Building Code Glossary
Tool: Building Code Definition
How the IFC 2009 define tool, 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
Tool is a defined term in the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009, in Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities. The code's own words are: “A device, storage container, workstation or process machine used in a fabrication area.” 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 35 chapters of this corpus, most often in Residential Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009), Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009), Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 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, Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.
What does this term mean?
Tool — IFC 2009, Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities:
A device, storage container, workstation or process machine used in a fabrication area.
What must be verified before using this guidance?
Tool is defined once in this corpus, in the Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities chapter of the International Fire Code (IFC) 2009:
A device, storage container, workstation or process machine used in a fabrication area.
Where tool is used in the code
The term appears in 35 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.
| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 17 |
| Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | IFC 2009 | 16 |
| Commercial Energy Efficiency | IECC 2009 | 14 |
| Explosives and Fireworks | IFC 2009 | 11 |
| Means of Egress | IFC 2009 | 7 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IPC 2009 | 6 |
| Water Supply and Distribution | IRC 2009 | 6 |
| Means of Egress | IBC 2009 | 5 |
| Flammable Finishes | IFC 2009 | 5 |
| Building Planning | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| Fire Protection Systems | IFC 2009 | 4 |
| Exhaust Systems | IMC 2009 | 4 |
23 further chapters mention the term.
The term in use
How the code actually writes about tool, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:
Where the horizontal surface of a combustible tool is obstructed from ceiling sprinkler discharge, automatic sprinkler protection that covers the horizontal surface ofthe tool shall be provided.
Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with Section 1029.2 and such devices shall be releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape …
Flaredjoints for water pipe shall be made by a tool designed for that operation.
The terms tool 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 tool covers:
- Fabrication Area — IBC 2009: An area within a semiconductor fabrication facility and related research and development areas in which there are processes using hazardous production materials.
- Workstation — IBC 2009: A defined space or an independent principal piece of equipment using HPM within a fabrication area where a specific function, laboratory procedure or research activity occurs.
- Container — IFC 2009: A vessel of 60 gallons (227 L) or less in capacity used for transporting or storing hazardous materials.
- Device — IRC 2009: Aunit of an electrical system that carries or controls electrical energy as it principal function.
Tool: 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 | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Residential Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities (IFC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Commercial Energy Efficiency (IECC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Explosives and Fireworks (IFC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Fabrication Area | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Workstation | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | Container | |
| 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
- Fabrication Area: Building Code Definition
- Workstation: Building Code Definition
- Container: Building Code Definition
- Device: 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 tool?
The International Fire Code (IFC) 2009 defines it in Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities as: “A device, storage container, workstation or process machine used in a fabrication area.” 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 tool?
In this corpus the term is used across 35 chapters, led by Residential Energy Efficiency in the IECC 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 a building code?
Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as tool, which the IFC 2009 defines as “A device, storage container, workstation or process machine used in a fabrication area.” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.
What does tool slang mean?
In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IFC 2009 states, in Semiconductor Fabrication Facilities: “A device, storage container, workstation or process machine used in a fabrication area.” 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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