2021 IFC : Chapter 2

AGRICULTURAL BUILDING.

A structure designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock or other horticultural products. This structure shall not be a place of human habitation or a place of employment where agricultural products are processed, treated or packaged, nor shall it be a place used by the public.

CANOPY.

A structure or architectural projection of rigid construction over which a covering is attached that provides weather protection, identity or decoration, and may be structurally independent or supported by attachment to a building on one end and by not less than one stanchion on the outer end.

BARRICADE

A structure that consists of a combination of walls, floor and roof, which is designed to withstand the rapid release of energy in an explosion and which is fully confined, partially vented or fully vented; or other effective method of shielding from explosive materials by a natural or artificial barrier. Artificial barricade. An artificial mound or revetment with a minimum thickness of 3 feet (914 mm). Natural barricade. Natural features of the ground, such as hills, or timber of sufficient density that the surrounding exposures that require protection cannot be seen from the magazine or building containing explosives when the trees are bare of leaves.

AIR-INFLATED STRUCTURE.

A structure that uses air-pressurized membrane beams, arches or other elements to enclose space. Occupants of such a structure do not occupy the pressurized areas used to support the structure.

AIR-SUPPORTED STRUCTURE.

A structure wherein the shape of the structure is attained by air pressure, and occupants of the structure are within the elevated pressure area. Air supported structures are of two basic types: Double skin. Similar to a single skin, but with an attached liner that is separated from the outer skin and provides an airspace which serves for insulation, acoustic, aesthetic or similar purposes. Single skin. Where there is only the single outer skin and the air pressure is directly against that skin.

AUTOMATIC WATER MIST SYSTEM.

A system consisting of a water supply, a pressure source and a distribution piping system with attached nozzles which, at or above a minimum operating pressure, defined by its listing, discharges water in fine droplets meeting the requirements of NFPA 750 for the purpose of the control, suppression or extinguishment of a fire. Such systems include wet-pipe, dry- pipe and pre-action types. The systems are designed as engineered, preengineered, local-application or total flooding systems.

CARBON DIOXIDE EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.

A system supplying carbon dioxide (CO2) from a pressurized vessel through fixed pipes and nozzles. The system includes a manual- or automatic-actuating mechanism.

CARBON DIOXIDE ENRICHMENT SYSTEM.

A system where carbon dioxide gas is intentionally introduced into an indoor environment, typically for the purpose of stimulating plant growth.

Flow battery.

A type of storage battery that includes chemical components dissolved in two different liquids. Ion exchange, which provides the flow of electrical current, occurs through the membrane while both liquids circulate in their respective spaces.

ANNUNCIATOR.

A unit containing one or more indicator lamps, alphanumeric displays or other equivalent means in which each indication provides status information about a circuit, condition or location.

APPROVED.

Acceptable to the fire code official.

AEROSOL COOKING SPRAY PRODUCTS.

Aerosol cooking spray products are those aerosol products designed to deliver a vegetable oil or a solid or nonflammable liquid to reduce sticking on cooking and baking surfaces, or to be applied to food, or both. These products have a chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 8600 Btu/lb. (20 kJ/g) and contain no more than 18 percent by weight of flammable propellant.

ALCOHOL-BASED HAND RUB.

An alcohol-containing preparation designed for application to the hands for reducing the number of viable microorganisms on the hands and containing ethanol or isopropanol in an amount not exceeding 95-percent by volume.

Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery

An alkaline storage battery in which the positive active material is nickel oxide, the negative electrode contains cadmium and the electrolyte is a solution of water and potassium hydroxide.

Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH).

An alkaline storage battery in which the positive active material is nickel oxide, the negative electrode is an intermetallic compound and the electrolyte is usually potassium hydroxide.

AUTOMATIC FIRE-EXTINGUISHING SYSTEM.

An approved system of devices and equipment which automatically detects a fire and discharges an approved fire- extinguishing agent onto or in the area of a fire.

AWNING.

