Industries that store chemicals or liquids besides water must store and handle them appropriately using spill containment systems to protect the environment. The Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) regulations set requirements including prevention of, preparedness for, and response to oil discharge at specific non-transportation-relation facilities.
In addition to using appropriate containment equipment and devices to prevent spills of dangerous chemicals, facilities should also use a secondary containment system to ensure there are no leaks to the original container. Secondary spill containment products are designed to keep everyone safe and prevent the spread of hazardous materials in the event of a spill or leak.
Below are some of the most adequate solutions for temporary spill containment you must know.
Berms
There is a wide range of temporary secondary containment systems designed to help achieve regulatory compliance for facilities that must implement SPCC plans. Some of the best solutions include berms, flexible containment solutions that help control spilled liquids or store drums, tanks, and IBC totes as a secondary containment measure.
They’re easy to assemble and employ, and there are different kinds you can use depending on your needs. Some have quick deployment capabilities that enable users to comply with EPA regulations easily, while others are ideal for uneven terrain and stationary containment needs. These are flexible spill containment solutions designed for a variety of applications.
Pallets
The spill containment pallets are a structured secondary containment option designed to store barrels or drums of hazardous materials. Spill pallets have sump capacity, meaning they can retain liquid in the event of a leak or spill. Their sizes vary but they’re often designed to hold one or more IBC tanks or between one and four 30-55-gallon drums.
There are various spill pallets or spill decks usually made from polyethylene which makes them compatible with a wide range of chemicals. From fluorinated polyethylene pallets to steel pallets and flexible spill pallets made with a strong PVC fabric, there are several variations that facilities use depending on what they’re storing.
Drum storage
Drum spill containment and drum racks are designed for use when liquids are stored in drums, and there are both indoor and outdoor options. Drum storage systems offer reliable drum management solutions enabling facilities to contain any spills and leaks that occur during drum storage. Some even provide superior chemical resistance.
Note that a leaking drum especially in an outdoor storage area is a high priority concern as it may contaminate soil and pollute groundwater. Secondary drum solutions have the capacity to capture the entire contents of a drum that can be safely disposed of later.
IBC containment
IBC containment spill pallets are an ideal choice for storing chemicals in bulk. They offer safe storage and transpiration options for IBC totes. Spill pallets and sheds feature large sumps providing reliable spill protection during the indoor and outdoor storage of IBCs. These containments sumps offer spill containment for IBC and horizontal tanks.
They’re used to securely stack drums and containers in a location, and there are ones that help save space and include an integrated sump to contain spills. If you need a long-term backup for storing hazardous waste or dangerous liquids, then IBC containment units are one of the toughest on the market that also help you meet SPCC regulations.
Special purpose secondary containment
Although spill containment berms and pallets can be used to capture spills from containers, other solutions may even be more useful. For example, horizontal fuel tanks would require a large footprint to capture spills so they may require large containment sumps that the tank can sit in. A solution for shelving systems, meaning for liquids and chemicals that are stored in warehouses on rack shelving units need spill containment trays that are placed under those shelves.
If you need to capture smaller drips and leaks at the hose connections, smaller pipe trays can be placed under the connection providing support to keep it off of the ground. Note that there’s always a spill risk when storing or mixing paints, chemicals, or other liquids. If you want to prevent this from happening, make sure you mix or store over something that can capture any leaks, drips, or spills like a chemical-resistant polyethylene utility tray.
In closing
Secondary spill containment solutions are designed to help facilities satisfy SPCC requirements, protect personnel from harm, and respond to spills and leaks. Remember that spill prevention measures are a part of the Clean Water Act that requires facilities to ensure that pollutants like diesel or oil, don’t enter navigable waterways. If you want to be safe from EPA inspections, make sure you use appropriate procedures to prevent contaminants from affecting the environment.