Grain rail loading facilities are subject to OSHA regulations under 29 CFR 1910.272, which addresses the control of grain dust fires and explosions, along with other safety hazards. These regulations apply to grain elevators, feed mills, flour mills, rice mills, dust pelletizing plants, dry corn mills, soybean flaking operations, and the dry grinding operations of soycake. [2] [2]

Risk Assessment:

• Dust Accumulation: Implement a written housekeeping program to reduce fugitive grain dust accumulations on ledges, floors, equipment, and other surfaces. Remove dust accumulations exceeding ¹/₈ inch in priority areas.
• Ignition Sources: Control potential ignition sources, including smoking, hot work, and static electricity. Use ferrous material removal from grain streams to prevent sparks in processing equipment.
• Bin Entry: Implement permit-required confined space entry procedures for bins, silos, and tanks, including atmospheric testing, lockout/tagout of equipment, and rescue planning. [9] [6] [3] [7] [7] [7]

Emergency Response:

• Emergency Action Plan: Develop and implement an emergency action plan that meets the requirements of 29 CFR 1910.38, including an employee alarm system, evacuation procedures, and training.
• Escape Routes: Provide at least two means of emergency escape from galleries (bin decks). Emergency escape should be addressed in the facility emergency action plan.
• Rescue Equipment: Provide equipment for rescue operations specifically suited for the bin, silo, or tank being entered. [1] [8] [5] [3] [4]

Regulatory Compliance:

• Training: Provide annual training to employees on general safety precautions, specific job task procedures, and special tasks such as bin entry and handling of flammable or toxic substances.
• Hot Work Permits: Implement a permit system for hot work operations to ensure control over these activities and employee awareness of safeguards.
• Contractors: Inform contractors of potential fire and explosion hazards related to their work and the facility's safety rules and emergency action plan. [1] [1] [10] [9] [9] [9]