Building Code Glossary
Handling: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define handling, 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
Handling is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “The deliberate transport by any means to a point of storage or use.” The IFC 2009 carries the same definition word for word, so the term means the same thing in each. The term is used in 61 chapters of this corpus, most often in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Flammable and Combustible Liquids (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. 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?
Handling — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
The deliberate transport by any means to a point of storage or use.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Handling, in identical words.
| Code | Where it is defined | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| IBC 2009 | Use and Occupancy Classification | The deliberate transport by any means to a point of storage or use. |
| IFC 2009 | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | The deliberate transport by any means to a point of storage or use. |
Where handling is used in the code
The term appears in 61 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 38 |
| Flammable and Combustible Liquids | IFC 2009 | 30 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 26 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 20 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 15 |
| Duct Systems | IMC 2009 | 14 |
| Flammable Finishes | IFC 2009 | 13 |
| Compressed Gases | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 10 |
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Indirect/special Waste | IPC 2009 | 9 |
49 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about handling, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, dispensing, use and handling of hazardous materials shall be in accordance with this chapter.
Prevention, control and mitigation of dangerous conditions related to storage, use, dispensing, mixing and handling of flammable and combustible liquids shall be in accordance with Chapter 27 and this chapter.
The provisions of this chapter shall govern the possession, manufacture, storage, handling, sale and use of explosives, explosive materials, fireworks and small arms ammunition.
Handling: 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 | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 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
- Corrosive: Building Code Definition
- Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition
- Combustible Liquid: Building Code Definition
- Toxic: 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 handling?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “The deliberate transport by any means to a point of storage or use.” 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 handling?
In this corpus the term is used across 61 chapters, led by Hazardous Materials-general Provisions 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 are the new building codes in Georgia for 2026?
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 handling, which the IBC 2009 defines as “The deliberate transport by any means to a point of storage or use.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What is error handling in code?
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: “The deliberate transport by any means to a point of storage or use.” 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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