Building Code Glossary
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.
On this page
Last updated September 7, 2026 · 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.
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, 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).
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 | 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 | 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 | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | 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 — IBC 2009: A product that is dispensed from an aerosol container by a propellant.
- Shall — 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 and the ICC 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
- Aerosol: Building Code Definition
- Corrosive: Building Code Definition
- Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition
- Combustible Liquid: Building Code Definition
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 publishes the current model text and the ICC adoption maps show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.
Source links
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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