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Spill Control and Secondary Containment

Protect your facility, employees, and the environment with OSHA and EPA-compliant spill containment products. Spill pallets, IBC containment, berms, absorbents, and secondary containment systems for hazardous materials.

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Spill control and secondary containment products

What Is Spill Control and Secondary Containment?

Spill control refers to the products, systems, and procedures used to prevent, contain, and clean up spills of hazardous liquids, chemicals, oils, and other materials in industrial, commercial, and laboratory environments. For how containment and racking are planned together in a chemical distribution warehouse, see our chemical and pesticide warehouse racking case study. For how drums and IBC totes are carried on racking, and how containment is designed into the bays, see our drum and IBC storage racking case study.

Secondary containment is a regulatory requirement (EPA 40 CFR 264.175 and OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106) that mandates a backup containment system for any primary container holding hazardous materials. If the primary container leaks or ruptures, the secondary containment system captures the spill and prevents environmental contamination.

Proper spill control protects employees from chemical exposure, prevents groundwater and soil contamination, avoids costly cleanup and fines, and keeps your facility in compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.

Industrial drums on yellow spill containment pallets at manufacturing facility

Justrite spill kit with absorbent materials for emergency spill response

Why Spill Control and Secondary Containment Matter

Spill control and secondary containment are not just about protecting your floors — they are essential for workplace safety, environmental responsibility, and legal compliance.

Hazardous leaks and spills create dangerous conditions that lead to slip-and-fall accidents, chemical burns, respiratory exposure, costly downtime, and injury-related expenses. Beyond safety, improper handling of hazardous materials risks significant environmental harm and can result in fines for non-compliance with SPCC (Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure) regulations.

Facilities that store oil above EPA threshold quantities must maintain a written SPCC plan. Secondary containment is a core component of that plan, and failure to comply can lead to penalties exceeding $50,000 per day per violation.

Spill Containment Products

A complete range of spill control and secondary containment products for drums, IBCs, totes, vehicles, and bulk chemical storage.

Four-drum spill containment pallet in warehouse

Spill Containment Pallets

Polyethylene and steel pallets that hold 1, 2, or 4 drums with built-in sumps to capture leaks and drips. Available in standard and low-profile configurations with removable grates for easy cleaning.

IBC Spill Containment

Large-capacity containment pallets designed for 275-gallon and 330-gallon IBC totes. Reinforced construction supports heavy loads while providing full secondary containment for bulk liquid storage.

Spill control product assortment including absorbent pads, pillows, drip tray, drum funnel, and portable berm

Berms, Absorbents, and Accessories

Spill berms and portable containment, drum funnels and covers, absorbent pads, rolls, and pillows, drip pans and trays, deck and floor drains, stacking drum racks with containment, and wall-mount containment shelves.

Justrite spill containment system for hazardous liquid management

Collapsible Berms

Drive-through collapsible berms allow easy containment of leaks and spills from vehicles and machinery. Portable and flexible, these berms are ideal for temporary setups and quick deployments at job sites, loading docks, and maintenance areas.

Justrite safety drip can and spill tray for hazardous liquid containment

Drip and Leak Protection

Drip pans, accumulation centers, and leak protection products for containing small, accidental spills from machinery and containers. Justrite EcoPolyBlend™ polyethylene accumulation centers keep workplaces safe and organized.

Vestil retention basins and containers for industrial spill containment

Stormwater Control

Specialized drain covers, berms, and containment systems that prevent contaminated stormwater runoff from escaping industrial sites. Designed to handle heavy rain while keeping hazardous materials out of the water supply.

Justrite Safety Cabinets and Cans

Industry-leading safety storage from Justrite — flammable cabinets, corrosive storage, safety cans, and spill prevention products.

Flammable Safety Cabinets

OSHA and NFPA compliant flammable liquid storage cabinets. Available in 12 to 90 gallon capacities with self-closing doors, adjustable shelves, and built-in vents. Protects personnel and property from flash fires.

Acid and corrosive chemical storage safety cabinet for laboratories

Acid and Corrosive Cabinets

Specially designed cabinets for storing acids, bases, and corrosive chemicals. Polyethylene-lined interiors resist chemical attack, while separate compartments prevent incompatible chemicals from reacting.

Justrite Chemcor corrosion-resistant safety cabinet

Chemcor Cabinets

Justrite Chemcor cabinets feature corrosion-resistant construction for storing aggressive chemicals. Dual-wall, 18-gauge steel with a chemical-resistant coating extends cabinet life in harsh laboratory and industrial environments.

Justrite Type I safety can for flammable liquid storage and dispensing

Type I Safety Cans

FM-approved and UL-listed safety cans for safe storage and dispensing of flammable liquids. Spring-close lid, flame arrester, and pressure-relief mechanism prevent ignition and reduce vapor emissions.

Justrite plunger can for dispensing flammable solvents and cleaning fluids

Plunger Cans

One-hand dispensing cans for wetting cloths and swabs with flammable solvents. The plunger mechanism controls the amount dispensed, reducing waste and minimizing vapor exposure in cleaning and degreasing operations.

