Building Code Glossary
Chemical: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define chemical, 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
Chemical is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions. The code's own words are: “An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.” 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 56 chapters of this corpus, most often in Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
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?
Chemical — IFC 2009, Hazardous Materials-general Provisions:
An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Chemical is defined once in this corpus, in the Hazardous Materials-general Provisions chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.
Where chemical is used in the code
The term appears in 56 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 38 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 25 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 19 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 18 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 15 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 14 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 14 |
| Unstable (reactive) Materials | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Masonry | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 8 |
| Concrete | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Aerosols | IFC 2009 | 7 |
44 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about chemical, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where detrimental conditions are suspected, a chemical analysis of the soil and ground water conditions shall be required to ascertain the acceptability of the water service or water distribution piping material for the specific installation.
Persons responsible for the operation of areas in which hazardous materials are stored, dispensed, handled or used shall be familiar with the chemical nature of the materials and the appropriate mitigating actions necessary in the event of fire, leak or spill.
Wet-chemical extinguishing systems shall be installed, maintained, periodically inspected and tested in accordance with NFPA 17A and their listing.
Chemical: 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 | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Water Supply and Distribution (IPC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Protection Systems (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
- Container: Building Code Definition
- System: Building Code Definition
- Cylinder: Building Code Definition
- Design Pressure: 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 chemical?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions as: “An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.” 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 chemical?
In this corpus the term is used across 56 chapters, led by Use and Occupancy Classification in the IBC 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 are the chemical properties of building materials?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions: “An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.” It is defined in IFC 2009. It is not the same as Building, which the IBC 2009 defines separately as “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” 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.
What is the definition of a building code?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as chemical, which the IFC 2009 defines as “An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does chemical code mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions: “An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.” 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.
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