• Designated areas allow employees to work on flat roofs within a specifically defined area without additional fall protection, provided certain standards for safety and training are met.

A designated area is a distinct portion of a walking-working surface delineated by a warning line in which employees may perform work without additional fall protection. Designated areas cannot be used on platforms or around floor openings or holes. A designated area may only be used if all of the following criteria are met:

• The work is on a flat or low-sloping roof;
• The work is at least six feet from the roof edge;
• Warning lines as defined are used;
• Holes or openings are protected by additional fall protection systems (e.g., guardrail systems); and
• The work is performed by employees that are authorized by the employer and have completed the required training.

Employers that use designated areas must:

• Train employees who use the designated area on the proper care, inspection, storage, set up, and use of the equipment.
• Authorize employees to work in a designated area.
• Erect warning lines that delineate the designated area.
• Ensure that warning lines are visible throughout the designated area and from a minimum of 25 feet away.
• Ensure that warning lines meet the design requirements defined in 29 CFR 1910 Subpart D.
• Keep the designated area at least six feet from the roof’s edge.
• Use designated areas only on low-sloping roofs.
• Not use designated areas on platforms or around floor openings and holes.
• Ensure that work done within six feet of the roof edge uses other fall protection options (such as guardrail systems, safety net systems, and personal fall protection systems).