What does the term “secondary containment” refer to?

The term "secondary containment" refers to systems or structures designed to prevent hazardous materials, such as liquids, from escaping and spreading outside a designated area in the event of a spill or leak. This is critical in managing potential environmental hazards and ensuring safety during the handling and storage of hazardous substances.

Secondary containment typically involves physical barriers, such as containment berms, tanks, or vaults, which are specifically engineered to contain any spills and prevent them from reaching the surrounding environment. By having these safeguards in place, organizations can effectively mitigate the risks associated with hazardous materials and protect both people and the environment.

Other options, while related to emergency response and safety, do not encompass the specific role of secondary containment. For instance, backup plans for emergency response teams focus more on procedural readiness rather than the physical containment of spills. Emergency shelters are designed for personnel safety during incidents but do not prevent hazardous material release. Training facilities address the preparation of responders but do not constitute containment strategies. Hence, the correct answer centers around the defined purpose of secondary containment in preventing spill spread.