Building Code Glossary
Closed Container: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define closed 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
Closed container is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions. The code's own words are: “A container sealed by means ofa lid or other device such that liquid, vapor or dusts will not escape from it under ordinary conditions of use or handling.” 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 8 chapters of this corpus, most often in Definitions (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Flammable and Combustible Liquids (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?
Closed Container — IFC 2009, Hazardous Materials-general Provisions:
A container sealed by means ofa lid or other device such that liquid, vapor or dusts will not escape from it under ordinary conditions of use or handling.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Closed Container is defined once in this corpus, in the Hazardous Materials-general Provisions chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A container sealed by means ofa lid or other device such that liquid, vapor or dusts will not escape from it under ordinary conditions of use or handling.
Where closed container is used in the code
The term appears in 8 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 13 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Manufacture of Organic Coatings | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IMC 2009 | 1 |
The terms closed container is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what closed container covers:
- Container — IFC 2009: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials.
- Handling — IBC 2009: The deliberate transport by any means to a point of storage or use.
- Liquid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point that is equal to or less than 68°F (20°C) and a boiling point that is greater than 68°F (20°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa).
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Closed 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 IFC | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Definitions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| 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) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Container | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Handling | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Liquid | |
| 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
- Handling: Building Code Definition
- Liquid: Building Code Definition
- Device: 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 closed container?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions as: “A container sealed by means ofa lid or other device such that liquid, vapor or dusts will not escape from it under ordinary conditions of use or handling.” 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 closed container?
In this corpus the term is used across 8 chapters, led by Definitions 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 the definition of a closed container?
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: “A container sealed by means ofa lid or other device such that liquid, vapor or dusts will not escape from it under ordinary conditions of use or handling.” 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.
What is the definition of the International Building Code (IBC)?
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 closed container, which the IFC 2009 defines as “A container sealed by means ofa lid or other device such that liquid, vapor or dusts will not escape from it under ordinary conditions of use or handling.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
Related pages
- Cleanout: Building Code Definition
Cleanout — IBC 2009 definition: An opening to the bottom of a grout space of sufficient size and spacing to allow …
- Clearance: Building Code Definition
Clearance — IRC 2009 definition: The minimum distance through air measured between the heat-producing surface of the mechanical appliance, device or …
- Clinic, Outpatient: Building Code Definition
Clinic, Outpatient — IBC 2009 definition: Buildings or portions thereof used to provide medical care on less than a 24-hour basis to …
- Closed System: Building Code Definition
Closed System — IBC 2009 definition: The use of a solid or liquid hazardous material involving a closed vessel or system that …
- Clothes Closet: Building Code Definition
Clothes Closet — IRC 2009 definition: A nonhabitable room or space intended primarily for storage of garments and apparel.
- Clothes Dryer: Building Code Definition
Clothes Dryer — IRC 2009 definition: An appliance used to dry wet laundry by means of heated air.