What does the term "secondary containment" refer to?

The term "secondary containment" refers to measures taken to prevent the spread of hazardous materials in case of a spill. This concept is crucial in environments where hazardous substances are stored or handled, as it involves creating barriers or secondary structures that can contain leaks or spills, thereby minimizing the risk of environmental contamination or safety hazards. For example, secondary containment systems often include structures such as spill pallets, berms, or double-walled tanks designed to hold any released material, ensuring that it does not escape into the surrounding area.

In contrast, transportation methods for hazardous materials focus on safe ways to move these materials from one location to another, while protocols for disposing of hazardous waste concentrate on methods for safely getting rid of materials after they have served their purpose. Techniques for cleaning hazardous substances address how to remove or remediate hazardous materials once a spill has occurred or once contaminated items are identified. All these activities are important, but they address different aspects of hazardous materials management compared to secondary containment.