Building Code Glossary
Compressed Gas Container: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define compressed gas 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
Compressed gas container is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Compressed Gases. The code's own words are: “A pressure vessel designed to hold compressed gases at pressures greater than one atmosphere at 68°F (20°C) and includes cylinders, containers and tanks.” 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 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Compressed Gases (IFC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (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?
Compressed Gas Container — IFC 2009, Compressed Gases:
A pressure vessel designed to hold compressed gases at pressures greater than one atmosphere at 68°F (20°C) and includes cylinders, containers and tanks.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Compressed Gas Container is defined once in this corpus, in the Compressed Gases chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A pressure vessel designed to hold compressed gases at pressures greater than one atmosphere at 68°F (20°C) and includes cylinders, containers and tanks.
Where compressed gas container is used in the code
The term appears in 7 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Compressed Gases | IFC 2009 | 64 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about compressed gas container, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Compressed gas container, cylinder and tank valves shall be protected from physical damage by means of protective caps, collars or similar devices in accordance with Sections 3003.6.1 and 3003.6.2.
The terms compressed gas 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 compressed gas container covers:
- Pressure Vessel — IFC 2009: A closed vessel designed to operate at pressures above 15 psig (103 kPa).
- Vessel — IFC 2009: A motorized watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation.
Compressed Gas 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 | Compressed Gases | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Compressed Gases (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Pressure Vessel | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Vessel | |
| 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
- Pressure Vessel: Building Code Definition
- Vessel: 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 compressed gas container?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Compressed Gases as: “A pressure vessel designed to hold compressed gases at pressures greater than one atmosphere at 68°F (20°C) and includes cylinders, containers and tanks.” 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 compressed gas container?
In this corpus the term is used across 7 chapters, led by Compressed Gases 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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