1910.272(e): Grain Handling Training
Grain handling employers must train employees at least annually and when job changes expose them to new hazards, and train new employees before they start. Training covers general precautions, including dust accumulation and ignition sources such as smoking, and job procedures such as cleaning grinding equipment, clearing choked legs, housekeeping, hot work, preventive maintenance and lockout/tagout. Special tasks like bin entry need their own training, including engulfment and mechanical hazards.
Key takeaways
- 1910.272(e) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 38 times in the last 3 years, in 34 inspections, with $195,787 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: AR (3), MO (3), KS (3).
- Related part: 1910.272(e)(1) (32 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.272(e) ("Training") is one requirement inside 1910.272 Grain handling facilities, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 4 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
(e) Training. 38 citations
(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: Open (e)(1) 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
(2) Employees assigned special tasks, such as bin entry and handling of flammable or toxic substances, shall be provided training to perform these tasks safely. Open (e)(2) 6 citations
Training for an employee who enters grain storage structures includes training about engulfment and mechanical hazards and how to avoid them.
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).
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 | 19 |
| 2025 | 10 |
| 2026 | 8 |
Top states: AR (3), MO (3), KS (3), VA (3), SD (3)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| 160596 - PERDUE FOODS LLC | COFIELD, NC | $16,550 |
| MENNEL MILLING COMPANY | MORRAL, OH | $16,132 |
| ARCHER DANIELS MIDLAND COMPANY | LINCOLN, NE | $16,131 |
| RAIL MODAL GROUP LLC | FREMONT, NE | $15,970 |
| BEACHNER GRAIN INC | BRONSON, KS | $11,916 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.272(e), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Grain handlers and engulfment hazards; procedures for unguarded sweep augers. (2008-09-29)
- 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)(1) 32 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 is grain handling training required?
At least annually and when changes in job assignment will expose employees to new hazards.
When must new employees be trained?
Prior to starting work.
What extra training applies to grain bin entry?
Training about engulfment and mechanical hazards and how to avoid them.
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.