Building Code Glossary
Organic Peroxide: Building Code Definition
How the IBC 2009, IFC 2009 define organic peroxide, 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
Organic peroxide is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Use and Occupancy Classification. The code's own words are: “An organic compound that contains the bivalent -0-0- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can pose an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration) or they can be shock sensitive. They can …” 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 12 chapters of this corpus, most often in Organic Peroxides (IFC 2009), Flammable Finishes (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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Organic Peroxide — IBC 2009, Use and Occupancy Classification:
An organic compound that contains the bivalent -0-0- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can pose an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration) or they can be shock sensitive. They can also decompose into various unstable compounds over an extended period of time.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Two of the I-Codes in this corpus define Organic Peroxide, 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 | An organic compound that contains the bivalent -0-0- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can pose an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration) or they can be shock sensitive. They can also decompose into various unstable compounds over an extended period of time. |
| IFC 2009 | Organic Peroxides | An organic compound that contains the bivalent -0-0- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can present an explosion hazard (detonation or defJagration) or they can be shock sensitive. They can also decompose into various unstable compounds over an extended period of time. |
Where organic peroxide is used in the code
The term appears in 12 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Organic Peroxides | IFC 2009 | 68 |
| Flammable Finishes | IFC 2009 | 26 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 12 |
| Use and Occupancy Classification | IBC 2009 | 11 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 10 |
| Manufacture of Organic Coatings | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Building Services and Systems | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Electrical | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IBC 2009 | 2 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about organic peroxide, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Standby power in accordance with Section 604 shall be provided for storage areas of Class I and unclassified detonable organic peroxide.
Separate pressure vessels and inserts specifically for the application shall be used for the resin and for the organic peroxide, and shall not be interchanged.
When in the operating area, the organic peroxide shall not be placed in locations exposed to ignition sources, heat or mechanical shocks.
The terms organic peroxide is built out of
The definition above leans on 4 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what organic peroxide covers:
- Deflagration — IBC 2009: An exothermic reaction, such as the extremely rapid oxidation of a flammable dust or vapor in air, in which the reaction progresses through the unburned material at a rate less than the velocity of sound.
- Detonation — IBC 2009: An exothermic reaction characterized by the presence of a shock wave in the material which establishes and maintains the reaction.
- Explosion — IBC 2009: An effect produced by the sudden violent expansion of gases, which may be accompanied by a shock wave or disruption, or both, of enclosing materials or structures.
- Structure — IPC 2009: That which is built or constructed or a portion thereof.
Organic Peroxide: 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 | Organic Peroxides | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Organic Peroxides (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Finishes (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 | Use and Occupancy Classification (IBC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Deflagration | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Detonation | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Explosion | |
| 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
- Deflagration: Building Code Definition
- Detonation: Building Code Definition
- Structure: Building Code Definition
- Explosion: 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 organic peroxide?
The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Use and Occupancy Classification as: “An organic compound that contains the bivalent -0-0- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can pose an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration) or they can be shock sensitive. They can also decompose into various unstable compounds over an extended period of time.” 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 organic peroxide?
In this corpus the term is used across 12 chapters, led by Organic Peroxides 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 organic peroxide?
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: “An organic compound that contains the bivalent -0-0- structure and which may be considered to be a structural derivative of hydrogen peroxide where one or both of the hydrogen atoms have been replaced by an organic radical. Organic peroxides can pose an explosion hazard (detonation or deflagration) or they can be shock sensitive. They can …” 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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