# Fail-safe: Building Code Definition > How the IFC 2009 define fail-safe, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term. - Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/fail-safe/ - 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 Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) | | Chapters using the term | 7 (counted across the codes hosted here) | | Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) | ## Direct answer Fail-safe is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A design condition incorporating a feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure; also, a design condition eliminating or mitigating a hazardous condition by compensating automatically for a failure or malfunction.” 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 7 chapters of this corpus, most often in Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials (IFC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 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? **Fail-safe** — IFC 2009, Definitions: > A design condition incorporating a feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure; also, a design condition eliminating or mitigating a hazardous condition by compensating automatically for a failure or malfunction. ![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Fail-safe: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/fail-safe/diagram-1344.webp) *How the IFC 2009 define fail-safe, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.* ## What must be verified before using this guidance? **Fail-safe** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009: > A design condition incorporating a feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure; also, a design condition eliminating or mitigating a hazardous condition by compensating automatically for a failure or malfunction. ## Where fail-safe is used in the code The term appears in 7 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 | 13 | | [Hazardous Materials-general Provisions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md) | IFC 2009 | 11 | | [Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/special-detailed-requirements-based-on-use-and-occupancy.md) | IBC 2009 | 7 | | [Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-gases-and-flammable-cryogenic-fluids.md) | IFC 2009 | 3 | | [Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/oxidizers-oxidizing-gases-and-oxidizing-cryogenic-fluids.md) | IFC 2009 | 3 | | [Compressed Gases](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/compressed-gases.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 | | [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) | IFC 2009 | 2 | ### The term in use How the code actually writes about fail-safe, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here: > Where failure of an automatic control could result in a dangerous condition or reaction, the automatic control shall be fail-safe. — [IFC 2009 §2705.1.11](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md) > A manual or automatic fail-safe emergency shutoff valve shall be installed on supply piping at the cylinder or bulk source. — [IFC 2009 §3503.1.3.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-gases-and-flammable-cryogenic-fluids.md) > Devices designed to maintain individual compressedgas containers, cylinders or tanks at constant temperature shall be approved and shall be designed to be fail-safe. — [IFC 2009 §3003.7.6](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/compressed-gases.md) ## Fail-safe: 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 | Definitions | | | 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 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | | | Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | | | 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) - [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md) - [Construction Documents: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/construction-documents.md) - [Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/registered-design-professional.md) - [Dwelling Unit: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/dwelling-unit.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 fail-safe? The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A design condition incorporating a feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure; also, a design condition eliminating or mitigating a hazardous condition by compensating automatically for a failure or malfunction.” 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 fail-safe? In this corpus the term is used across 7 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 is the definition of a fail-safe? In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A design condition incorporating a feature for automatically counteracting the effect of an anticipated possible source of failure; also, a design condition eliminating or mitigating a hazardous condition by compensating automatically for a failure or malfunction.” 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. --- - Continue in Harth (open this topic in the Harth agent): https://app.harth.build/agent?context=%2Fresources%2Fglossary%2Ffail-safe%2F - View this page in a browser: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/fail-safe/ - All resources for agents: https://harth.build/llms.txt