Some Things Are The Same…
Because all containment systems must have three basic design features to comply with EPA 40 CFR 264.175: they must be "free of cracks or gaps and sufficiently impervious to contain leaks, spills, and accumulated precipitation until the collected material is detected and removed".  Leak tight!

They must be "designed and operated to drain and remove liquids from the leak, spill or precipitation, unless the containers are elevated or are otherwise protected from contact with the accumulated liquid".   Get ‘em up where you can see ‘em!

Finally, the system must have the capacity to contain 10% of the total volume of all containers, or the volume of the largest single container, whichever is greater.  But remember, this is just the minimum (think about what might happen if more than one drum empties out).

Most secondary drum containment today is accomplished with "spill pallets", with good reason.  They’re lightweight and portable.  That makes them very flexible to use wherever they’re needed.  The Uniform Fire Code (UFC 8003) has special requirements for spill pallets.  They must be protected to prevent collection of rainwater, and must have a capacity of at least 66 gallons (the 10% rule doesn’t apply here).

Using intermediate bulk containers (IBC’s)?  They’re compact and typically hold 275 gallons of product in the same area as four 55-gallon drums.  But please don’t put an IBC on a drum spill pallet! It’ll fit on top just fine. But you’ll need a pallet with 300-400 gallon capacity.  Besides, the added weight of material and the heavier IBC add up to too much for a typical drum spill pallet.

 Pallets? Decks? Trays? Vaults?

Spill Pallets are perfect for storage and dispensing locations just about anywhere in the plant.  They keep messy leaks off your floor and minimize sorbent use. Pumping out of a drum into a safety can?  Do it on a pallet rather than the floor.

 Spill Decks are designed for larger quantities of drums.  They’re modular, so they can be arranged to store an unlimited number.   They’re also lower to the floor for easier loading and unloading with a drum truck.  That makes them ideal for drum storage or staging areas. They make great dispensing and filling stations, and they can even be used as a "wash-down", or decontamination area.

For secure storage, a Containment Vault is the way to go.  They have lockable covers to keep the bad guys out.  Keeps the rain and snow out, too.

Spill Trays and Pads are perfect for incidental storage of small containers. You know which ones: the pails, small drums, bottles, even lead-acid batteries that nobody worries about…until they leak or spill!

Steel or Plastic?
Steel is strong and rugged.  It’s fire-resistant. It’s great for indoor storage of non-corrosive liquids.  But, remember the term "sufficiently impervious" in the RCRA regulations?  That means that whatever accumulates in the containment system won’t damage or weaken it.  Corrosive liquids demand special consideration.  So, look for all plastic or plastic-lined steel containment units.

Do you use chlorinated hydrocarbons like methylene chloride or perchloroethylene?  Be sure to use a Fluorinated Spill Pallet.  They’re specially designed to work when standard poly pallets won’t. Keep liquid spills in, and keep environmental problems out.

You Really Do Get More Than What You Pay For...
Buying secondary containment gear is like buying a parachute.  No guesswork, no mistakes. You just gotta have the Right products for your job. Matching them up to your needs can be confusing, and expensive if you get it wrong.