Class 5538
Code 5538, a “not otherwise classified” classification, includes outside sheet metal installation and any shop operations necessary to prepare the sheet metal for installation. The term “installation” contemplates operations ranging from the simple bolting of goods in place to more complex construction-like operations. Sheet metal shops usually contain such machinery as circular or square shears, crimpers, brakes, beaders, punchers, riveters and other light metal working machines. Operations may include cutting, sizing, shaping, forming, welding, seaming, soldering and crimping of the sheet metal.
The sheet metal used may be galvanized iron, sheet iron, steel, tin, copper or aluminum. Most sheet metal used will seldom, if ever, exceed that of 14-gauge or 5/64 of an inch.
Sheet metal duct work performed on non-portable air-conditioning units is contemplated within the scope of Code 5538, as is the fabrication, erection or installation of duct work for heating systems.
This classification contemplates the installation of items such as sheet metal furnaces, skylights, spouting and flashing.
The assignment of Code 5538 to these operations is based on the fact that while the aforementioned materials are lighter than sheet metal, the installation methods employed are similar for each type of material, be they of the lighter weight materials noted above or of the sheet metal variety.
Code 5538 additionally contemplates an entity that engages exclusively in the manufacture and erection of metal awnings as well as an entity that exclusively erects metal awnings.
The construction of Quonset-type structures (residential, commercial, federal war housing or military reservation projects), Butler Bins, and pre-engineered steel buildings are contemplated by Codes 5059 (less than 30 feet in height) or 5040 (exceeding 30 feet in height). Codes 5059 and 5040 contemplates work performed at ground level for material staging, storage and sorting of steel; load preparation to ready structural steel members to be hoisted in place; operation and maintenance of the hoisting device by members of the erection crew; and installation of siding components and roof panels.
The installation of sheet metal decking, which serves (1) to provide a work platform at each floor level, (2) as a crash deck to protect workers on lower levels from falling objects, and (3) as the form work necessary for pouring the concrete floors, is considered incidental to the main iron or steel erection work and should be classified to Codes 5059 (less than 30 feet in height) or 5040 (exceeding 30 feet in height) whether performed by principal or specialist contractors.
Sheet metal siding installed on the exterior of a steel frame structure is assigned to the appropriate steel erection classification whether installed by principal or specialist contractors.
Code 5538—Sheet Metal Work, etc., shall not be assigned at the same job or location to which Code 5059 or Code 5040 applies.
The application of Code 5538 to insureds engaged in roofing operations is limited and highly restrictive. Sheet metal shop fabrication operations conducted by roofing contractors qualify for assignment to Code 5538, and providing the proper payroll breakdowns are maintained, an individual's payroll may be allocated between Codes 5538, 5545 and 5547 for such shop fabrication. However, installation operations do not qualify for assignment to Code 5538 on any jobs that are properly assigned to Code 5545, regardless of what the specific sheet metal product being installed may be—flashing, skylights or gutters and downspouts. Additionally, the installation of sheet metal flashing, etc., on built-up roofs, which is assigned to Code 5547, does not qualify for assignment to Code 5538 unless installed by a separate crew that is not engaged in any roofing at a built-up roofing job or location.
Refer to Code 5057 for insureds engaged in silo erection. Code 5057 applies to the erection of silos constructed from metal or glass fused to steel.
Refer to Code 5102 for insureds engaged in the erection of telephone booths, and the erection of sheet metal dustless clean-air rooms.
Class 5538
Applies to fabrication, erection, installation, or repair operations.
Applies to erection, installation or repair operations. Sheet metal roofing on sloping roofs having a pitch greater than three inches to the foot to be separately rated as Code 5545 roofing NOC.