Building Code Glossary
Corrosive: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define corrosive, 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
Corrosive is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described in DOTn 49 CFR, Part 173.137, such a chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the …” The IFC 2009 defines the same term with different wording, so the controlling text depends on which code governs the question in front of you — the comparison below sets the versions side by side. The term is used in 32 chapters of this corpus, most often in Corrosive Materials (IFC 2009), Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009), Fuel Gas (IRC 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?
Corrosive — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described in DOTn 49 CFR, Part 173.137, such a chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the structure ofthe tissue at the point of contact following an exposure period of 4 hours. This term does not refer to action on inanimate surfaces.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Corrosive, and the wording is not identical — read the version that governs your question.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Use and Occupancy Classification | A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described in DOTn 49 CFR, Part 173.137, such a chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the structure ofthe tissue at the point of contact following an exposure period of 4 hours. This term does not refer to action on inanimate surfaces. |
| IFC 2009 | Corrosive Materials | A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described in DOTn 49 CFR 173.137, such chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the structure of the tissue at the point of contact following an exposure period of 4 hours. This term does not refer to action on inanimate surfaces. |
Where corrosive is used in the code
The term appears in 32 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Corrosive Materials | IFC 2009 | 34 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 14 |
| Fuel Gas | IRC 2009 | 12 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 9 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 7 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Concrete | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 4 |
20 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about corrosive, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The storage and use of corrosive materials shall be in accordance with this chapter.
Where corrosive atmospheres exist, exhaust duct sprinklers and pipe fittings shall be manufactured of corrosion-resistant materials or coated with approved materials.
Seamless copper, aluminum alloy or steel tubing shall be permitted to be used with gases not corrosive to such material.
The terms corrosive is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what corrosive covers:
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
- Chemical — IFC 2009: An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.
- Shall — IRC 2009: The term, when used in the code, is construed as mandatory.
Corrosive: 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 IBC | Use and Occupancy Classification | |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Corrosive Materials | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Corrosive Materials (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fuel Gas (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Exhaust Systems (IMC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Structure | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Chemical | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Shall | |
| 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
- Structure: Building Code Definition
- Chemical: 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 corrosive?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described in DOTn 49 CFR, Part 173.137, such a chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the structure ofthe tissue at the point of contact following an exposure period of 4 hours. This term does not refer to action on inanimate surfaces.” 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 corrosive?
In this corpus the term is used across 32 chapters, led by Corrosive 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 is the simple definition of corrosive?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Use and Occupancy Classification: “A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method described in DOTn 49 CFR, Part 173.137, such a chemical destroys or changes irreversibly the …” It is defined in IBC 2009, 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 does IBC mean in building codes?
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 corrosive, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A chemical that causes visible destruction of, or irreversible alterations in, living tissue by chemical action at the point of contact. A chemical shall be considered corrosive if, when tested on the intact skin of albino rabbits by the method …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
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