Class Code 3372
Electroplating; Buffing/Polishing Metal; Galvanizing
WCIRB Class Code 3372 covers operations that chemically or electrochemically plate metal, mechanically buff or polish metal surfaces, and apply zinc coatings by galvanizing. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate is $5.703 per $100 of payroll. Understanding this classification helps California employers manage exposure, compliance, and workers' comp cost for these high-hazard finishing operations.
What Class Code 3372 Covers
This classification applies to shops and production lines that perform electroplating (immersion in plating baths with current), chemical pickling and stripping, and hot-dip or batch galvanizing operations. It also includes metal finishing operations that use mechanical buffing, polishing wheels, vibratory tumblers, or abrasive polishing to produce a finished surface. Tasks covered range from surface preparation (degreasing, acid pickling) through plating, rinsing, drying, and final polishing or buffing. Work that involves regular entry into plating or galvanizing tanks for maintenance, tank cleaning, or repairs is included because of the elevated confined-space and chemical exposure risks. Routine maintenance of rectifiers, pump systems, and ancillary ventilation that support plating lines is part of the classification when performed by employees whose primary duties support plating or galvanizing production.
Who It Applies To
- Electroplating line operators and attendants
- Galvanizing plant operators and kettle/flux handlers
- Metal finishing technicians who buff, polish, or tumble parts
- Maintenance techs who service plating baths, rectifiers, and ventilation
- Quality control technicians who sample baths and test plated parts
Common Job Duties
- Preparing parts by degreasing, acid pickling, or abrasive scouring before plating
- Operating electroplating rectifiers and controlling plating current and bath chemistry
- Handling chemical baths, transferring solutions, and performing bath replenishment
- Rinsing, drying, and finishing parts, including buffing and polishing with wheels or tumblers
- Hot-dip galvanizing: fluxing, dipping in molten zinc, quenching and cooling
- Cleaning and maintenance of tanks and pumps, including confined-space entry for repairs
- Inspecting plated surfaces and performing quality tests (thickness, adhesion, appearance)
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $5.703 Rate
The pure premium rate of $5.703 per $100 of payroll represents the WCIRB-approved expected loss cost for covered wages in this class. Insurers multiply this pure premium by their loss cost multiplier and apply your payroll/100, experience modification (XMod), and policy-specific adjustments to calculate the final premium. Actual premium is affected by your loss history, workplace controls (ventilation, PPE), classification splits, and participation in safety programs or deductibles.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requires employers to implement hazard communication and chemical exposure controls for plating and galvanizing operations, including written programs, SDS availability, and employee training. Employers must provide appropriate respiratory protection, fit testing, exposure monitoring for airborne contaminants, and local exhaust ventilation to control metal fumes and acid mists. Confined-space entry procedures, emergency eyewash and shower facilities, and hot-work/thermal hazard controls are also commonly required for tank maintenance and galvanizing kettles.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 3372
A PEO like Key HR helps employers in Class Code 3372 by providing targeted loss-control services: on-site safety assessments, standardized confined-space and respiratory programs, respirator fit testing, and training on chemical handling and emergency response. Key HR also centralizes claims management, return-to-work coordination, and group purchasing for PPE and industrial hygiene services to reduce claims severity and workers' comp costs over time.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does Class Code 3372 include abrasive blasting or painting operations?
No. Class Code 3372 specifically covers electroplating, buffing/polishing, and galvanizing. Abrasive blasting, liquid painting, or powder coating are separate operations that typically fall under different WCIRB classifications and should be reported under the appropriate class code for those activities.
What steps lower workers' comp costs for plating and galvanizing shops?
Key cost-reduction steps include engineering controls (local exhaust and ventilation), substitution of less hazardous chemicals where feasible, robust PPE programs, mandatory training and medical surveillance (as required), confined-space procedures, and an active return-to-work program to reduce lost-time claims and improve your experience modification.
What training and PPE are commonly required for employees in this class?
Required training includes hazard communication, chemical handling, respirator use and fit testing, confined-space entry, and emergency response. PPE commonly includes chemical-resistant gloves, aprons, face shields and goggles, appropriate respirators for metal fumes and acid mists, and heat-resistant clothing for galvanizing work.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 3372
- Classification
- Electroplating; Buffing/Polishing Metal; Galvanizing
- Pure Premium Rate
- $5.703 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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