Building Code Glossary
Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define hazardous materials, 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
Hazardous materials is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “Those chemicals or substances that are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this section and the International Fire Code, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition.” 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 29 chapters of this corpus, most often in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009), Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009), Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (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?
Hazardous Materials — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
Those chemicals or substances that are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this section and the International Fire Code, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Hazardous Materials, 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 | Those chemicals or substances that are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this section and the International Fire Code, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition. |
| IFC 2009 | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | Those chemicals or substances which are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this chapter, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition. |
Where hazardous materials is used in the code
The term appears in 29 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 | 224 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 52 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 40 |
| Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 27 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 19 |
| Organic Peroxides | IFC 2009 | 15 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 14 |
| Flammable Finishes | IFC 2009 | 14 |
| Emergency Planning and Preparedness | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| Scope and Administration | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 9 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 9 |
17 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about hazardous materials, 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.
The use, storage and handling of hazardous materials in Group H-5 shall comply with this chapter, other applicable provisions of this code and the International BUilding Code.
In addition to the requirements in Section 2703.9.8, Class 4 oxidizer liquids and solids shall be separated from other hazardous materials by not less than a I-hour fire barrier or stored in hazardous materials storage cabinets.
The terms hazardous materials 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 hazardous materials covers:
- Waste — IRC 2009: Liquid-borne waste that is free of fecal matter.
Hazardous Materials: 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 | Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Waste | |
| 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
- Waste: Building Code Definition
- Corrosive: Building Code Definition
- Combustible Liquid: Building Code Definition
- Handling: 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 hazardous materials?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “Those chemicals or substances that are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this section and the International Fire Code, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition.” 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 hazardous materials?
In this corpus the term is used across 29 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 classified as hazardous materials?
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: “Those chemicals or substances that are physical hazards or health hazards as defined and classified in this section and the International Fire Code, whether the materials are in usable or waste condition.” 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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