1910.272(g)(2): Harness and Lifeline in Grain Storage
When a worker enters a grain storage structure from a level at or above the stored grain, or walks or stands on or in grain deep enough to engulf, the employer must provide a body harness with lifeline or a boatswain's chair. The lifeline must be positioned and long enough to keep the worker from sinking further than waist-deep.
Key takeaways
- 1910.272(g)(2) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 5 times in the last 3 years, in 4 inspections, with $38,512 in current penalties.
- 1 death is linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- 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)(2) 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
(2) Whenever an employee enters a grain storage structure from a level at or above the level of the stored grain or grain products, or whenever an employee walks or stands on or in stored grain of a depth which poses an engulfment hazard, the employer shall equip the employee with a body harness with lifeline, or a boatswain's chair that meets the requirements of subpart D of this part. The lifeline shall be so positioned, and of sufficient length, to prevent the employee from sinking further than waist-deep in the grain. Exception: Where the employer can demonstrate that the protection required by this paragraph is not feasible or creates a greater hazard, the employer shall provide an alternative means of protection which is demonstrated to prevent the employee from sinking further than waist-deep in the grain. 5 citations
When the employee is standing or walking on a surface which the employer demonstrates is free from engulfment hazards, the lifeline or alternative means may be disconnected or removed.
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(g)(2).
At 8:50 a.m. on May 17, 2024, Employee #1 was engaged in cleaning a grain bin when he became engulfed in grain, resulting in asphyxiation. The employee was killed.
Where and how often it was cited
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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)(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)(5) 4 citations
- 1910.272(g)(6)
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Frequently asked questions
When is a harness and lifeline required in a grain bin?
When entering from a level at or above the stored grain, or when walking or standing on or in grain deep enough to pose an engulfment hazard.
How must the lifeline be set up?
It must be positioned and of a length that keeps the worker from sinking further than waist-deep in the grain.
Is there an alternative if a lifeline is not feasible?
If the employer shows it is not feasible or creates a greater hazard, it must provide another means proven to keep the worker from sinking further than waist-deep.
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.