1910.272(g)(1): Before Entering Grain Bins, Silos and Tanks
Before workers enter bins, silos or tanks, employers must issue a permit unless the authorizing person is present the whole time, deenergize and lock out or otherwise stop dangerous equipment, and test the air for combustible gases, vapors and toxic agents when suspected and for oxygen unless ventilation is continuous. If oxygen is below 19.5%, combustibles exceed 10% of the LFL, or toxics exceed limits, ventilation and other provisions apply.
Key takeaways
- 1910.272(g)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 89 times in the last 3 years, in 55 inspections, with $571,286 in current penalties.
- 3 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: IL (17), MO (12), TX (7).
- 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) is one requirement inside 1910.272 Grain handling facilities, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 6 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 following actions shall be taken before employees enter bins, silos, or tanks: 89 citations
(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. Open (g)(1)(i) 22 citations
(ii) All mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic equipment which presents a danger to employees inside grain storage structures shall be deenergized and shall be disconnected, locked-out and tagged, blocked-off, or otherwise prevented from operating by other equally effective means or methods. Open (g)(1)(ii) 41 citations
(iii) The atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank shall be tested for the presence of combustible gases, vapors, and toxic agents when the employer has reason to believe they may be present. Additionally, the atmosphere within a bin, silo, or tank shall be tested for oxygen content unless there is continuous natural air movement or continuous forced-air ventilation before and during the period employees are inside. If the oxygen level is less than 19.5%, or if combustible gas or vapor is detected in excess of 10% of the lower flammable limit, or if toxic agents are present in excess of the ceiling values listed in subpart Z of 29 CFR part 1910, or if toxic agents are present in concentrations that will cause health effects which prevent employees from effecting self-rescue or communication to obtain assistance, the following provisions apply. Open (g)(1)(iii) 19 citations
(A) Ventilation shall be provided until the unsafe condition or conditions are eliminated, and the ventilation shall be continued as long as there is a possibility of recurrence of the unsafe condition while the bin, silo, or tank is occupied by employees.
(B) If toxicity or oxygen deficiency cannot be eliminated by ventilation, employees entering the bin, silo, or tank shall wear an appropriate respirator. Respirator use shall be in accordance with the requirements of § 1910.134.
(iv) “Walking down grain” and similar practices where an employee walks on grain to make it flow within or out from a grain storage structure, or where an employee is on moving grain, are prohibited. 4 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.272.
Injuries linked to this rule
3 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.272(g)(1).
At 7:00 p.m. on February 24, 2025, Employee #1 entered a grain bin while operating an auger and became caught in the sweep auger. The employee was fatally injured.
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 |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 4 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 17 |
| 2026 | 26 |
Top states: IL (17), MO (12), TX (7), AR (7), OH (7)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| ALLIANCE GRAIN COMPANY | GIBSON CITY, IL | $100,000 |
| LITTLEJOHN GRAIN, INC. | WESTFIELD, IL | $70,000 |
| MFA INC | HAMILTON, MO | $64,524 |
| BLACK RIVER COMMODITIES, LLC | POCAHONTAS, AR | $32,268 |
| ITTNER BEAN & GRAIN INC | AUBURN, MI | $28,000 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.272(g)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Grain Handling Facility Sweep Auger Enforcement Policy (2013-05-03)
- Reiteration of OSHA policy on unguarded sweep augers. (2012-02-16)
- Clarification on when a worker may be inside a grain storage bin while a sweep auger is operating. (2011-05-16)
- Grain handlers and engulfment hazards; procedures for unguarded sweep augers. (2008-09-29)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.272(g) Entry into grain storage structures 110 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)(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
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Frequently asked questions
What oxygen level triggers extra precautions?
An oxygen level less than 19.5%.
What combustible gas level triggers extra precautions?
Combustible gas or vapor detected in excess of 10% of the lower flammable limit.
What must be done with dangerous equipment before entry?
It must be deenergized and disconnected, locked out and tagged, blocked off, or otherwise prevented from operating by equally effective means.
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.