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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Working at Heights Practice Test

Working at Heights Practice Test

Working at Heights Travel Restraint Systems 3