The most basic precaution against oil spills is the presence of secondary containment equipment in the form of an earthen berm, also known as a berm, earthwork, or dike, which is situated between the facility’s operations and its surrounding environment. When a spill does occur, a properly-constructed berm can help contain the spread of oil and minimize the damage it causes.
There are many different types of berms, from solid earthworks to permeable berms made from layers of different sized rocks or gravel. Regardless of the material used, the construction of the berm is the most important consideration. The berm must be built to a certain height and dimensions to be effective, and it must be built with the right materials in the right way to ensure it will perform its job effectively.
The right primary containment equipment is crucial to the success of any oil and gas production facility.
Primary containment equipment is the first line of defense against oil spills, and it can also be a safety precaution against gas leaks. It must be capable of effectively containing spills and leaks, and it must be durable enough to withstand the rigors of the oil and gas production facility while also being safe for personnel.
There are different types of primary containment equipment, but the most common are fabricated steel tanks and cement-lined tanks. Fabricated steel tanks are formed from steel plate and fitted with a steel or plastic cover, so they are easy to install and can be
Our Editor’s Best Secondary Containment Equipment Reviews
- Heavy-Duty 2000lbs Load Capacity & Chemical Resistance - Engineered with industrial-grade polyethylene, this spill containment platform withstands 2000lbs load while resisting oils, solvents, and harsh chemicals. UV-stabilized construction prevents fading/cracking for outdoor/indoor durability.
- 20-Gallon Containment System - Deep 4" containment walls create 20-gallon overflow protection (OSHA/EPA compliant), effectively capturing leaks from 2 standard 55-gallon drums. Angled drain outlet enables easy liquid recovery or disposal.
- Modular Stacking + Space Optimization - Interlocking design allows vertical stacking of multiple platforms (48"x24" footprint). Collapsed height at 4" maximizes storage efficiency.
- Forklift-Ready & Ergonomic Handling - Integrated forklift pockets (not suitable for hand-push forklifts) allow for safe pallet jack transportation. Non-slip grille surface ensures stability of drum during movement and beveled edges prevent tripping hazards.
- Multi-Surface Application - Weatherproof base adapts to concrete/gravel/grass surfaces. Dual-use as garage tool organizer, basement flood barrier, or industrial workshop station.
- Customizable Spill Control: The built-in U-channels on each modular platform allows for easy connection of multiple platforms, creating a customized spill control system tailored to your specific needs
- Leakproof Durable Construction: Each spill platform is made from high-density polyethylene with a lead-free protectant that has excellent chemical resistance and impact durability for long life, while the seamless construction eliminates leaks
- Low-profile Design: The low-profile centers of this spill containment platform measure 6.5" high, making it easy to handle drums during filling and dispensing, and can be paired with a compatible ramp (1689 or 1689B)
- Removable Top Grates and Forklift Pockets: The top grates of this spill platform are removable for easy cleaning, while forklift pockets make relocation easy
- Made in the USA: With an impressive 5,000 lbs. load capacity and 30 gallon sump this plastic pallet container securely contains leaks from chemical storage drums
- THICK-WALL, chemical-resistant polyethylene construction won't bend or warp
- RIBS ON BOTTOM OF TRAY add strength and elevate parts to keep them away from trapped liquids
- IDEAL FOR TEMPORARY STORAGE of small containers that may leak or drip liquids onto the floor
- STACKABLE SPILL CONTAINMENT TRAYS store easily when not in use
- SUMP CAPACITY is 17.95 gallons
- Affordable way to contain small spills up to 5 gallons
- Ideal for counter top use for the working storage of lab chemicals
- Drip pan under dispensers or as a floor tray under machinery
- These trays are nestable and feature a ribbed bottom
- Measures 36" length by 18" width by 2" height
- THICK-WALL, chemical-resistant polyethylene construction won't bend or warp
- RIBS ON BOTTOM OF TRAY add strength and elevate parts to keep them away from trapped liquids
- IDEAL FOR TEMPORARY STORAGE of small containers that may leak or drip liquids onto the floor
- STACKABLE SPILL CONTAINMENT TRAYS store easily when not in use
- SUMP CAPACITY is 11.96 gallons
- Quick and Easy Deployment - The Rigid-Lock QuickBerm Lite features a single-piece construction that allows you to deploy a spill barrier in minutes, making it ideal for emergency or routine containment
- Sturdy Wall Support - The 8-inch walls with stainless steel braces lock at 90° offering structural integrity, and the high-strength nylon support hubs accept anchors to withstand winds of up to 40 MPH
- Durable and Weather-Resistant - Built with EnGuard modified PVC-coated fabric, these berms withstand harsh outdoor environments and resist sun exposure, extreme temperatures, and a range of chemicals
- Portable - Whether for temporary secondary containment or more frequent use, our berms are engineered to be both portable and robust, making them a solution for various industrial applications
- Superior Spill Containment - Justrite berms are engineered to contain a variety of hazardous materials, including oil, fuel, water, and chemicals, helping you stay compliant with EPA SPCC regulations
- Waterproof and Spills Proof: this duck pond is designed with heavy duty PVC coated polyester, thick and reliable, not easy to break, durable enough to withstand extreme indoor and outdoor conditions
- Convenient to Storage: this mini spill berm is lightweight and small enough to fit in a cupboard; It is foldable and can be secured using the included straps; It can be easily stored in the cab of your vehicle or placed on a shelf for easy access when important
- Portable Design: the spill berm can be easily folded and stored for portability, easy to set up and take down when in use; It is also easy to clean; You can thoroughly wash it with regular cleaning products to restore its pristine cleanliness and shine
- Reusable and Reliable: the portable mini spill berm is versatile and portable, and it is strong enough to drive on, yet lightweight enough to move from place to place to prevent drips and leaks
- Widely Use: this folding duck pond is versatile, ideal for use under valves when pumping liquids from one tank to another; It is capable of quickly responding to leaking machines, preventative maintenance and emergency drips; This spill berm is not only suitable for the control of industrial spills, but also can be applied for fixed parking areas at home, preventing pool splashes and other occasions, it can handle about 200kg/ 441lbs
- Superior Spill Protection: Provides a robust barrier to contain leaks, drips, and spills, ideal for drums, tanks, and machinery.
