Secondary Containment

Secondary containment is used to prevent the spread of chemical spills, including spills involving chemical wastes. Spilled chemicals may present a hazard to those occupying the lab or work area and may result in a release to the environment.

Secondary containment is recommended for moving chemicals through buildings or, especially, outdoors. It is also recommended for most hazardous waste containers, especially those stored near sinks or drains.

There are a number of products available for this purpose including, but not limited to, the following:

• trays for vacuum pumps or oil-containing equipment
• party buckets made of polypropylene for carboys, especially those stored on the floor

• plastic tubs may be used inside fume hoods or near sinks

• sinks may either be covered completely (if not in use) or partially (allowing for tubing drainage)

For more information, contact James Boehlert or Robin Izzo at 258-5294.