An architectural projection that provides weather protection, identity or decoration and is partially or wholly supported by the building to which it is attached. An awning is comprised of a lightweight frame structure over which a covering is attached.

AIRPORT.

An area of land or structural surface that is used, or intended for use, for the landing and taking off of aircraft with an overall length greater than 39 feet (11 887 mm) and an overall exterior fuselage width greater than 6.6 feet (2012 mm), and any appurtenant areas that are used or intended for use for airport buildings and other airport facilities.

AREA OF REFUGE.

An area where persons unable to use stairways can remain temporarily to await instructions or assistance during emergency evacuation.

Artificial barricade.

An artificial mound or revetment with a minimum thickness of 3 feet (914 mm).

BOILING POINT.

The temperature at which the vapor pressure of a liquid equals the atmospheric pressure of 14.7 pounds per square inch absolute (psia) (101 kPa) or 760 mm of mercury. Where an accurate boiling point is unavailable for the material in question, or for mixtures which do not have a constant boiling point, for the purposes of this classification, the 20-percent evaporated point of a distillation performed in accordance with ASTM D86 shall be used as the boiling point of the liquid.

BULK OXYGEN SYSTEM.

An assembly of equipment, such as oxygen storage containers, pressure regulators, safety devices, vaporizers, manifolds and interconnecting piping, that has a storage capacity of more than 20,000 cubic feet (566 m3) of oxygen at normal temperature and pressure (NTP) including unconnected reserves on hand at the site. The bulk oxygen system terminates at the point where oxygen at service pressure first enters the supply line. The oxygen containers can be stationary or movable, and the oxygen can be stored as a gas or liquid.

AUTOMATIC SPRINKLER SYSTEM.

An automatic sprinkler system, for fire protection purposes, is an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The system includes a suitable water supply. The portion of the system above the ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a structure or area, generally overhead, and to which automatic sprinklers are connected in a systematic pattern. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area.

ATRIUM.

An opening connecting two or more stories other than enclosed stairways, elevators, hoistways, escalators, plumbing, electrical, air-conditioning or other equipment, which is closed at the top and not defined as a mall. Stories, as used in this definition, do not include balconies within assembly groups or mezzanines that comply with Section 505 of the International Building Code.

BONFIRE.

An outdoor fire utilized for ceremonial purposes.

AISLE.

An unenclosed exit access component that defines and provides a path of egress travel.

AIRCRAFT OPERATION AREA (AOA).

Any area used or intended for use for the parking, taxiing, takeoff, landing or other ground-based aircraft activity.

ALTERATION.

Any construction or renovation to an existing structure other than a repair or addition.

AGENCY.

Any emergency responder department within the jurisdiction that utilizes radio frequencies for communica- tion. This could include, but not be limited to, various public safety agencies such as fire departments, emergency medical services and law enforcement.

BUILDING.

Any structure utilized or intended for supporting or sheltering any occupancy.

ACTIVE RF EMITTING DEVICE.

Any type of circuit component that requires an AC or DC power source with the ability to electrically control electron flow and/or amplification of RF signal, including but not limited to signal boosters, repeaters, bidirectional amplifiers and fiber-distributed antenna systems.

AUTOMATIC.

As applied to fire protection devices, a device or system providing an emergency function without the necessity for human intervention and activated as a result of a predetermined temperature rise, rate of temperature rise or combustion products.

AUTOMATED RACK STORAGE.

Automated rack storage is a stocking method whereby the movement of pallets, products, apparatus or systems are automatically controlled by mechanical or electronic devices.

ALCOHOL-BLENDED FUELS.

Flammable liquids consisting of greater than 10 percent, by volume, ethanol or other alcohols blended with gasoline.

BREAKOUT.

For revolving doors, a process whereby wings or door panels can be pushed open manually for means of egress travel.

BIOMASS.

Plant- or animal-based material of biological origin excluding material embedded in geologic formations or transformed into fossils.

BOARDING HOUSE.

A building arranged or used for lodging for compensation, with or without meals, and not occupied as a single-family unit.

