Building Code Glossary
Blasting Agent: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define blasting agent, 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
Blasting agent is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Explosives and Fireworks. The code's own words are: “A material or mixture consisting of fuel and oxidizer, intended for blasting provided that the finished product, as mixed for use or shipment, cannot be detonated by means of a No.8 test detonator when unconfined. Blasting agents are labeled and placarded as Class 1.5 material by US DOTn.” 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 5 chapters of this corpus, most often in Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (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?
Blasting Agent — IFC 2009, Explosives and Fireworks:
A material or mixture consisting of fuel and oxidizer, intended for blasting provided that the finished product, as mixed for use or shipment, cannot be detonated by means of a No.8 test detonator when unconfined. Blasting agents are labeled and placarded as Class 1.5 material by US DOTn.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Blasting Agent is defined once in this corpus, in the Explosives and Fireworks chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A material or mixture consisting of fuel and oxidizer, intended for blasting provided that the finished product, as mixed for use or shipment, cannot be detonated by means of a No.8 test detonator when unconfined. Blasting agents are labeled and placarded as Class 1.5 material by US DOTn.
Where blasting agent 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 14 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| Flammable Solids | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The terms blasting agent is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what blasting agent covers:
- Detonator — IFC 2009: A device containing any initiating or primary explosive that is used for initiating detonation.
- Oxidizer — IBC 2009: A material that readily yields oxygen or other oxidizing gas, or that readily reacts to promote or initiate combustion of combustible materials and, if heated or contaminated' can result in vigorous self-sustained decomposition.
- Labeled — IBC 2009: Equipment, materials or products to which has been affixed a label, seal, symbol or other identifying mark of a nationally recognized testing laboratory, inspection agency or other organization concerned with product evaluation that maintains periodic inspection of the production of …
Blasting Agent: 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 | Explosives and Fireworks | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Detonator | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Oxidizer | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Labeled | |
| 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
- Detonator: Building Code Definition
- Oxidizer: Building Code Definition
- Labeled: 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 blasting agent?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Explosives and Fireworks as: “A material or mixture consisting of fuel and oxidizer, intended for blasting provided that the finished product, as mixed for use or shipment, cannot be detonated by means of a No.8 test detonator when unconfined. Blasting agents are labeled and placarded as Class 1.5 material by US DOTn.” 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 blasting agent?
In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Explosives and Fireworks 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.
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