital Approvals and acknowledgement of Revision and Edits.
- Auditor Tools to track PO Activity and Accreditation.
- Rollout: Currently in development, has undergone user testing to gain feedback on functionality.

Analysing data:
- Identification of locations, times and activities generating highest risk to track workers by analysis of multiple operational data sets, rather than reliance on lagging indicators. ETWS analytics approach has already been used in identifying and providing insight into day-of-operations processes impacting planning of worksite protection.
- Rollout: Data sets identified, and dashboard layouts created.