What is the purpose of secondary containment?

The purpose of secondary containment is fundamentally to prevent spills and leaks from primary containers. This is crucial in protecting the environment, human health, and property from hazardous substances. Secondary containment systems are designed to catch any leaks or spills that may escape from the primary source, thus minimizing the risk of contamination and ensuring that any spills can be contained and addressed promptly.

Effective secondary containment can include features like impervious surfaces, containment berms, or double-walled tanks, all of which serve to hold potential spills away from the surrounding area. This measure is particularly important in industries that handle chemicals, fuels, and other hazardous materials where the consequences of a spill can be severe.

The other options, while related to various aspects of operations and management, do not address the specific and critical function that secondary containment is designed for, which is ensuring safety and compliance with regulatory standards concerning hazardous materials.