1910.272(g)(1)(i): Permits for Entering Bins, Silos and Tanks
Grain handling employers must issue a permit for entering bins, silos or tanks unless the employer or its representative who would authorize the permit is present the whole time. The permit certifies that the required precautions were taken before entry and must be kept on file until entry operations are complete.
Key takeaways
- 1910.272(g)(1)(i) 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 $182,224 in current penalties.
- 2 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (4), MO (3), NE (2).
- 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)(1)(i) 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
(i) The employer shall issue a permit for entering bins, silos, or tanks unless the employer or the employer's representative (who would otherwise authorize the permit) is present during the entire operation. The permit shall certify that the precautions contained in this paragraph (§ 1910.272(g)) have been implemented prior to employees entering bins, silos or tanks. The permit shall be kept on file until completion of the entry operations. 22 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.272.
Injuries linked to this rule
2 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.272(g)(1)(i).
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.
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 4 |
| 2026 | 6 |
Top states: IL (4), MO (3), NE (2), AR (2), TX (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALLIANCE GRAIN COMPANY | GIBSON CITY, IL | $100,000 |
| MFA INC | HAMILTON, MO | $16,131 |
| BLACK RIVER COMMODITIES, LLC | POCAHONTAS, AR | $8,067 |
| MENNEL MILLING COMPANY | MORRAL, OH | $8,066 |
| HEREFORD GRAIN CORP | HEREFORD, TX | $6,250 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.272(g)(1)(i), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.272(g)(1)(i).
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)(iii) 19 citations
- 1910.272(g)(4) 7 citations
- 1910.272(g)(3) 5 citations
- 1910.272(g)(2) 5 citations
- 1910.272(g)(5) 4 citations
- 1910.272(g)(6)
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
When is a permit required to enter a grain bin?
Whenever the employer or authorizing representative is not present during the entire operation.
What does the permit certify?
That the precautions in 1910.272(g) were implemented before employees entered.
How long is the permit kept?
On file until completion of the entry operations.
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.