Class Code 4828
Chemical Mixing Or Repackaging
Class code 4828 applies to workplaces where chemicals are blended, diluted, transferred or repackaged from bulk containers into smaller containers. This page explains the specific operations, common hazards, and compliance obligations for California employers; the September 1, 2026 approved pure premium rate for 4828 is $3.583 per $100 of payroll.
What Class Code 4828 Covers
This classification covers employees whose primary duty is mixing, batching, diluting, blending or repackaging liquid or powdered chemical products — for example converting bulk drums, totes or tankers into pails, bottles, cartridges or small containers for sale or distribution. Work under 4828 includes manual and mechanized transfer operations (pumps, metering, and auger systems), lab-scale batching for product formulation, product homogenization, addition of scents or dyes, filling, capping, labeling, and basic in-process QC sampling. It generally applies to contract packagers, small-scale specialty chemical blenders (cleaners, degreasers, adhesives, cosmetics, coatings), and distribution centers that perform secondary packaging rather than primary chemical manufacture or large continuous chemical processing. Operations with substantial on-site chemical synthesis, catalytic reactions, or large-scale chemical plants are typically coded differently and may fall under manufacturing or process-specific codes.
Who It Applies To
- Contract packagers and repackers who transfer products from drums/totes into retail containers
- Small-batch formula blenders for cleaners, solvents, adhesives, cosmetics, or coatings
- Distribution or fulfillment centers that perform secondary filling and labeling
- Plant operators and technicians who run mixers, pumps, and filling lines
- Quality control technicians who sample and test batches during repackaging
Common Job Duties
- Receiving bulk chemical drums/totes and transferring product using pumps, hoses, or gravity feeds
- Batching and blending liquids or powders according to formulation sheets
- Operating mixers, homogenizers, and metering pumps during fill operations
- Weighing ingredients, adding diluents or additives, and monitoring batch parameters
- Filling, capping, sealing and labeling containers; palletizing finished goods
- Cleaning equipment, managing spills and performing routine maintenance on mixing lines
- Collecting QC samples, recording batch logs and performing basic lab tests
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $3.583 Rate
The pure premium rate of $3.583 per $100 of payroll represents the portion of premium intended to cover expected claim costs for class code 4828. To estimate base premium multiply total payroll for employees in this class by the rate (for example, $100,000 payroll -> (100,000/100) x 3.583 = $3,583). Final employer cost is adjusted by the employer's experience modification, carrier expense loads, state assessments, premium audits, deductibles, and any class-code splits or policy credits.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Cal/OSHA requires employers who handle or repackage chemicals to comply with Hazard Communication rules (maintain Safety Data Sheets, labels and employee training), implement ventilation and engineering controls to meet Permissible Exposure Limits, and provide appropriate PPE and a written respiratory protection program when needed. Employers should also maintain emergency eyewash and shower access, have written spill response and confined-space procedures for tanks or pits, and evaluate whether Process Safety Management or other Title 8 requirements apply for highly hazardous or flammable chemicals.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 4828
A PEO like Key HR can help employers in class 4828 by ensuring correct payroll classification during audits, administering workers' comp claims and return-to-work programs to lower lost‑time costs, and delivering tailored loss-control services such as SOP templates, respirator and hazcom training, and on-demand safety consulting. Key HR also consolidates payroll and reporting, which helps maintain accurate exposure data and can reduce costly misclassification or surprise premium adjustments.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
If my facility does occasional repackaging but most employees are clerical or sales, do I use 4828 for all payroll?
No. Only employees whose primary duties are mixing, batching or repackaging belong in class 4828. Clerical, sales, or office staff should be reported under the appropriate office/class codes. Accurate payroll allocation is essential—misclassification can trigger audits and retroactive premium assessments.
What are the most effective loss-control measures for repackaging operations?
Engineering controls and containment are most effective: closed transfer systems, local exhaust ventilation, drum pumps, and automated filling minimize worker exposure. Complement with documented SOPs, spill containment and cleanup procedures, PPE (chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles), employee training, eyewash/showers, and an active respiratory protection program when vapors exceed PELs.
When should I expect Process Safety Management (PSM) or additional Cal/OSHA programs to apply?
PSM-style rules and additional Title 8 requirements apply when you store or process listed highly hazardous or flammable chemicals above regulatory threshold quantities or when your processes present catastrophic release risks. Thresholds vary by chemical and regulation—consult a Cal/OSHA expert or Key HR safety advisor to evaluate your inventory, develop compliant programs, and determine if PSM, permit-required confined-space procedures, or classified-location controls are needed.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 4828
- Classification
- Chemical Mixing Or Repackaging
- Pure Premium Rate
- $3.583 / $100 payroll
- Effective Date
- September 1, 2026
- Source
- WCIRB Approved Filing
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