# Tank: Building Code Definition

> How the IFC 2009 define tank, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/tank/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: 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.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IFC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IFC 2009 Definitions (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 71 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Tank is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Definitions. The code's own words are: “A vessel containing more than 60 gallons (227 L).” 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 71 chapters of this corpus, most often in Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009), Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009), Compressed Gases (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](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Tank** — IFC 2009, Definitions:

> A vessel containing more than 60 gallons (227 L).

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Tank: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/tank/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IFC 2009 define tank, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Tank** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/definitions.md) chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:

> A vessel containing more than 60 gallons (227 L).

## Where tank is used in the code

The term appears in 71 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Flammable and Combustible Liquids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md) | IFC 2009 | 1779 |
| [Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/motor-fuel-dispensing-facilities-and-repair-garages.md) | IFC 2009 | 337 |
| [Compressed Gases](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/compressed-gases.md) | IFC 2009 | 147 |
| [Hazardous Materials-general Provisions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/hazardous-materials-general-provisions.md) | IFC 2009 | 128 |
| [Highly Toxic and Toxic Materials](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/highly-toxic-and-toxic-materials.md) | IFC 2009 | 125 |
| [Tanks](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/tanks.md) | IPC 2009 | 87 |
| [Flammable Finishes](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-finishes.md) | IFC 2009 | 68 |
| [Building Services and Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/building-services-and-systems.md) | IFC 2009 | 66 |
| [Water Supply and Distribution](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/new-hampshire/ipc-2009/water-supply-and-distribution.md) | IPC 2009 | 65 |
| [Flammable Gases and Flammable Cryogenic Fluids](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-gases-and-flammable-cryogenic-fluids.md) | IFC 2009 | 58 |
| [Special Piping and Storage Systems](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/special-piping-and-storage-systems.md) | IRC 2009 | 55 |
| [Special Detailed Requirements Based on Use and Occupancy](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/special-detailed-requirements-based-on-use-and-occupancy.md) | IBC 2009 | 53 |

_59 further chapters mention the term._

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about tank, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> In the event of a spill, leak or discharge from a tank system, a site assessment shall be completed by the owner or operator of such tank system if the fire code official determines that a potential fire or explosion hazard exists.

— [IFC 2009 §3403.3](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/flammable-and-combustible-liquids.md)

> Tank filling operations for Class I, II or IlIA liquids.

— [IFC 2009 §2205.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/motor-fuel-dispensing-facilities-and-repair-garages.md)

> Compressed gas container, cylinder and tank valves shall be protected from physical damage by means of protective caps, collars or similar devices in accordance with Sections 3003.6.1 and 3003.6.2.

— [IFC 2009 §3003.6](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/rhode-island/ifc-2009/compressed-gases.md)


## The terms tank 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 tank covers:

- **[Vessel](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/vessel.md)** — IFC 2009: A motorized watercraft, other than a seaplane on the water, used or capable of being used as a means of transportation.

## Tank: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IFC | Definitions | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Flammable and Combustible Liquids (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Motor Fuel-dispensing Facilities and Repair Garages (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Compressed Gases (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Hazardous Materials-general Provisions (IFC 2009) | |
| 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](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [Vessel: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/vessel.md)
- [Building: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/building.md)
- [Construction Documents: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/construction-documents.md)
- [Registered Design Professional: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/registered-design-professional.md)

## 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](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.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of tank?

The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Definitions as: “A vessel containing more than 60 gallons (227 L).” 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 tank?

In this corpus the term is used across 71 chapters, led by Flammable and Combustible Liquids 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 tank commands?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Definitions: “A vessel containing more than 60 gallons (227 L).” 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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