Class 8601
Code 8601 is applicable to insureds engaged in the architectural or engineering profession as a separate and distinct business. Operations conducted by these firms usually include consultations with clients; research on behalf of clients; site inspections; and the compilation of information to enable these firms to make recommendations to their clients. These recommendations may be in the form of written or electronic media and include plans, maps, charts, and specifications. Code 8601 includes, but is not limited to, the following type of engineering firms: mechanical, civil, electrical, chemical, mining, metallurgical, marine, and industrial.
Code 8601 is not a Standard Exception. As such, unless specifically indicated in this scope or by MA Manual reference, Code 8601 is not applicable to architects or engineers employed by insureds who are not in the architectural or engineering business. Refer to Code 8810 for those employees solely performing drafting and clerical work confined to an office setting. Architectural and engineering personnel in support of an entity’s principal business must be separately rated to the governing classification of that business.
Refer to Code 8720 for the appropriate classification assigned to employees of energy conservation consulting firms who conduct energy audits. These employees visit the customers’ premises, record data and make recommendations as to how the customers might conserve energy. The actual installation of energy conservation materials is not contemplated by Code 8720.
Code 8601 also applies to all types of research and development businesses engaged in the manufacturing of prototypes. By definition, a prototype is a model or example upon which future production of an item may be based. Those risks, regardless of how they advertise or hold themselves out to provide services, engaged in the production of a one-of-a-kind item, generally a tool or machinery, to customer specifications are properly assigned to the appropriate manufacturing class.
Air flow balancing and testing of nonportable air conditioning units conducted by air conditioning contractors is assigned to Code 5190, provided the conditions outlined in MA Manual Rule IV-D-8 are met. The testing and balancing operations consist of reviewing the system’s design plans and specifications, preparing field test reports, measuring air and water flow rates using pressure sensitive gauges, setting balancing devices (dampers and valves) using hand tools including wrenches and screwdrivers, and preparing and submitting final reports to clients.
Examples of employees not classified to Code 8601 include mechanical engineers employed by vehicle manufacturers, chemical engineers employed by chemical manufacturers, and electrical engineers employed by power and light companies. Architects or engineers employed by these insureds are assigned to the code(s) applicable to their employer’s business that includes the architect or engineer’s exposures.
Class 8601
Does not apply when engaged in actual construction. May only be used upon specific assignment of MA Bureau. Shall not be assigned to a risk engaged in operations described by another classification unless the operations subject to Code 8601 are conducted as a separate and distinct business.
Includes lease buyers who, as any part of their duty, perform work similar to that undertaken by oil or gas geologists or scouts.
Applies to land surveying. Not applicable when engaged in actual construction. May be used only upon specific assignment by the MA Bureau. Shall not be as- signed to a risk engaged in
operations described by another classification unless the operations subject to Code 8601 are conducted as a separate and distinct business.