AEROSOL PRODUCT WAREHOUSE.

A building used for warehousing aerosol products.

AMMONIUM NITRATE.

A chemical compound represented by the formula NH4NO3.

AEROSOL PRODUCT.

A combination of a container, a propellant and a material that is dispensed. Aerosol products shall be classified by means of the calculation of their chemical heats of combustion and shall be designated Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3. Level 1 aerosol products. Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is less than or equal to 8,600 Brit- ish thermal units per pound (Btu/lb) (20 kJ/g). Level 2 aerosol products. Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 8,600 Btu/lb (20 kJ/g), but less than or equal to 13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g). Level 3 aerosol products. Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g).

ACCESSIBLE MEANS OF EGRESS.

A continuous and unobstructed way of egress travel from any accessible point in a building or facility to a public way.

ACCESSIBLE ROUTE.

A continuous, unobstructed path that complies with Chapter 11 of the International Building Code.

ALTERNATING TREAD DEVICE.

A device that has a series of steps between 50 and 70 degrees (0.87 and 1.22 rad) from horizontal, usually attached to a center support rail in an alternating manner so that the user does not have both feet on the same level at the same time.

BALANCED DOOR.

A door equipped with double-pivoted hardware so designed as to cause a semicounter balanced swing action when opening.

AGRO-INDUSTRIAL.

A facility, or portion thereof, housing operations involving the transforming of raw agricultural products into intermediate or consumable products.

ALARM VERIFICATION FEATURE

A feature of automatic fire detection and alarm systems to reduce unwanted alarms wherein smoke detectors report alarm conditions for a minimum period of time, or confirm alarm conditions within a given time period, after being automatically reset, in order to be accepted as a valid alarm-initiation signal.

ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.

A fire alarm system component such as a bell, horn, speaker, light or text display that provides audible, tactile or visible outputs, or any combination thereof. See also "Audible alarm notification appliance" or "Visible alarm notification appliance."

AUTOMATIC SMOKE DETECTION SYSTEM.

A fire alarm system that has initiation devices that utilize smoke detectors for protection of an area such as a room or space with detectors to provide early warning of fire.

BIN BOX.

A five-sided container with the open side facing an aisle. Bin boxes are self-supporting or supported by a structure designed so that little or no horizontal or vertical space exists around the boxes.

Stationary storage battery.

A group of electrochemical cells interconnected to supply a nominal voltage of DC power to a suitably connected electrical load, designed for service in a permanent location.

BUILDING AREA.

See "Area, building."

BALED COTTON, DENSELY PACKED.

See "Cotton."

BALED COTTON.

See "Cotton."

BUILDING HEIGHT.

See "Height, building."

ALARM DEVICE, MULTIPLE STATION.

See "Multiple-station alarm device."

ALARM, NUISANCE.

See "Nuisance alarm."

BULK PLANT OR TERMINAL.

That portion of a property where flammable or combustible liquids are received by tank vessel, pipelines, tank car or tank vehicle and are stored or blended in bulk for the purpose of distributing such liquids by tank vessel, pipeline, tank car, tank vehicle, portable tank or container.

AISLE ACCESSWAY.

That portion of an exit access that leads to an aisle.

AIRCRAFT MOTOR-VEHICLE FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITY.

That portion of property where flammable or combustible liquids or gases used as motor fuels are stored and dispensed from fixed automotive-type equipment into the fuel tanks of aircraft.

AUTOMOTIVE MOTOR FUEL-DISPENSING FACILITY.

That portion of property where flammable or combustible liquids or gases used as motor fuels are stored and dispensed from fixed equipment into the fuel tanks of motor vehicles.

ACCESS (TO).

That which enables a device, appliance or equipment to be reached by ready access or by a means that first requires the removal or movement of a panel or similar obstruction [see also "Ready access (to)"].

ARRAY.

The configuration of storage. Characteristics considered in defining an array include the type of packaging, flue spaces, height of storage and compactness of storage.

BARRICADED.