Justrite universal spill kit with absorbent pads and disposal bags

Spill Kits

Ready-to-deploy spill kits for oil, chemical, and universal spill response. Includes absorbent pads, socks, pillows, and disposal bags in portable containers. Available in sizes from small drum-top kits to 95-gallon overpack kits.

Who Needs Spill Containment?

Any facility that stores, handles, or transfers hazardous liquids is required to have secondary containment systems.

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Manufacturing

Chemical processing, machining fluids, solvents, paints, and industrial lubricants.

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Laboratories

Chemical reagents, acids, bases, and biological hazards in research and clinical labs.

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Warehouses

Bulk storage of oils, cleaners, chemicals, and other hazardous materials in distribution centers.

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Fuel Storage

Gasoline, diesel, kerosene, and aviation fuel storage and dispensing areas.

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Healthcare

Pharmaceutical manufacturing, compounding pharmacies, and hospital chemical storage.

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Automotive

Motor oil, transmission fluid, brake fluid, and used oil storage in service shops and dealerships.

How to Implement an Effective Spill Control Strategy

A successful spill control plan protects your people, your facility, and the environment. Follow these steps to build a compliant program.

Identify Hazards

Assess the hazardous materials in your facility, including the types, volumes, and locations of chemicals stored. Determine which areas require primary and secondary containment.

Choose the Right Products

Select containment and spill control products tailored to your facility — spill pallets for drums, IBC containment for totes, berms for vehicle areas, and safety cabinets for flammable or corrosive chemicals.

Train Your Team

Ensure employees understand the risks of hazardous materials, know how to use spill containment equipment, and can execute emergency spill response procedures quickly and safely.

Inspect Regularly

Schedule routine inspections of all containment systems, safety cabinets, and spill kits. Replace damaged or worn products promptly and document all inspections for compliance records.

Maintain Your SPCC Plan

Facilities storing oil above EPA thresholds must maintain a written SPCC plan. Update it whenever your operations, stored materials, or facility layout changes. Ensure the plan is accessible to all employees.

Document Everything

Keep records of spill events, training sessions, equipment inspections, and plan updates. Thorough documentation demonstrates compliance during audits and reduces liability in the event of an incident.

Frequently Asked Questions

What regulations require secondary containment?

EPA regulation 40 CFR 264.175 requires secondary containment for hazardous waste storage. OSHA 29 CFR 1910.106 covers flammable and combustible liquids. The EPA’s SPCC rule (40 CFR 112) applies to facilities that store, transfer, use, or consume oil and could discharge into navigable waters. Additional state and local regulations may apply. Secondary containment must hold at least 110% of the largest container or 10% of total volume, whichever is greater.

What is secondary containment, and why is it important?

Secondary containment involves using barriers — such as spill pallets, berms, or dikes — to prevent hazardous materials from spreading if a primary container leaks or ruptures. It is essential for protecting employees from chemical exposure, preventing groundwater and soil contamination, and is required by EPA and OSHA regulations for facilities that handle hazardous materials.

What size containment pallet do I need?

Containment capacity must equal or exceed 110% of the largest single container stored on the pallet. For a standard 55-gallon drum, you need at least 66 gallons of sump capacity. For four drums, the pallet must hold at least 66 gallons (110% of one drum, not all four combined, per EPA guidance).

What materials are containment pallets made from?

Spill containment pallets are available in high-density polyethylene (HDPE) for chemical resistance, or painted or galvanized steel for heavy loads and fire-rated applications. Material choice depends on the chemicals being stored and the facility environment.

Which spill control products should I use for small leaks?

For small leaks, drip pads, spill trays, and drip pans are effective options. Justrite EcoPolyBlend™ accumulation centers are designed specifically for containing minor drips from machinery and storage containers. For general-purpose cleanup, absorbent pads and pillows handle small spills quickly.

Can spill containment pallets be used outdoors?

Yes, but outdoor containment requires additional considerations including rainwater management. Covered containment pallets or hardcovers prevent rainwater from filling the sump. Drain valves allow controlled water removal after testing for contamination.

Can I use collapsible berms for mobile equipment?

Yes, collapsible berms with drive-through capabilities are specifically designed for use with mobile equipment. Vehicles and machinery can enter and exit containment areas without compromising the berm’s containment integrity. These berms are also portable, making them suitable for temporary work sites.

How can I ensure compliance with SPCC regulations?

Compliance with SPCC regulations requires a written spill prevention plan, proper spill control equipment that meets EPA standards, trained personnel, and regular facility inspections. Work with a qualified professional engineer to certify your SPCC plan and keep it updated as operations change.

How do I clean and maintain spill containment products?

Remove the grate, pump out any accumulated liquid for proper disposal, clean the sump with appropriate cleaning agents, and replace the grate. Regular inspection and cleaning prevents buildup and ensures the pallet is ready for the next spill event. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations and replace any damaged or worn products promptly.

Stay Compliant — Get the Right Containment

Contact Material Handling USA for expert guidance on spill control products, secondary containment requirements, and EPA/OSHA compliance.