1910.272(j): Grain Dust Housekeeping
Grain handling employers must have a written housekeeping program setting how often and how to reduce grain dust buildup. At grain elevators, priority areas include floors within 35 feet of inside bucket elevators and enclosed areas with grinders or inside dryers, where dust over 1/8 inch must be removed immediately unless equivalent protection is shown, and compressed air may be used to blow dust only when ignition sources are shut down or controlled.
Key takeaways
- 1910.272(j) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 53 times in the last 3 years, in 42 inspections, with $493,761 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (6), OR (5), KS (5).
- Related part: 1910.272(j)(1) (23 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.272(j) ("Housekeeping") is one requirement inside 1910.272 Grain handling facilities, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 9 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
(j) Housekeeping. 53 citations
(1) The employer shall develop and implement a written housekeeping program that establishes the frequency and method(s) determined best to reduce accumulations of fugitive grain dust on ledges, floors, equipment, and other exposed surfaces. Open (j)(1) 23 citations
(2) In addition, the housekeeping program for grain elevators shall address fugitive grain dust accumulations at priority housekeeping areas. Open (j)(2) 22 citations
(i) Priority housekeeping areas shall include at least the following:
(A) Floor areas within 35 feet (10.7 m) of inside bucket elevators;
(B) Floors of enclosed areas containing grinding equipment;
(C) Floors of enclosed areas containing grain dryers located inside the facility.
(ii) The employer shall immediately remove any fugitive grain dust accumulations whenever they exceed 1⁄8 inch (.32 cm) at priority housekeeping areas, pursuant to the housekeeping program, or shall demonstrate and assure, through the development and implementation of the housekeeping program, that equivalent protection is provided. Open (j)(2)(ii) 22 citations
(3) The use of compressed air to blow dust from ledges, walls, and other areas shall only be permitted when all machinery that presents an ignition source in the area is shut-down, and all other known potential ignition sources in the area are removed or controlled. 6 citations
(4) Grain and product spills shall not be considered fugitive grain dust accumulations. However, the housekeeping program shall address the procedures for removing such spills from the work area. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.272.
Where and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2024 | 24 |
| 2025 | 13 |
| 2026 | 14 |
Top states: IL (6), OR (5), KS (5), TX (4), OH (4)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LEGACY COOPERATIVE | HEMINGFORD, NE | $141,599 |
| MFA INC. | AURORA, MO | $115,850 |
| PANHANDLE MILLING, LLC | DAWN, TX | $25,819 |
| MID COLUMBIA PRODUCERS | ARLINGTON, OR | $18,000 |
| ADM MILLING CO. | ABILENE, KS | $16,131 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.272(j), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.272(j)(1) 23 citations
- 1910.272(j)(2)(ii) 22 citations
- 1910.272(j)(2) 22 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How much grain dust is too much in priority areas?
Accumulations exceeding 1/8 inch must be removed immediately, unless equivalent protection is demonstrated through the program.
Can compressed air be used to clean dust?
Only when all machinery that presents an ignition source in the area is shut down and all other known ignition sources are removed or controlled.
Are grain spills counted as dust buildup?
No, but the housekeeping program must address how spills are removed.
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 2026-10-20
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.