Working at Heights Travel Restraint Systems 3

Question 1

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?

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Continue using it provided it passes a thorough visual inspection

Answer

Subject it to a load test before deciding whether to continue using it

Answer

Downgrade it to light-duty applications only

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Equipment fatigue from repeated loadings — relevant because travel restraint lanyards are loaded frequently

Answer

Psychological stress from working at heights — a concern for all workers exposed to height hazards

Answer

Structural damage to anchor points — relevant because anchors can be overloaded by a suspended worker

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

An elimination control because it removes the fall risk completely

Answer

A substitution control because it replaces one hazard with a lesser one

Answer

An engineering control because it physically alters the environment

Question 4

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

It acts as a rescue rope for lowering an injured worker to the ground

Answer

It replaces the need for a full-body harness in low-slope applications

Answer

It is used exclusively in confined-space entry and is not applicable at heights

Question 5

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Test the anchor by applying a sudden body-weight loading to confirm it holds

Answer

Attach the lanyard first and then inspect the anchor while connected

Answer

Ask a co-worker to hold the lanyard as a secondary safeguard while the anchor is checked

Question 6

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

Only for apprentices and workers under 18 years of age

Answer

Only when working at heights greater than 6 metres above the ground

Answer

Only on Commonwealth or government-funded construction projects

Question 7

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

Accepted Answer

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

Answer

A worker uses a 5-metre lanyard anchored at the roof midpoint on a 6-metre wide roof, enabling them to reach within 0.5 m of the eave

Answer

A worker clips their travel restraint lanyard to a scaffolding handrail along the eave for lateral access

Answer

Two workers share a single travel restraint lanyard clipped to the same anchor point