Class Code 9402
Sewer, Tank Or Hazardous Spill Cleaning
Class code 9402 covers work involving cleaning sewers, tanks, septic systems and response to hazardous material spills in California. This classification includes routine maintenance and emergency spill cleanup and carries a pure premium rate of $4.123 per $100 of payroll for September 1, 2026.
What Class Code 9402 Covers
This classification applies to crews and contractors who clean and maintain sewer lines, storm drains, manholes, septic tanks, grease traps and industrial process tanks, as well as teams that respond to and remediate hazardous chemical or fuel spills. Typical operations include confined-space entry into manholes or tanks, high‑pressure water jetting, vacuum/excavation with combination sewer trucks or hydro‑vac units, removal and containment of contaminated solids and liquids, decontamination and proper disposal/transport of waste. It also covers emergency responders engaged in spill control and temporary site stabilization prior to handoff to remediation contractors. Jobs that involve routine surface cleaning only, without confined space entry or hazardous materials handling, are usually classified differently; the presence of toxic contaminants, permit‑required confined spaces, or HAZMAT cleanup duties drives classification into 9402.
Who It Applies To
- Municipal wastewater and storm‑drain maintenance crews
- Commercial sewer and septic pumping contractors
- Hazardous materials (HAZWOPER) and spill response contractors
- Industrial tank cleaning and plant maintenance teams
- Environmental remediation firms doing emergency spill cleanup
- Contractors operating vacuum/hydro‑jet or combination sewer trucks
Common Job Duties
- Entering manholes, wet wells or confined tanks for inspection and cleaning
- Operating high‑pressure water jetters, CCTV cameras and vacuum trucks
- Atmospheric monitoring for oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, methane and VOCs
- Containment, recovery and packaging of contaminated liquids and solids
- Decontamination of personnel and equipment after spill response
- Coordinating hazardous waste labeling, manifesting and transport to disposal facilities
- Shoring, retrieval and standby rescue duties for confined space entry
Common Injury Risks
Understanding the $4.123 Rate
The approved pure premium of $4.123 per $100 of payroll is the portion of premium intended to cover expected claim costs for this exposure. To estimate pure premium, multiply total payroll (in hundreds) by $4.123 (for example, $100,000 payroll = $4,123 pure premium). Final premiums are adjusted by insurer expense loads, experience modification factors, class‑coding accuracy, schedule credits or debits, state assessments, and any deductible or retrospective rating programs.
Cal/OSHA Compliance Requirements
Work under 9402 commonly triggers multiple Cal/OSHA standards: 8 CCR 5157 (Permit‑Required Confined Spaces) requires written permits, atmospheric testing, attendants and rescue capability; 8 CCR 5192 (HAZWOPER) applies to hazardous waste and spill cleanup and mandates initial and refresher training; 8 CCR 5144 requires a respiratory protection program and medical surveillance when respirators are used; 8 CCR 5193 (Bloodborne Pathogens) and 8 CCR 5194 (Hazard Communication) are also commonly applicable. Employers must perform pre‑entry atmospheric monitoring, document entry permits, maintain rescue and retrieval systems, implement decontamination and PPE procedures, and keep training records to satisfy Cal/OSHA inspectors.
How Key HR Helps Employers Under Class Code 9402
A PEO like Key HR can help employers in class 9402 by ensuring correct class coding and payroll reporting, coordinating HAZWOPER and confined‑space training, managing claims and return‑to‑work programs, and conducting on‑site loss control audits. Key HR also helps procure compliant PPE, maintain written programs required by Cal/OSHA, and work with carriers to control experience modification impacts and lower long‑term workers' comp costs.
Get a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Does my crew need HAZWOPER training to clean a minor fuel spill?
It depends on duties and expected exposure. Personnel performing cleanup, handling contaminated waste, or working in contaminated atmospheres typically require HAZWOPER training (24‑ or 40‑hour initial training depending on scope) plus annual refresher; personnel whose role is limited to recognizing and notifying may only need awareness‑level training. Assess the site hazard and consult the HAZWOPER standard to determine the required training level.
Are confined space permits always required for sewer and tank entry?
Yes, if a space meets the permit‑required confined space criteria (hazardous atmosphere, potential to engulf, internal configuration, or other hazards), 8 CCR 5157 requires a written permit, atmospheric testing, a trained attendant, retrieval systems and rescue planning before entry. Administrative controls alone are not sufficient when permit conditions exist.
What steps reduce my workers' comp costs for 9402 operations?
Key steps include documenting and enforcing confined space and HAZWOPER programs, pre‑entry atmospheric monitoring, using vacuum or remote equipment to minimize manual entry, routine PPE and respirator programs with medical surveillance, post‑incident reporting and prompt claims management, and a formal return‑to‑work policy. Partnering with a PEO for training, audits and claims advocacy often reduces frequency and severity of claims.
Quick Facts
- Class Code
- 9402
- Classification
- Sewer, Tank Or Hazardous Spill Cleaning
- Pure Premium Rate
- $4.123 / $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 9402?
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