Building Code Glossary
Explosive Material: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define explosive material, 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
Explosive material is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Explosives and Fireworks. The code's own words are: “The term "explosive" material means explosives, blasting agents and detonators.” 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 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009), Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted. Record the jurisdiction, the adopted edition, the application date and any local amendment that rewrites the definition before you use it on a live project, because a term redefined by amendment changes every requirement that depends on it.
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?
Explosive Material — IFC 2009, Explosives and Fireworks:
The term "explosive" material means explosives, blasting agents and detonators.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Explosive Material is defined once in this corpus, in the Explosives and Fireworks chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
The term "explosive" material means explosives, blasting agents and detonators.
Where explosive material is used in the code
The term appears in 9 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 209 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 13 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| General Requirements | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
| General Regulations | IMC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about explosive material, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
The net weight of the explosive material shall be used.
A person shall not take or utilize an open flame or light in a structure, vessel, boat or other place where highly flammable, combustible or explosive material is utilized or stored.
The terms explosive material is built out of
The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what explosive material covers:
- Explosive — IBC 2009: A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion.
Explosive Material: 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 | Explosives and Fireworks | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire Safety During Construction and Demolition (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Explosive | |
| 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
- Explosive: Building Code Definition
- Blasting Agent: Building Code Definition
- Highway: Building Code Definition
- Special Industrial Explosive Device: 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 explosive material?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Explosives and Fireworks as: “The term "explosive" material means explosives, blasting agents and detonators.” 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 explosive material?
In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Explosives and Fireworks 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 meaning of explosive material?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Explosives and Fireworks: “The term "explosive" material means explosives, blasting agents and detonators.” 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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