# Containment System: Building Code Definition

> How the IFC 2009 define containment system, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/containment-system/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: 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.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IFC 2009 Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 5 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Containment system is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials. The code's own words are: “A gas-tight recovery system comprised of equipment or devices which can be placed over a leak in a compressed gas container, thereby stopping or controlling the escape of gas from the leaking container.” 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 Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 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.

*Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Containment System** — IFC 2009, Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials:

> A gas-tight recovery system comprised of equipment or devices which can be placed over a leak in a compressed gas container, thereby stopping or controlling the escape of gas from the leaking container.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Containment System: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/containment-system/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IFC 2009 define containment system, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Containment System** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/highly-toxic-and-toxic-materials.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:

> A gas-tight recovery system comprised of equipment or devices which can be placed over a leak in a compressed gas container, thereby stopping or controlling the escape of gas from the leaking container.

## Where containment system 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 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/highly-toxic-and-toxic-materials.md) | IFC 2009 | 25 |
| [Hazardous Materials-general Provisions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md) | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| [Flammable and Combustible Liquids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md) | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| [Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/motor-fuel-dispensing-facilities-and-repair-garages.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 1 |

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about containment system, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> Where a total containment system is used, the system shall be designed to handle the maximum anticipated pressure of release to the system when it reaches equilibrium.

— [IFC 2009 §3704.2.2.7.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/highly-toxic-and-toxic-materials.md)

> Incompatible materials used in open systems shall be separated from each other in the secondary containment system.

— [IFC 2009 §2704.2.2.2](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md)

> The spill control and secondary containment system shall have a design capacity capable of containing the capacity of the largest tank compartment located in the area where transfer operations are conducted.

— [IFC 2009 §3406.5.1.5](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md)


## The terms containment system 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 containment system covers:

- **[Compressed Gas Container](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/compressed-gas-container.md)** — 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.
- **[Equipment](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/equipment.md)** — IRC 2009: All piping, ducts, vents, control devices and other components of systems other than appliances that are permanently installed and integrated to provide control of environmental conditions for buildings.
- **[Container](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/container.md)** — IFC 2009: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials.
- **[System](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md)** — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.

## Containment System: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Compressed Gas Container | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Equipment | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Container | |
| 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Compressed Gas Container: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/compressed-gas-container.md)
- [Equipment: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/equipment.md)
- [Container: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/container.md)
- [System: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md)

## 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](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.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of containment system?

The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials as: “A gas-tight recovery system comprised of equipment or devices which can be placed over a leak in a compressed gas container, thereby stopping or controlling the escape of gas from the leaking container.” 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 containment system?

In this corpus the term is used across 5 chapters, led by Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials 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 does "containment system" mean?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials: “A gas-tight recovery system comprised of equipment or devices which can be placed over a leak in a compressed gas container, thereby stopping or controlling the escape of gas from the leaking container.” 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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