Building Code Glossary
Alcohol-based Hand Rub: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define alcohol-based hand rub, 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
Alcohol-based hand rub is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Flammable and Combustible Liquids. The code's own words are: “An alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of viable microorganisms on the hands and containing ethanol or isopropanol in an amount not exceeding 70 percent by volume.” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IFC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 3 chapters of this corpus, most often in Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Definitions (IFC 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?
Alcohol-based Hand Rub — IFC 2009, Flammable and Combustible Liquids:
An alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of viable microorganisms on the hands and containing ethanol or isopropanol in an amount not exceeding 70 percent by volume.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Alcohol-based Hand Rub is defined once in this corpus, in the Flammable and Combustible Liquids chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
An alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of viable microorganisms on the hands and containing ethanol or isopropanol in an amount not exceeding 70 percent by volume.
Where alcohol-based hand rub is used in the code
The term appears in 3 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
Alcohol-based Hand Rub: 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 IFC | Flammable and Combustible Liquids | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| 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
- Liquid Storage Warehouse: Building Code Definition
- Process Transfer: Building Code Definition
- Remote Solvent Reservoir: Building Code Definition
- Fire Point: 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 alcohol-based hand rub?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Flammable and Combustible Liquids as: “An alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of viable microorganisms on the hands and containing ethanol or isopropanol in an amount not exceeding 70 percent by volume.” 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 alcohol-based hand rub?
In this corpus the term is used across 3 chapters, led by Flammable and Combustible Liquids 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 alcohol-based hand rub?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Flammable and Combustible Liquids: “An alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of viable microorganisms on the hands and containing ethanol or isopropanol in an amount not exceeding 70 percent by volume.” It is defined in 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.
Related pages
- Alarm Notification Appliance: Building Code Definition
Alarm Notification Appliance — IBC 2009 definition: A fire alarm system component such as a bell, horn, speaker, light or text display that …
- Alarm Signal: Building Code Definition
Alarm Signal — IBC 2009 definition: A signal indicating an emergency requiring immediate action, such as a signal indicative of fire.
- Alarm Verification Feature: Building Code Definition
Alarm Verification Feature — IBC 2009 definition: A feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce unwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors …
- Allowable Stress Design: Building Code Definition
Allowable Stress Design — IBC 2009 definition: A method of proportioning structural members, such that elastically computed stresses produced in the members by …
- Alteration: Building Code Definition
Alteration — IBC 2009 definition: Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than repair or addition.
- Alternating Tread Device: Building Code Definition
Alternating Tread Device — IBC 2009 definition: A device that has a series of steps between 50 and 70 degrees (0.87 and 1.22 …