A travel restraint is basically made of a safety harness, lanyard and lifeline. The safety lanyard is clipped directly to the protective gear of the employee while the harness is used to connect the lanyard to a lifeline. In case the working edge is not far from the lifeline, the safety lanyard is clipped directly to the lifeline. On the other hand, if the lifeline is far from the working area, a strong rope may be used in place of a harness.
The working mechanisms of a travel restraint are quite simple. Once the worker steps too close to the edge of the building, the safety lanyard pulls them back. This is a form of reminding them that they are too close to the edge of the building. However, the system does not restrict them completely from moving. The safety lanyard is extensible hence may allow for movement in case the worker has to get too close to the edge. The system is not only meant to restrict movement of the worker but also protect them in the occasion that they slip and fall. The safety lanyard extends when exposed to fall arrest forces and protects the worker from fall arrest shock.
The travel restraint kit should also include clips that will be used to connect the various accessories strongly. A locking snap hook is used to connect the safety lanyard to the protective gear of the worker. A D clip or O clip is used to connect the lanyard to a harness or lifeline. Both forms of clips are made of strong steel that does not yield easily when exposed to shock or excessive external forces. No other form of clip should be used in place of clips supplied by the manufacturer.