Class Code 3022
Pipe, Tube Or Extrusion Mfg – Not Iron Or Steel
Class Code 3022 covers manufacturing of pipe, tube and other extruded shapes made from materials other than iron or steel — commonly plastics and nonferrous metals. California employers with extrusion lines should know the approved pure premium rate is $7.251 per $100 of payroll, which reflects expected claim costs for this specific work.
What Class Code 3022 Covers
This classification applies to operations that extrude, pull, calibrate, cool, cut, join and finish pipes, tubing and similar profiles made from nonferrous metals (aluminum, copper, brass) or thermoplastic polymers (PVC, PE, PP, ABS). Typical processes include screw- and ram-extrusion, die setting, vacuum sizing, water or air cooling tanks, in-line cutting and coiling, mandrel pulling, annealing ovens for nonferrous metals, and secondary operations such as swaging, soldering/brazing, bending and pressure testing. Work does not include iron or steel pipe or heavy foundry operations; it specifically excludes ferrous fabrication covered under other class codes. The code also covers associated material handling, packaging, forklift operations and basic maintenance of extrusion equipment when performed by the plant’s own employees.
Who It Applies To
- Plastic pipe and tubing extrusion manufacturers
- Nonferrous tube producers (aluminum, copper, brass) using extrusion or drawing
- Fabricators producing extruded profiles, channels and custom shapes from polymers
- Plant machine operators and die/setter technicians on extrusion lines
- Maintenance technicians, millwrights and electricians servicing extrusion equipment
Common Job Duties
- Operating and monitoring extruders, pullers, calibrators and cooling systems
- Setting and maintaining extrusion dies, mandrels and temperature controls
- Cutting, sawing, beveling and coiling extruded pipe and tube to length
- Performing quality inspections and dimensional checks of extruded profiles
- Loading raw resin or billet material, unloading finished product, and palletizing
- Conducting routine equipment maintenance, die changes and lubrication
- Pressure testing, joining (soldering/brazing for nonferrous) and packaging
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $7.251 Rate
The approved pure premium rate of $7.251 per $100 of payroll represents the expected average cost of workers' compensation losses for payroll assigned to Class Code 3022. Insurers use this base to calculate premiums by applying company-specific modifiers (experience modification), policy expenses, and any credits or schedule rating factors; payroll classification accuracy and loss history are the primary drivers of the final premium an employer pays.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requirements that commonly apply include maintaining an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (8 CCR 3203), Hazard Communication for polymers and additives (8 CCR 5194), and Respiratory Protection where fumes or dust are present (8 CCR 5144). Employers must also comply with Title 8 machine guarding and lockout/tagout rules, heat exposure controls for hot processes, and noise monitoring/hearing conservation when decibel levels exceed limits.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 3022
A PEO like Key HR can help employers in this classification reduce costs by providing targeted loss-control programs: machine-guarding audits, hot-work and fume-control procedures, customized training for extruder operators, and return-to-work programs to limit indemnity exposure. Key HR also manages claims, ensures correct payroll classification, and leverages group purchasing and experience-modifier strategies to lower overall workers' comp spend.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 3022 include plastic pipe made on-site from raw resin?
Yes. Extrusion of plastic pipe or tubing from raw thermoplastic resins performed by the employer’s production employees is covered under Class Code 3022.
How can we reduce premium for a small nonferrous extrusion shop?
Focus on controlling loss frequency and severity: implement machine guarding, lockout/tagout, hot melt and fume controls, preventive maintenance, operator training, and a formal return-to-work program. Accurate payroll reporting and prompt claim management also lower experience modifiers over time.
Are contract maintenance workers included in this class code?
Independent contractors and specialty vendors are typically classified separately. Workers employed directly by the extrusion plant who perform maintenance are included in Class Code 3022; verify subcontractor certificates and classification with your insurer or PEO.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 3022
- Classification
- Pipe, Tube Or Extrusion Mfg – Not Iron Or Steel
- Pure Premium Rate
- $7.251 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
Manage Workers' Comp Through a PEO
Key HR provides pay-as-you-go workers' comp for California employers — no large deposits, no audits, better rates.
Get a Quoteor call (800) 922-4133Ready to Simplify Workers' Comp for Class Code 3022?
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