Updated 2026-09-07

Building Code Glossary

Flammable Solid: Building Code Definition

How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define flammable solid, 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.

Add to Harth agentView as markdown

Direct answer

Flammable solid is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) or which burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create a serious hazard. A …” 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 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Flammable Solids (IFC 2009), Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Explosives and Fireworks (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?

Flammable Solid — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:

A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) or which burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create a serious hazard. A chemical shall be considered a flammable solid as determined in accordance with the test method of CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.44, if it ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) per second along its major axis.

Labeled code-term definition diagram: Flammable Solid: Building Code Definition — How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define flammable solid, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

What must be verified before using this guidance?

Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Flammable Solid, 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 solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) or which burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create a serious hazard. A chemical shall be considered a flammable solid as determined in accordance with the test method of CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.44, if it ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) per second along its major axis.
IFC 2009	Flammable Solids	A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption of moisture, spontaneous chemical change or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) or which burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create a seri0us hazard. A chemical shall be considered a flammable solid as determined in accordance with the test method of CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.44, if it ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) per second along its major axis.

Where flammable solid 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
Flammable Solids	IFC 2009	27
Hazardous Materials-general Provisions	IFC 2009	18
Explosives and Fireworks	IFC 2009	10
Use and Occupancy Classification	IBC 2009	7
Definitions	IFC 2009	6
Exhaust Systems	IMC 2009	6
Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy	IBC 2009	2
High-piled Combustible Storage	IFC 2009	2
Definitions	IBC 2009	1

The terms flammable solid is built out of

The definition above leans on 5 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what flammable solid covers:

Blasting Agent — IFC 2009: A material or mixture consisting of fuel and oxidizer, intended for blasting provided that the finished product, as mixed for use or shipment, cannot be detonated by means of a No.8 test detonator when unconfined.
Explosive — IBC 2009: A chemical compound, mixture or device, the primary or common purpose of which is to function by explosion.
Chemical — IFC 2009: An element, chemical compound or mixture of elements or compounds or both.
Solid — IBC 2009: A material that has a melting point, decomposes or sublimes at a temperature greater than 68°F (20°C).
Agent — IFC 2009: A person who shall have charge, care or control of any structure as owner; or agent of the owner; or as executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee or guardian of the estate ofthe owner: Any such person representing the actual owner …

Flammable Solid: 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	Flammable Solids
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Flammable Solids (IFC 2009)
Re-check the requirement that uses it	Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009)
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)
Confirm the dependent definition	Blasting Agent
Confirm the dependent definition	Explosive
Confirm the dependent definition	Chemical
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.

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 flammable solid?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) or which burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create a serious hazard. A chemical shall be considered a flammable solid as determined in accordance with the test method of CPSC 16 CFR; Part 1500.44, if it ignites and burns with a self-sustained flame at a rate greater than 0.1 inch (2.5 mm) per second along its major axis.” 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 flammable solid?

In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Flammable Solids 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 considered a flammable solid?

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 solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) or which burns so vigorously and persistently when ignited as to create a serious hazard. A …” 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 are category 1, 2, or 3 flammable liquids?

Flammable Liquids is a separate defined term. The IMC 2009 defines it as: “Any liquid that has a flash point below 100°F (38°C), and has a vapor pressure not exceeding 40 psia (276 kPa) at 100°F (38°C). Flammable liquids shall be known as Class I liquids and shall be divided into the following classifications:” That is not the same as flammable solid, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A solid, other than a blasting agent or explosive, that is capable of causing fire through friction, absorption or moisture, spontaneous chemical change, or retained heat from manufacturing or processing, or which has an ignition temperature below 212°F (100°C) or …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

Related pages

The AI-powered workspacefor architects.

Get started for free Continue in Harth