2 - There probably is no way to turn on the OHR when I am mid-activity, right? This would be a fallback just in case the HRM-TRI dies.
Just leave the OHR on auto. It will turn off automatically once the HRM-Tri connects, and will turn on automatically in case the connection to HRM-Tri is lost.
Garmin Fenix 5S and 5S Plus will not last you a full Ironman... unless your name is Daniela Ryf.