What is secondary containment?

A primary container is a vessel that holds the hazardous substance, for example, a bottle, 20L container, 200L drum, or 1,000L IBC (intermediate bulk container). Secondary containment could be best defined as the system in place to contain spills, leaks, or the failure of the primary container stored on it.

Why is it required?

In many workplaces storing or using hazardous materials, the primary containers that hold such liquids are vulnerable to damage. This vulnerability can arise from poor storage practices, mismanaged decanting or transfer procedures, or vehicle damages such as forklifts.

A secondary containment system is often required to contain these hazardous liquids if they emerge from the primary container and prevent them from escaping into the wider environment.

That environment might be the immediate workplace and hence, may put employees and other employees at risk. Or it might be a nearby waterway that will quickly pollute and affect marine and bird life and their ability to be used for residential, commercial, or recreational purposes.

How is it achieved?

Secondary containment has been historically achieved by building 'berms' from concrete or block walls, earth mounds, or large tubs. However, it has been made much less complicated with low profile work floors, spill containment pallets, and flexible bunding opportunities. These are designed to be quickly repositioned as your site, and operational requirements change over time.

At what point is it required?

The point at which your worksite requires secondary containment depends on what class of liquids you have on-site, and in what quantities. For really hazardous liquids, it is required from very low levels. For others, you are allowed to have a larger amount before secondary containment is required, while for many non-hazardous substances, little to none may be needed at all.

Further information, including classes beyond those listed above, visit the ArmorThane website. 

 

Creating safer working environments

ArmorThane's extensive range of quality products will help you store, contain, control, and clean-up dangerous goods and hazardous substances.

Need help in creating a safer working environment? Contact the ArmorThane team today.