1910.272(e)(1): Grain Handling Facility Training
Grain handling employers must train workers at least annually and when job changes expose them to new hazards, and train new workers before they start. Training must cover general safety precautions, including dust accumulation hazards and ignition sources such as smoking, plus job-specific procedures like cleaning grinding equipment, clearing choked legs, housekeeping, hot work, preventive maintenance and lockout/tagout.
Key takeaways
- 1910.272(e)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 32 times in the last 3 years, in 31 inspections, with $170,539 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: KS (3), VA (3), NC (3).
- Related part: 1910.272(e) Training (38 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.272(e)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.272 Grain handling facilities, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 2 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
(1) The employer shall provide training to employees at least annually and when changes in job assignment will expose them to new hazards. Current employees, and new employees prior to starting work, shall be trained in at least the following: 32 citations
(i) General safety precautions associated with the facility, including recognition and preventive measures for the hazards related to dust accumulations and common ignition sources such as smoking; and, Open (e)(1)(i) 1 citations
(ii) Specific procedures and safety practices applicable to their job tasks including but not limited to, cleaning procedures for grinding equipment, clearing procedures for choked legs, housekeeping procedures, hot work procedures, preventive maintenance procedures and lock-out/tag-out procedures. Open (e)(1)(ii) 15 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(e)(1).
At approximately 7:00 p.m. on February 24, 2025, Employee #1 entered a grain binwhile operating an auger. While inside the bin, the employee was caught in the sweep auger and sustained fatal injuries.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 |
| 2024 | 17 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 7 |
Top states: KS (3), VA (3), NC (3), TX (2), AR (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 160596 - PERDUE FOODS LLC | COFIELD, NC | $16,550 |
| ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND COMPANY | LINCOLN, NE | $16,131 |
| RAIL MODAL GROUP LLC | FREMONT, NE | $15,970 |
| BEACHNER GRAIN INC | BRONSON, KS | $11,916 |
| PLANTERS GRAIN COOPERATIVE | TAFT, TX | $9,315 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.272(e)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Questions regarding the Permit-Required Confined Space standard, 1910.146, and the Grain Handling standard, 1910.272. (2005-02-08)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.272(e) Training 38 citations
- 1910.272(e)(1)(ii) 15 citations
- 1910.272(e)(2) 6 citations
- 1910.272(e)(1)(i) 1 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
How often must grain handling workers be trained?
At least annually and when changes in job assignment will expose them to new hazards.
When must new workers be trained?
Prior to starting work.
What job-specific topics are included?
Cleaning procedures for grinding equipment, clearing choked legs, housekeeping, hot work, preventive maintenance and lockout/tagout, among others.
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.