California Designated Operator Practice Exam

What must non-integral secondary containment systems provide?

1. Combined volume for multiple containers

2. 100% of the usable capacity of the primary containment

3. Both 100% and 150% containment

4. No specific design requirements

The correct answer is: Both 100% and 150% containment

Non-integral secondary containment systems are designed with specific capacity requirements to ensure the safe management of potential leaks and spills from primary containment systems, such as storage tanks. These systems must account for the environmental risks associated with hazardous materials. The requirement for secondary containment to provide 100% or 150% of the primary containment's usable capacity is based on regulatory standards aimed at preventing environmental contamination. Having a containment system that can hold 100% of the primary container's capacity ensures that it can handle the full volume of the stored contents should a leak occur. In certain cases, regulations may also dictate the need for a system capable of holding 150% of the primary container's volume, providing an additional safety margin in case of unforeseen circumstances or multiple container accumulations. This dual capacity (100% and 150%) ensures that there is enough space to manage potential spills, thereby protecting the environment from hazardous material release and maintaining compliance with environmental regulations. It’s essential to understand that simply having no specific design requirements does not address the critical need for safety and hazard prevention. The design must be informed by the potential risks associated with the materials stored, reinforcing the importance of meeting regulatory standards for containment.