# Aerosol Container: Building Code Definition

> How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define aerosol container, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/aerosol-container/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IBC 2009, IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IBC 2009 Use and Occupancy Classification (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 5 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | No (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Aerosol container is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “A metal can or a glass or plastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol. Metal cans shall be limited to a maximum size of33.8 fluid ounces (1000 ml) . Glass or plastic bottles shall be limited to a maximum size of 4 fluid ounces (118 ml).” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Aerosols (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Definitions (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

*Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Aerosol Container** — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:

> A metal can or a glass or plastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol. Metal cans shall be limited to a maximum size of33.8 fluid ounces (1000 ml) . Glass or plastic bottles shall be limited to a maximum size of 4 fluid ounces (118 ml).

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Aerosol Container: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/aerosol-container/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define aerosol container, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define **Aerosol Container**, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.

| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IBC 2009 | [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | A metal can or a glass or plastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol. Metal cans shall be limited to a maximum size of33.8 fluid ounces (1000 ml) . Glass or plastic bottles shall be limited to a maximum size of 4 fluid ounces (118 ml). |
| IFC 2009 | [Aerosols](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/aerosols.md) | A metal can, or a glass or plastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol. Metal cans shall be limited to a maximum size of33. 8 fluid ounces (1000 ml). Glass or plastic bottles shall be limited to a maximum size of 4 fluid ounces (118 mI). |

## Where aerosol container is used in the code

The term appears in 5 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Aerosols](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/aerosols.md) | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| [Use and Occupancy Classification](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/use-and-occupancy-classification.md) | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| [Flammable and Combustible Liquids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 |

## The terms aerosol container is built out of

The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what aerosol container covers:

- **[Aerosol](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/aerosol.md)** — IBC 2009: A product that is dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant.
- **[Shall](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/shall.md)** — IRC 2009: The term, when used in the code, is construed as mandatory.

## Aerosol Container: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Aerosols | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Aerosols (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Aerosol | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Shall | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | |

**A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

## Where can you explore related guidance?

- [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Aerosol: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/aerosol.md)
- [Corrosive: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/corrosive.md)
- [Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/hazardous-materials.md)
- [Combustible Liquid: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/combustible-liquid.md)

## Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of aerosol container?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “A metal can or a glass or plastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol. Metal cans shall be limited to a maximum size of33.8 fluid ounces (1000 ml) . Glass or plastic bottles shall be limited to a maximum size of 4 fluid ounces (118 ml).” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

### Which parts of the code depend on aerosol container?

In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Aerosols in the IFC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

### What is an aerosol container?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Use and Occupancy Classification: “A metal can or a glass or plastic bottle designed to dispense an aerosol. Metal cans shall be limited to a maximum size of33.8 fluid ounces (1000 ml) . Glass or plastic bottles shall be limited to a maximum size of 4 fluid ounces (118 ml).” It is defined in IBC 2009, IFC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

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