Building Code Glossary
Storage, Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define storage, 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
Storage, hazardous materials is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions. The code's own words are: “The keeping, retention or leaving of hazardous materials in closed containers, tanks, cylinders, or similar vessels; or vessels supplying operations through closed connections to the vessel.” 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 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009), Organic Peroxides (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?
Storage, Hazardous Materials — IFC 2009, Hazardous Materials-general Provisions:
The keeping, retention or leaving of hazardous materials in closed containers, tanks, cylinders, or similar vessels; or vessels supplying operations through closed connections to the vessel.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Storage, Hazardous Materials is defined once in this corpus, in the Hazardous Materials-general Provisions chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
The keeping, retention or leaving of hazardous materials in closed containers, tanks, cylinders, or similar vessels; or vessels supplying operations through closed connections to the vessel.
Where storage, hazardous materials 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids | IFC 2009 | 25 |
| Organic Peroxides | IFC 2009 | 12 |
| Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy | IBC 2009 | 6 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 6 |
| Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Pyrophoric Materials | IFC 2009 | 3 |
| Flammable Finishes | IFC 2009 | 2 |
| Definitions | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| Definitions | IFC 2009 | 1 |
The term in use
How the code actually writes about storage, hazardous materials, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
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.
Hazardous materials storage and the maximum quantities of hazardous materials in use and storage allowed in fabrication areas shall be in accordance with Sections 1804.2.1 through 1804.2.2.1.
Smoking shall be prohibited in flammable vapor areas and hazardous materials storage rooms associated with flammable finish processes.
The terms storage, hazardous materials is built out of
The definition above leans on 2 other defined terms. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what storage, hazardous materials covers:
- Hazardous Materials — IBC 2009: 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.
- Vessel — IFC 2009: A motorized watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation.
Storage, 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 IFC | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Organic Peroxides (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) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Hazardous Materials | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Vessel | |
| 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
- Hazardous Materials: Building Code Definition
- Vessel: 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 storage, hazardous materials?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions as: “The keeping, retention or leaving of hazardous materials in closed containers, tanks, cylinders, or similar vessels; or vessels supplying operations through closed connections to the vessel.” 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 storage, hazardous materials?
In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Oxidizers, Oxidizing Gases and Oxidizing Cryogenic Fluids 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 OSHA requirements for storage of hazardous materials?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Hazardous Materials-general Provisions: “The keeping, retention or leaving of hazardous materials in closed containers, tanks, cylinders, or similar vessels; or vessels supplying operations through closed connections to the vessel.” 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.
Related pages
- Steel: Building Code Definition
Steel — IFC 2009 definition: Hot-or cold-rolled as defined by the International Building Code.
- Sterilizer Vent: Building Code Definition
Sterilizer Vent — IPC 2009 definition: A separate pipe or stack, indirectly connected to the building drainage system at the lower terminal …
- Stone Masonry: Building Code Definition
Stone Masonry — IBC 2009 definition: Masonry composed of field, quarried or cast stone units bonded by mortar.
- Storefront: Building Code Definition
Storefront — IECC 2009 definition: A nonresidential system of doors and windows mulled as a composite fenestration structure that has been …
- Storm Shelter: Building Code Definition
Storm Shelter — IBC 2009 definition: A building, structure or portions(s) thereof, constructed in accordance with ICC SOO and designated for use …
- Story Above Grade Plane: Building Code Definition
Story Above Grade Plane — IBC 2009 definition: Any story having its finished floor surface entirely above grade plane, or in which the finished …