What does the term "secondary containment" refer to?

The term "secondary containment" specifically refers to systems designed to prevent hazardous materials from leaking into the environment. This is a crucial aspect of environmental safety and spill prevention. Primary containment, such as tanks or storage containers, holds the hazardous material directly. Secondary containment provides an additional layer of protection, such as a containment berm or drainage system, to catch any spills or leaks that may occur from the primary containment and prevent contaminants from entering soil or water sources.

While methods to track chemical shipments, types of personal protective equipment, and safety training programs are all important aspects of hazardous materials management, they do not focus directly on the prevention of environmental contamination that secondary containment is specifically meant to address. Hence, the importance of secondary containment lies in its role in safeguarding the environment and ensuring compliance with safety regulations.