What does "secondary containment" ensure?

Secondary containment is a crucial safety measure designed to prevent the release of hazardous materials into the environment in the event of a spill or leak. The primary purpose of secondary containment systems is to provide an additional layer of protection around storage containers for hazardous substances, such as tanks or barrels. This means that if the primary container fails and leaks, the secondary containment system will capture the hazardous material, keeping it from spreading to surrounding areas and minimizing environmental impact.

The design and effectiveness of secondary containment structures can vary, but they are generally constructed using non-permeable materials that can contain the hazardous substance until it can be safely managed or cleaned up. This is especially important for substances that can be harmful to human health or the environment, highlighting the significance of having robust spill control measures in place.

Options relating to storage for hazardous materials or waste disposal do not directly address the core function of secondary containment, which is specifically aimed at spill prevention. Moreover, while radioactive materials may also require containment strategies, secondary containment encompasses a broader range of hazardous substances and is not limited to just radioactive materials. Therefore, focusing on the primary role of secondary containment clarifies why structures designed to contain spills or leaks is the correct answer.