Travel Restraint Systems Flashcards

What is the recommended practice when a synthetic fibre travel restraint lanyard has reached 10 years of age, even if it shows no visible damage?

Answer: Retire it from service, as synthetic materials degrade with age regardless of appearance

Synthetic materials degrade over time through UV exposure, heat, and chemical contact even without visible damage, and most standards and manufacturers recommend retirement after 10 years.

What is suspension trauma, and why is it relevant even when a travel restraint system is in use?

Answer: Physiological harm from hanging statically in a harness — relevant because a partial system failure could leave a worker suspended

Suspension trauma can occur rapidly if a worker ends up hanging in a harness after a partial system failure, making emergency rescue procedures essential even for travel restraint work.

In the WHS hierarchy of controls for managing fall hazards, how is a harness-based travel restraint system classified?

Answer: A personal protective equipment (PPE) control at the lowest level of the hierarchy

Harness-based systems including travel restraint are classified as PPE — the lowest tier of the hierarchy — and should only be used when higher-order controls such as guardrails or scaffolding are not reasonably practicable.

What is the function of a horizontal lifeline (HLL) system when combined with a travel restraint system?

Answer: It provides a running anchor line allowing lateral movement along a work area while maintaining restraint

A horizontal lifeline allows workers to move laterally across a work area by sliding a connector along the line, maintaining continuous connection to the restraint or fall arrest system.

Before connecting to an anchor point as part of a travel restraint system, what must the worker verify?

Answer: Confirm the anchor is appropriately rated, correctly installed, and in good condition

Before trusting an anchor with their safety, the worker must confirm it is rated for the application, properly fixed to a suitable substrate, and free from damage or deterioration.

Under RIIWHS204E, when must the competency of a person setting up a travel restraint system be verified?

Answer: Before the system is put into use, as correct installation requires specific training and knowledge

WHS legislation and RIIWHS204E require that persons installing or supervising height safety systems are competent, meaning their training and knowledge must be confirmed before the system is used.

Which scenario correctly demonstrates the use of a travel restraint system on a sloped roof?

Answer: A worker anchors near the ridge with a lanyard calculated to stop them at least 1 metre short of the eave edge

The correct setup uses an anchor near the ridge with a lanyard short enough to physically prevent the worker from reaching the fall edge, maintaining a buffer zone.