1910.272(g)(4): Rescue Equipment for Bins, Silos and Tanks
Grain handling employers must provide rescue equipment specifically suited for the bin, silo or tank being entered.
Key takeaways
- 1910.272(g)(4) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 7 times in the last 3 years, in 5 inspections, with $48,393 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Related part: 1910.272(g) Entry into grain storage structures (110 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.272(g)(4) is one requirement inside 1910.272 Grain handling facilities, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(4) The employer shall provide equipment for rescue operations which is specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered. 7 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.272.
Injuries linked to this rule
1 death is linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.272(g)(4).
At 8:50 a.m. on May 17, 2024, Employee #1 was engaged in cleaning a grain bin when he became engulfed in grain, resulting in asphyxiation. The employee was killed.
Where and how often it was cited
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.272(g)(4), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.272(g)(4).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.272(g) Entry into grain storage structures 110 citations
- 1910.272(g)(1) 89 citations
- 1910.272(g)(1)(ii) 41 citations
- 1910.272(g)(1)(i) 22 citations
- 1910.272(g)(1)(iii) 19 citations
- 1910.272(g)(3) 5 citations
- 1910.272(g)(2) 5 citations
- 1910.272(g)(5) 4 citations
- 1910.272(g)(6)
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Frequently asked questions
What rescue equipment is required?
Equipment specifically suited for the bin, silo or tank being entered.
Who must provide it?
The employer.
Is general rescue gear enough?
It must be suited specifically for the structure being entered.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.272 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-22
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.