Class Code 4420
Rubber Tire Recapping Or Retreading
Class Code 4420 applies to businesses that perform rubber tire recapping or retreading in California. This classification covers the specialized processes of inspecting casings, buffing, applying new treads, and curing—work with unique mechanical, thermal, chemical, and ergonomic hazards. The September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for 4420 is $8.576 per $100 of payroll.
What Class Code 4420 Covers
This class covers operations where used tire casings are prepared and rebuilt by removing worn tread, inspecting casings, buffing the casing surface, applying cushion gum and new tread, and curing the assembly by autoclave or hot-bath methods. It includes both cold and hot retreading methods, bead and casing repairs, buffing and grinding equipment operation, adhesive application, and final finishing. Activities such as handling solvents and primers, operating conveyor systems, moving heavy truck or earthmover casings with hoists or forklifts, and quality inspection work are included. Mobile retread units and on-site retreading performed for fleet maintenance are also captured when the core retreading work is done.
Who It Applies To
- Independent tire retreading shops (truck and bus retreads)
- Fleet maintenance shops that rebuild tires on-site (trucking, transit, waste-haul)
- Mobile retread units that perform buffing, bonding, and curing at customer sites
- Technicians who inspect casings, buff, apply tread, and operate autoclaves
- Supervisors, quality-control inspectors, and repair specialists in retread facilities
Common Job Duties
- Inspecting tire casings for defects, damage, and usable life
- Buffing and grinding old tread and preparing the casing surface
- Applying cushion gum, adhesives, and new tread assemblies
- Operating curing equipment (autoclaves or presses) and monitoring cure cycles
- Repairing beads, plugs, and sidewall damage before retreading
- Moving and staging heavy tires using hoists, forklifts, and cranes
- Finishing, quality checks, and balancing of retreaded tires
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $8.576 Rate
The pure premium rate of $8.576 per $100 of payroll represents the expected cost of workers' compensation losses for this class before expense loads and adjustments. To estimate premium, multiply total payroll (divided by 100) by 8.576; for example, $100,000 in payroll yields a pure loss cost of $8,576. The final premium an employer pays is affected by their insurer's loss cost multiplier, experience modification (X-mod), class code mix and payroll accuracy, premium discounts, and state assessments.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requirements commonly applicable to retreading shops include maintaining an Injury and Illness Prevention Program (IIPP), written hazard communication (SDS) for adhesives and solvents, respiratory protection when exposures exceed permissible limits, and effective machine guarding and lockout/tagout for grinders and conveyors. Employers must also provide PPE (eye protection, face shields, hearing protection, chemical-resistant gloves) and training in safe operation of autoclaves, hoists, and abrasive equipment, plus ventilation to control dust and solvent vapors.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 4420
A PEO like Key HR can help retreading businesses reduce workers' comp costs by providing targeted loss-control audits, safety program templates (IIPP, HAZCOM, respirator programs), and industry-specific training for buffing, autoclave safety, and manual handling. Key HR can also manage claims and return-to-work coordination, ensure correct payroll classification, and leverage group buying power and claims administration expertise to help lower experience mod and overall premium.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does mobile on-site retreading count under Class Code 4420?
Yes. Mobile retread units that perform the core operations of buffing, applying tread/adhesive, and curing or handling retreaded casings are typically classified to 4420 when the primary work is tire recapping or retreading.
What steps reduce workers' comp costs in a retread shop?
Focus on machine guarding and lockout/tagout for grinders, formal autoclave and hot-work procedures, local exhaust ventilation for dust and fumes, powered equipment for lifting heavy casings, enforced PPE use, and a documented return-to-work program to reduce lost-time claims and lower your experience modification.
Which PPE and training are most important for retreading workers?
Mandatory PPE typically includes eye/face protection, hearing protection, cut-resistant gloves for buffing, chemical-resistant gloves for adhesives, and respirators when exposures exceed limits. Training should cover safe grinder operation, autoclave procedures, hazardous chemical handling with SDS review, and manual handling techniques.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 4420
- Classification
- Rubber Tire Recapping Or Retreading
- Pure Premium Rate
- $8.576 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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