1910.272(j)(2): Priority Housekeeping Areas in Grain Elevators
Grain elevator housekeeping programs must address grain dust at priority areas, including at least floors within 35 feet of inside bucket elevators, floors of enclosed areas with grinding equipment, and floors of enclosed areas with inside grain dryers. Employers must immediately remove dust accumulations over 1/8 inch at these areas, or show the program gives equivalent protection.
Key takeaways
- 1910.272(j)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 22 times in the last 3 years, in 22 inspections, with $264,542 in current penalties.
- Most citations: OR (4), KS (3), MO (3).
- Related part: 1910.272(j) Housekeeping (53 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.272(j)(2) is one requirement inside 1910.272 Grain handling facilities, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 5 sub-paragraphs. 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
(2) In addition, the housekeeping program for grain elevators shall address fugitive grain dust accumulations at priority housekeeping areas. 22 citations
(i) Priority housekeeping areas shall include at least the following:
(A) Floor areas within 35 feet (10.7 m) of inside bucket elevators;
(B) Floors of enclosed areas containing grinding equipment;
(C) Floors of enclosed areas containing grain dryers located inside the facility.
(ii) The employer shall immediately remove any fugitive grain dust accumulations whenever they exceed 1⁄8 inch (.32 cm) at priority housekeeping areas, pursuant to the housekeeping program, or shall demonstrate and assure, through the development and implementation of the housekeeping program, that equivalent protection is provided. Open (j)(2)(ii) 22 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.272.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 5 |
Top states: OR (4), KS (3), MO (3), IL (2), TX (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LEGACY COOPERATIVE | HEMINGFORD, NE | $128,727 |
| MID COLUMBIA PRODUCERS | ARLINGTON, OR | $18,000 |
| MFA INC. | AURORA, MO | $16,550 |
| RED RIVER COMMODITIES INC | COLBY, KS | $16,131 |
| PANHANDLE MILLING, LLC | DAWN, TX | $13,902 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.272(j)(2), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.272(j)(2).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.272(j) Housekeeping 53 citations
- 1910.272(j)(1) 23 citations
- 1910.272(j)(2)(ii) 22 citations
Get your crew competent
Trainers on Black Belt Safety: Marc Harvey, Dana Reyes
Trainers and suppliers: feature your business on this rule for $25/month.
Frequently asked questions
What are priority housekeeping areas?
At least floors within 35 feet (10.7 m) of inside bucket elevators, floors of enclosed areas with grinding equipment, and floors of enclosed areas with grain dryers inside the facility.
When must dust be removed?
Immediately whenever accumulations exceed 1/8 inch (.32 cm) at priority housekeeping areas.
Is there an alternative?
The employer may demonstrate and assure, through the housekeeping program, that equivalent protection is provided.
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 2026-10-20
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.