The effective screening of a building containing explosive materials from the magazine or other building, railway or highway by a natural or an artificial barrier. A straight line from the top of any sidewall of the building containing explosive materials to the eave line of any magazine or other building or to a point 12 feet (3658 mm) above the center of a railway or highway shall pass through such barrier.

BRITISH THERMAL UNIT (BTU).

The heat necessary to raise the temperature of 1 pound (0.454 kg) of water by 1°F (0.5565°C).

BULK TRANSFER.

The loading or unloading of flammable or combustible liquids from or between tank vehicles, tank cars or storage tanks.

BUILDING OFFICIAL.

The officer or other designated authority charged with the administration and enforcement of the International Building Code, or a duly authorized representative.

AVERAGE AMBIENT SOUND LEVEL.

The root mean square, A-weighted sound pressure level measured over a 24-hour period, or the time any person is present, whichever time period is less.

ATTIC.

The space between the ceiling framing of the top story and the underside of the roof.

3D PRINTER.

A machine used in the additive manufacturing process for fabricating objects through the deposition of a material using a print head, nozzle or other printer technology.

BLASTING AGENT.

A material or mixture consisting of fuel and oxidizer, intended for blasting provided that the finished product, as mixed for use or shipment, cannot be detonated by means of a No. 8 test detonator when unconfined. Blasting agents are labeled and placarded as Class 1.5 material by US DOTn.

AEROSOL CONTAINER.

A metal can or plastic container up to a maximum size of 33.8 fluid ounces (1000 ml) or a glass bottle up to a maximum size of 4 fluid ounces (118 ml) designed and intended to dispense an aerosol.

AUDIBLE ALARM NOTIFICATION APPLIANCE.

A notification appliance that alerts by the sense of hearing.

BLASTER.

A person qualified in accordance with Section 5601.4 to be in charge of and responsible for the loading and firing of a blast.

AGENT.

A person who shall have charge, care or control of any structure as owner, or agent of the owner, or as executor, executrix, administrator, administratrix, trustee or guardian of the estate of the owner. Any such person representing the actual owner shall be bound to comply with the provisions of this code to the same extent as if that person was the owner.

ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING.

A process of joining materials to make objects from 3D model data, usually layer upon layer, sometimes referred to as 3D printing. This code recognizes two types of additive manufacturing:

BATTERY SYSTEM, STATIONARY STORAGE.

A rechargeable energy storage system consisting of electrochemical storage batteries, battery chargers, controls and associated electrical equipment designed to provide electrical power to a building. The system is typically used to provide standby or emergency power, an uninterruptable power supply, load shedding, load sharing or similar capabilities.

ALARM SIGNAL.

A signal indicating an emergency requiring immediate action, such as a signal indicative of fire.

CARBON MONOXIDE ALARM.

A single- or multiple-station alarm intended to detect carbon monoxide gas and alert occupants by a distinct audible signal. It incorporates a sensor, control components and an alarm notification appliance in a single unit.

CAPACITOR ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEM.

A stationary, rechargeable energy storage system consisting of capacitors, chargers, controls and associated electrical equipment designed to provide electrical power to a building or facility. The system is typically used to provide standby or emergency power, an uninterruptable power supply, load shedding, load sharing or similar capabilities.

Lead-acid battery.

A storage battery that is comprised of lead electrodes immersed in a solution of water and sulphuric acid electrolyte.

Lithium metal polymer battery.

A storage battery that is similar to the lithium ion battery except that it has a lithium metal anode in the place of the traditional carbon or graphite anode.

Lithium-ion battery.

A storage battery with lithium ions serving as the charge carriers of the battery. The electrolyte is a polymer mixture of carbonates with an inorganic salt and can be in a liquid or a gelled polymer form. Lithiated metal oxide is typically a cathode and forms of carbon or graphite typically form the anode.

ARRAY, CLOSED.

A storage configuration having a 6-inch (152 mm) or smaller width vertical flue space that restricts air movement through the stored commodity.

BASEMENT.

A story that is not a story above grade plane.

