Building Code Glossary
Powered Industrial Truck: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define powered industrial truck, 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
Powered industrial truck is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in General Requirements. The code's own words are: “A forklift, tractor, platform lift truck or motorized hand truck powered by an electrical motor or internal combustion engine. Powered industrial trucks do not include farm vehicles or automotive vehicles for highway use.” 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 6 chapters of this corpus, most often in General Requirements (IFC 2009), Flammable Finishes (IFC 2009), Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (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?
Powered Industrial Truck — IFC 2009, General Requirements:
A forklift, tractor, platform lift truck or motorized hand truck powered by an electrical motor or internal combustion engine. Powered industrial trucks do not include farm vehicles or automotive vehicles for highway use.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Powered Industrial Truck is defined once in this corpus, in the General Requirements chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A forklift, tractor, platform lift truck or motorized hand truck powered by an electrical motor or internal combustion engine. Powered industrial trucks do not include farm vehicles or automotive vehicles for highway use.
Where powered industrial truck is used in the code
The term appears in 6 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| General Requirements | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Flammable Finishes | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The terms powered industrial truck is built out of
The definition above leans on 3 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what powered industrial truck covers:
- Combustion — IRC 2009: In the context of this code, refers to the rapid oxidation of fuel accompanied by the production of heat or heat and light.
- Platform — IBC 2009: A raised area within a building used for worship, the presentation of music, plays or other entertainment; the head table for special guests; the raised area for lecturers and speakers; boxing and wrestling rings; theater-in-the-round stages; and similar purposes wherein …
- Highway — IFC 2009: A public street, public alley or public road.
Powered Industrial Truck: 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 IFC | General Requirements | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | General Requirements (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Finishes (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Combustion | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Platform | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Highway | |
| 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
- Combustion: Building Code Definition
- Platform: Building Code Definition
- Highway: 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 powered industrial truck?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in General Requirements as: “A forklift, tractor, platform lift truck or motorized hand truck powered by an electrical motor or internal combustion engine. Powered industrial trucks do not include farm vehicles or automotive vehicles for highway 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 powered industrial truck?
In this corpus the term is used across 6 chapters, led by General Requirements 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 not classified as a powered industrial truck?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in General Requirements: “A forklift, tractor, platform lift truck or motorized hand truck powered by an electrical motor or internal combustion engine. Powered industrial trucks do not include farm vehicles or automotive vehicles for highway use.” 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.
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