1910.272(m)(1): Grain Facility Preventive Maintenance
Employers must implement preventive maintenance with regularly scheduled inspections of at least the mechanical and safety control equipment on dryers, grain stream processing equipment, dust collection equipment including filter collectors, and bucket elevators. Lubrication and other maintenance must follow manufacturers' recommendations or prior operating records.
Key takeaways
- 1910.272(m)(1) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart R).
- OSHA cited it 16 times in the last 3 years, in 15 inspections, with $75,069 in current penalties.
- Most citations: IL (4), NE (3), PA (2).
- Related part: 1910.272(m) Preventive maintenance (38 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
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In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.272(m)(1) is one requirement inside 1910.272 Grain handling facilities, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart R). It includes 2 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 employer shall implement preventive maintenance procedures consisting of: 16 citations
(i) Regularly scheduled inspections of at least the mechanical and safety control equipment associated with dryers, grain stream processing equipment, dust collection equipment including filter collectors, and bucket elevators; 9 citations
(ii) Lubrication and other appropriate maintenance in accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, or as determined necessary by prior operating records. 2 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.272.
Export the list: 15 inspections cited 1910.272(m)(1) in the last 3 years, with employer, location, penalty and date.
Purple Belt, $59/moWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 10 |
| 2025 | 3 |
| 2026 | 3 |
Top states: IL (4), NE (3), PA (2), WI (2), MO (2)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| LEGACY COOPERATIVE | HEMINGFORD, NE | $25,744 |
| RIVER VALLEY COOPERATIVE | DE WITT, IA | $8,372 |
| KALMBACH FEEDS, INC. | SHIPPENSBURG, PA | $8,000 |
| MENNEL MILLING COMPANY | MORRAL, OH | $7,604 |
| PROVISION PARTNERS COOPERATIVE | AUBURNDALE, WI | $7,346 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.272(m)(1), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
None exist. OSHA has not published a letter of interpretation for 1910.272(m)(1).
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.272(m) Preventive maintenance 38 citations
- 1910.272(m)(3) 10 citations
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Frequently asked questions
Which equipment must be inspected?
At least the mechanical and safety control equipment on dryers, grain stream processing equipment, dust collection equipment including filter collectors, and bucket elevators.
How often are inspections done?
On a regularly scheduled basis.
How is lubrication decided?
In accordance with manufacturers' recommendations, or as determined necessary by prior operating records.
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 2026-11-06
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.