What is the purpose of secondary containment in hazmat response?

• A. Catch leaks or spills that breach primary containment and prevent environmental contamination.
• B. Provide extra space for responders to work.
• C. Replace primary containment entirely.
• D. Prevent only air contamination, not liquids.

Answer: (A)

Secondary containment acts as a backup barrier to catch any liquid that escapes the primary container, preventing environmental contamination. By surrounding or enclosing the primary container with another containment system—like berms, dikes, double-walled vessels, spill basins, or liners—it keeps hazardous liquids from reaching soil, surface water, or groundwater. This gives responders time to stop the release and start cleanup before it spreads. It’s not about providing extra space to work, nor does it replace the primary containment. It specifically targets liquids, not just air contamination, helping to keep the environment and people safer from hazmat releases.