SOP for Using Secondary Containment Systems for Liquid Waste

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SOP for Using Secondary Containment Systems for Liquid Waste

Standard Operating Procedure for Using Secondary Containment Systems for Liquid Waste

1) Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to establish guidelines for the proper use, maintenance, and monitoring of secondary containment systems for liquid waste to prevent leaks, spills, and environmental contamination.

2) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the storage, handling, and transportation of liquid waste in laboratories, manufacturing units, storage areas, and waste disposal facilities.

3) Responsibilities

  • Supervisors: Ensure the availability and proper usage of secondary containment systems.
  • Operators: Inspect, use, and maintain secondary containment systems according to this SOP.
  • Safety Officers: Conduct regular audits and inspections of secondary containment systems.
  • Maintenance Personnel: Repair and replace damaged containment systems as required.

4) Procedure

4.1 Overview of Secondary Containment Systems

Secondary containment systems are designed to contain spills or leaks of liquid waste, providing an additional layer of protection. Common systems include:

  1. Spill Trays: Used for small containers and laboratory setups.
  2. Bunds: Walls or barriers around storage tanks to contain spills.
  3. Double-Walled Tanks: Tanks with an external layer to hold leaks from the inner container.
  4. Drip Pans: Placed under valves and drums to catch small leaks or drips.
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4.2 Installation and Setup

  1. Site Selection:
    • Choose a location with minimal foot traffic and away from drains or water sources.
    • Ensure the area is flat and stable to prevent tilting or movement of containers.

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  2. System Placement:
    • Install bunds or spill trays to cover the entire base area of the storage container or tank.
    • For double-walled tanks, ensure proper alignment and no visible gaps between layers.
  3. Capacity Requirements:
    • Ensure secondary containment can hold at least 110% of the largest container’s volume or 10% of the total stored volume, whichever is greater.

4.3 Use of Secondary Containment Systems

  1. Storage Guidelines:
    • Place all liquid waste containers within the designated containment system.
    • Ensure containers are sealed and labeled with the type of liquid waste and hazards.
    • Do not overfill containers to prevent spills during movement or handling.

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  2. Handling Spills and Leaks:
    • Immediately transfer leaked liquid to a safe container using spill kits.
    • Inspect the affected secondary containment system for damages or contamination.
    • Dispose of spill cleanup materials as hazardous waste.
  3. Daily Usage Practices:
    • Ensure all waste is stored within the containment system when not in use.
    • Keep the containment system free of debris and excess liquid.
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4.4 Inspection and Maintenance

  1. Inspection Checklist:
    • Check for cracks, holes, or corrosion in the secondary containment system.
    • Verify that the system is properly aligned and securely placed.
    • Ensure drain valves (if any) are closed and sealed unless being actively used.

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  2. Maintenance Schedule:
    • Perform monthly inspections and document findings in the Containment System Inspection Log (Annexure 1).
    • Repair or replace damaged components promptly to maintain integrity.

4.5 Emergency Response

  1. Spill Containment:
    • Isolate the area and notify the Safety Officer immediately.
    • Use spill containment materials (e.g., absorbents, neutralizers) to manage the leak.

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  2. Incident Reporting:
    • Document the incident in the Spill Incident Log (Annexure 2).
    • Review and update procedures to prevent recurrence.
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4.6 Documentation

  1. Record-Keeping:
    • Maintain inspection logs and maintenance records for all secondary containment systems.
    • Retain spill and incident reports for compliance audits.

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  2. Regulatory Reporting:
    • Submit reports on major spill incidents to the relevant authorities within the required timeframe.

5) Abbreviations, if any

  • PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
  • SDS: Safety Data Sheets

6) Documents, if any

  • Containment System Inspection Log
  • Spill Incident Log
  • Maintenance Records

7) Reference, if any

  • EPA Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) Guidelines
  • OSHA Hazard Communication Standards
  • ISO 14001 Environmental Management Systems

8) SOP Version

Version: 1.0

Annexure

Template 1: Containment System Inspection Log

 
 
 Date System Type Inspection Findings Action Taken Inspector Name 
 
 DD/MM/YYYY Spill Tray No issues None John Doe

Template 2: Spill Incident Log

 
 
 Date Location Incident Description Corrective Action Reported By 
 
 DD/MM/YYYY Storage Area 1 Spill in secondary containment Cleaned and container replaced Jane Smith
Environment, Health and Safety Tags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,