Building Code Glossary
Cryogenic Fluid: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define cryogenic fluid, 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
Cryogenic fluid is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “A liquid having a boiling point lower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa).” 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 12 chapters of this corpus, most often in Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009), Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009), Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (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?
Cryogenic Fluid — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
A liquid having a boiling point lower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa).
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Cryogenic Fluid, 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 liquid having a boiling point lower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa). |
| IFC 2009 | Cryogenic Fluids | A fluid having a boiling point lower than -130°F (-89.9°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101.3 kPa). |
Where cryogenic fluid is used in the code
The term appears in 12 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 70 |
| Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 14 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 13 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 12 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 7 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Compressed Gases | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about cryogenic fluid, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
When container foundations or supports are subject to exposure to temperatures below -150°F (-101°C), the foundations or supports shall be constructed of materials to withstand the low-temperature effects of cryogenic fluid spillage.
A construction permit is required for installation of or alteration to outdoor stationary cryogenic fluid storage systems where the system capacity exceeds the amounts listed in Table 105.6.10.
The terms cryogenic fluid 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 cryogenic fluid covers:
- Boiling Point — IBC 2009: The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch (psi) (101 kPa) gage or 760 mm of mercury.
- 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).
Cryogenic Fluid: 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 | Cryogenic Fluids | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Boiling Point | |
| 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
- Boiling Point: Building Code Definition
- Liquid: 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 cryogenic fluid?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “A liquid having a boiling point lower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa).” 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 cryogenic fluid?
In this corpus the term is used across 12 chapters, led by Cryogenic Fluids 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 cryogenic fluid?
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 liquid having a boiling point lower than -150°F (-101°C) at 14.7 pounds per square inch atmosphere (psia) (an absolute pressure of 101 kPa).” 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.
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