- Durable & Chemical-Resistant: Built from high-quality, chemical-resistant materials for long-lasting performance in industrial settings.
- Easy to Deploy: Lightweight and stackable design allows for quick setup and hassle-free storage when not in use.
- Regulatory Compliant: Meets industry standards for secondary spill containment, ensuring workplace safety and environmental protection.
- Versatile Use: Perfect for warehouses, workshops, and maintenance areas, offering reliable containment for a variety of liquid substances.
- THICK-WALL, chemical-resistant polyethylene construction won't bend or warp
- RIBS ON BOTTOM OF TRAY add strength and elevate parts to keep them away from trapped liquids
- IDEAL FOR TEMPORARY STORAGE of small containers that may leak or drip liquids onto the floor
- STACKABLE SPILL CONTAINMENT TRAYS store easily when not in use
- SUMP CAPACITY is 9 gallons
- Waterproof Design: Folding duck pond material selection of heavy-duty PVC coated polyester fiber, waterproof and anti-oil stains easy to clean; product quality is strong and thick, not easy to break, durable.
- Folding Storage: The duck pond can be folded, folded and fixed with a strap does not take up space, convenient storage.
- Multi-scenario Application: for rapid response to machine leaks, preventive maintenance and emergency drips, suitable for rapid deployment in small areas, for use under valves
- Stability:The Duck pond sidewalls using closed-cell foam board firm and not easy to leak, can withstand high strength crushing; casual movement will not leakage,can withstand extreme weather.
- Wide Range of Uses: As spill containment berms, storage mats for leaky containers and large pet pools
Best Secondary Containment Equipment Buying Guide
Before choosing the best secondary containment equipment you should consider following options:
1. Water-based containment systems: Water-based secondary containment systems are either tank-based or wet-well based.
Water-based tank-based systems are suitable for liquids with a high percentage of oil. For example, in the case of drilling muds. The tank is filled with water and floats on top of the oil/water layer.
The secondary tank can be made of steel, plastic or glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). This type of secondary containment can be used in almost all types of industries. Advantages:
Less expensive than other types of secondary containment.
Suitable for solids and liquids.
Suitable for hazardous environments.
Disadvantages:
High maintenance costs.
The secondary tank needs to be emptied periodically.
Complicated and costly piping.
Less suitable for use in areas where the climate is warm.
Water-based wet-well containment systems are suitable for liquids with a low percentage of oil. For example, drilling muds, fresh water and chemicals.
Wet-wells can be made of steel, plastic or GRP. Suitable for all types of industries. Advantages:
Suitable for all types of liquids.
Suitable for all kinds of environments.
Suitable for all kinds of liquids.
Disadvantages:
High maintenance costs.
Complicated and costly piping.
2. Dry-based containment systems: Dry-based secondary containment systems are suitable for liquids with a high percentage of oil. For example, drilling muds.
The secondary tank is made of steel and is filled with sand or gravel. Advantages:
Suitable for solids and liquids.
Suitable for all types of environments.
Disadvantages:
Complicated and costly piping.
High maintenance costs.
Suitable only for liquids with a low percentage of oil.
3. Hybrid containment systems: These are the most suitable type of secondary containment systems. They combine the advantages of both water-based and dry-based systems.
The simplest type of hybrid containment system is the combination of a water-based tank and a dry-based tank. However, it is possible to have more complex hybrid containment systems, with multiple tanks and different liquids.
What else you should know about secondary containment equipment
1. What is secondary containment equipment?
Secondary containment equipment is used to protect the environment from spills or leaks of hazardous materials. This equipment includes containment booms, dikes, berms, and other barriers.
2. What are the benefits of using secondary containment equipment?
Some benefits of using secondary containment equipment are that it can help to prevent or reduce environmental contamination, it can help to keep products from being lost or damaged, and it can help to reduce the risk of injuries.
3. What are the different types of secondary containment equipment?
There are many different types of secondary containment equipment, but some of the most common include:
-Dikes
-Berms
-Retention ponds
-Secondary containment sumps
-Double-walled tanks
-Secondary containment vessels
4. What are the key features of secondary containment equipment?
Some key features of secondary containment equipment include:
-The ability to contain and/or collect spills
-The ability to be easily cleaned
-The ability to be easily accessed for maintenance
-The ability to be durable and weather resistant
5. How do I select the right secondary containment equipment for my needs?
There are a few factors to consider when selecting secondary containment equipment:
-The type of product being stored
-The size of the containers being stored
-The number of containers being stored
-The environment the equipment will be used in
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best secondary containment equipment. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best secondary containment equipment will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.