Nonindustrial additive manufacturing.

3D printing operations that do create a hazardous (classified) location area outside the equipment and do not utilize an inert gas supply or a combustible dust collection system.

Industrial additive manufacturing.

3D printing operations that typically utilize combustible powders or metals, an inert gas supply, a combustible dust collection system. or that create a hazardous (classified) location area or zone outside the equipment.

AMBULATORY CARE FACILITY.

Buildings or portions thereof used to provide medical, surgical, psychiatric, nursing or similar care on a less-than-24-hour basis to persons who are rendered incapable of self-preservation by the services provided or staff has accepted responsibility for care recipients already incapable.

BULLET RESISTANT.

Constructed so as to resist penetration of a bullet of 150-grain M2 ball ammunition having a nominal muzzle velocity of 2,700 feet per second (fps) (824 mps) when fired from a 30-caliber rifle at a distance of 100 feet (30 480 mm), measured perpendicular to the target.

BATTERY TYPES.

For the purposes of this code, certain types are defined as follows: Flow battery. A type of storage battery that includes chemical components dissolved in two different liquids. Ion exchange, which provides the flow of electrical current, occurs through the membrane while both liquids circulate in their respective spaces. Lead-acid battery. A storage battery that is comprised of lead electrodes immersed in a solution of water and sulphuric acid electrolyte. Lithium metal polymer battery. A storage battery that is similar to the lithium ion battery except that it has a lith- ium metal anode in the place of the traditional carbon or graphite anode. Lithium-ion battery. A storage battery with lithium ions serving as the charge carriers of the battery. The electro- lyte is a polymer mixture of carbonates with an inorganic salt and can be in a liquid or a gelled polymer form. Lithi- ated metal oxide is typically a cathode and forms of carbon or graphite typically form the anode. Nickel-cadmium (Ni-Cd) battery. An alkaline storage battery in which the positive active material is nickel oxide, the negative electrode contains cadmium and the electrolyte is a solution of water and potassium hydroxide. Nickel-metal hydride (Ni-MH). An alkaline storage battery in which the positive active material is nickel oxide, the negative electrode is an intermetallic compound and the electrolyte is usually potassium hydroxide. Stationary storage battery. A group of electrochemical cells interconnected to supply a nominal voltage of DC power to a suitably connected electrical load, designed for service in a permanent location.

Natural barricade.

Natural features of the ground, such as hills, or timber of sufficient density that the surrounding exposures that require protection cannot be seen from the magazine or building containing explosives when the trees are bare of leaves.

Double skin.

Similar to a single skin, but with an attached liner that is separated from the outer skin and provides an airspace which serves for insulation, acoustic, aesthetic or similar purposes.

Single skin.

Where there is only the single outer skin and the air pressure is directly against that skin.

24-HOUR BASIS.

The actual time that a person is an occupant within a facility for the purpose of receiving care. It shall not include a facility that is open for 24 hours and is capable of providing care to someone visiting the facility during any segment of the 24 hours.

BLAST SITE.

The area in which explosive materials are being or have been loaded and which includes all holes loaded or to be loaded for the same blast and a distance of 50 feet (15 240 mm) in all directions.

AREA, BUILDING.

The area included within surrounding exterior walls (or exterior walls and fire walls) exclusive of vent shafts and courts. Areas of the building not provided with surrounding walls shall be included in the building area if such areas are included within the horizontal projection of the roof or floor above.

BLAST AREA.

The area including the blast site and the immediate adjacent area within the influence of flying rock, missiles and concussion.

Level 3 aerosol products.

Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g).

Level 2 aerosol products.

Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is greater than 8,600 Btu/lb (20 kJ/g), but less than or equal to 13,000 Btu/lb (30 kJ/g).

Level 1 aerosol products

Those with a total chemical heat of combustion that is less than or equal to 8,600 British thermal units per pound (Btu/lb) (20 kJ/g).

BLEACHERS.

Tiered seating supported on a dedicated structural system and two or more rows high and is not a building element (see "Grandstand").