Secondary Containment Systems

Secondary containment systems are integral to the safety of the hazardous waste operation. They provide a second measure of prevention in the instance of a primary containment failure. There are two types of secondary containment systems: active and passive:

• An active secondary containment system is made up of a device or tool which has to be physically deployed by a worker. Some examples of an active secondary containment system are absorbents, drain covers, and containment walls.
• A passive secondary containment system does not require the engagement of a worker for activation. Some examples of a passive secondary containment system are sloped floors, berms, or dikes.

OSHA and the EPA both have many regulations regarding secondary containment; however, neither of them has specific form requirements that the secondary containment system must attain. The best approach in this situation is to meet any guidelines in existence by these government regulatory agencies as well as diligently maintain a secondary system that can stop any discharge that might occur.

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