California ICC UST Inspector Practice Exam

What is the main purpose of secondary containment systems?

1. To provide visual aesthetics for installations

2. To prevent any possibility of fire hazards

3. To contain spills and leaks from the primary tank

4. To minimize regulatory compliance costs

The correct answer is: To contain spills and leaks from the primary tank

The primary aim of secondary containment systems is to contain spills and leaks that may occur from the primary storage tank. This is crucial in preventing hazardous substances from escaping into the environment, which can lead to soil and groundwater contamination. Secondary containment systems act as a barrier, holding any leaked material until it can be properly addressed, ensuring that the primary storage unit’s integrity is maintained and public health and safety are protected. While visual aesthetics, fire hazard prevention, and cost reduction in regulatory compliance may be considerations in overall facility management, they are not the main intended function of secondary containment systems. The critical focus is on environmental protection and spill management, making the containment of spills and leaks the primary concern of such systems.