The primary goal of secondary containment from a regulatory perspective (40 CFR 264.175(b)) is to prevent discharges of hazardous materials and waste into the environment. The containment can be active (like a spill kit) and require employee intervention, or be passive (like a drip pan). Any spills or leaks need to be promptly cleaned up regardless of the containment method employed.
Passivesecondary containment
Passive secondary containment systems such as a pan, bucket, or tub must be able to contain 100% of the volume of the largest container or 10% of the total volume stored, whichever is greater. Secondary containment can also be used to help with segregation of chemicals in a chemical storage area when a chemical has multiple hazardous properties (e.g. corrosive and oxidizer), or to segregate different hazard classes. Some chemicals require secondary containment: for example, corrosive chemicals, pyrophoric materials, and hazardous waste all require appropriate secondary containment.
What constitutes a secondary container?
A good secondary container has hard walls and a hard bottom, is corrosion-resistant, and is large enough to accommodate the volume being stored as indicated above. Polypropylene trays or buckets are suitable for most purposes, although any chemically compatible material is acceptable. Cardboard boxes or Styrofoam containers are NOT appropriate secondary containers.
GHS Pictograms and Hazard Statements
One of the first steps in controlling a potential hazard in the laboratory is recognizing there is a hazard. One way to identify chemical hazards is through the use and understanding of the manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheets (SDSs). SDSs are a primary source of information regarding a chemical's hazards and recommended handling procedures, including what personal protective equipment is recommended for that particular chemical. Many SDSs have been standardized under the Globally Harmonized System (GHS) of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals. This system provides a consistent criteria for the classification of chemical hazards by standardizing hazard information on chemical labels, hazard pictograms, and SDS information, so these details are communicated consistently from the manufacturer to the end-user.
While GHS has standardized the hazard information, different manufacturers may present the information differently. For example, one manufacturer might provide the GHS Hazard codes as well as the associated hazard statements, while another may choose to omit the GHS Hazard codes or they may omit the hazard statements. If the SDS only has the GHS hazard code or the GHS hazard statement, users can refer to the GHS Laboratory Data Guide published by Aldrich, or other reputable sources.
Expansion of Remote Lab Safety Reviews
All chemical research labs on campus are subject to an annual comprehensive lab safety review. Since March 2020, the team of lab safety professionals has conducted all reviews remotely. In an effort to increase engagement with labs and to continue to maintain a strong safety culture, two questions have been added to the remote review for 2021:
If your lab is returning to on-site research, Safety Services has a Lab and Research Ramp-Up Checklist available which outlines steps to take prior to resuming lab work, including assessing the integrity of chemical containers and disposing of chemical waste that may be past their pick-up date. Please contact researchsafety@ucdavis.edu with any questions.
New SafetyNet on Transporting Hazardous Materials
Safety Services recently published SafetyNet 150: Transporting Hazardous Materials Through Public Spaces, which outlines how to safely transport hazardous chemical, radiological and biological materials. This material previously existed as a stand-alone guide on the Safety Services webpage, but is now easier to find for those who need it.
