What is the key characteristic of secondary containment in laboratory safety?

The key characteristic of secondary containment in laboratory safety is its role in providing an additional layer of protection for the environment outside the laboratory. Secondary containment systems are designed to contain spills or leaks from primary containers, such as chemical storage tanks or drums, preventing hazardous substances from escaping into the surrounding environment.

This is crucial in laboratory settings where the potential for spills of hazardous materials exists, as uncontrolled release can lead to serious pollution of soil and groundwater, endangering public health and local ecosystems. Secondary containment measures, such as dikes, trenches, or containment pallets, ensure that any hazardous material that may leak or spill is captured and managed before it can spread beyond the laboratory premises.

In contrast, while protection of lab personnel, the immediate laboratory environment, and proper waste disposal are also important issues in laboratory safety, these are not the primary focus of secondary containment. The emphasis on external environmental protection highlights its critical role in broader environmental health and safety practices.