Building Code Glossary
Containment System: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define containment system, 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
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, 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.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Containment System is defined once in this corpus, in the Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials 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 | IFC 2009 | 25 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | 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.
Incompatible materials used in open systems shall be separated from each other in the secondary containment system.
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.
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 — 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 — 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 — IFC 2009: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials.
- System — 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 and the ICC 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
- Compressed Gas Container: Building Code Definition
- Equipment: Building Code Definition
- Container: Building Code Definition
- System: 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 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.
Related pages
- Constantly Attended Location: Building Code Definition
Constantly Attended Location — IBC 2009 definition: A designated location at a facility staffed by trained personnel on a continuous basis where alarm …
- Construction Documents: Building Code Definition
Construction Documents — IBC 2009 definition: Written, graphic and pictorial documents prepared or assembled for describing the design, location and physical characteristics …
- Container: Building Code Definition
Container — IFC 2009 definition: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing …
- Contamination: Building Code Definition
Contamination — IRC 2009 definition: An impairment of the quality of the potable water that creates an actual hazard to the …
- Continuous Gas Detection System: Building Code Definition
Continuous Gas Detection System — IBC 2009 definition: A gas detection system where the analytical instrument is maintained in continuous operation and sampling is …
- Continuous Load: Building Code Definition
Continuous Load — IRC 2009 definition: A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more.