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Before the updated Walking-Working Surfaces rule, general industry employers’ only choices for roof fall protection were guardrails or personal fall protection systems (i.e., personal fall arrest systems, travel restraint systems, and safety nets). The revised rule allows general industry an additional option for low-sloping roofs – designated areas.
OSHA states in the Walking-Working Surfaces preamble, “Designated areas are not conventional fall protection systems or engineering controls. Designated areas are alternative fall protection methods that are effective only when set up and used correctly and safely.” The key to safe use of the designated area is proper delineation and keeping workers within the area. This makes training an essential part of designated area use.
A good portion of the requirements for designated areas come from the construction standards. However, OSHA excluded the use of monitor, opting instead to require employers in general industry to erect warning lines.
Designated areas apply to all general industry employers that temporarily and infrequently work on low-sloping roofs. Designated areas cannot be used on platforms or around floor openings or holes.
Employers that use designated areas must: