Grain Handling Facilities Standard

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has completed a section 610 ("lookback") review of its Grain Handling Facilities Standard, 29 CFR 1910.272, pursuant to section 610 of the Regulatory Flexibility Act and section 5 of Executive Order 12866. That review, "Regulatory Review of OSHA's Grain Handling Standard, February 2003," demonstrates that the Standard has reduced injuries 55% and deaths 70% from grain explosions and reduced deaths from grain suffocations by 44%. On average, the Standard has prevented 9.4 deaths per year. The review indicates that the standard does not impose a significant economic impact on small businesses and that public commenters agree that the standard should remain in effect. Based on comments, OSHA will issue several clarifications and will consider several possible improvements. Based on this review, OSHA concludes that the Grain Handling Facilities Standard should be continued without major change.