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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.

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.

EPA and OSHA secondary spill containment requirements

Spill Containment Products

We offer a complete range of spill control and secondary containment products for drums, IBCs, totes, and bulk 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.

Additional Products

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.

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.

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. 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 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.

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.

How do I clean a spill containment pallet?

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.

Stay Compliant — Get the Right Containment

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