Secondary containment capacity
Used on the ASP and CSP. The worked example below is computed by code and checked against the source.
Capacity ≥ the greater of 10% of total container volume or the largest container
Hazardous waste container storage areas under 40 CFR 264.175. Containers without free liquids are not counted.
Worked example
20 drums of 55 gal each.
max(0.10 × 1,100, 55) = 110 gal
Where it appears on the exam
ASP: ASP11 Domain 1, Mathematical Calculations
Blueprint: ASP11 Domain 1, task 1: storage capacity
Practice: Exposure Assessment and Storage Capacity Calculations
CSP: CSP11 Domain 6, Occupational Health and Applied Science
Blueprint: CSP11 Domain 6, task 5: containment volumes and hazardous materials storage
Practice: Exposure, Noise, Containment and Lifting Calculations
Source
The formula comes from
40 CFR 264.175(b)(3)(opens ecfr.gov in a new tab)“The containment system must have sufficient capacity to contain 10% of the volume of containers or the volume of the largest container, whichever is greater. Containers that do not contain free liquids need not be considered in this determination;”
Questions
- What is the formula for secondary containment capacity?
- Capacity ≥ the greater of 10% of total container volume or the largest container. Hazardous waste container storage areas under 40 CFR 264.175. Containers without free liquids are not counted.
- Will this formula be given on the BCSP exam?
- BCSP says the formula is included in the question whenever one is needed, unless the question is testing whether you know the formula. You can't bring a formula sheet into the exam, so learn what each formula does and when to use it.
BCSP on formulas at the exam
BCSP, What to Expect When Sitting for a BCSP Exam (item 7)(opens bcsp.org in a new tab)“For any question requiring a mathematical formula, the formula will be included within the exam question (unless the question is specifically testing your knowledge of a formula). You will not be provided or permitted to bring a formula sheet.”
Related
- Excavation sloping (simple slope, 20 ft or less)
- Choker hitch capacity by angle of choke
- Sling tension from the load angle factor
- Personal fall arrest distances
- ASP formula sheet
- CSP formula sheet
Checked 2026-10-16. Spot a problem? Email hello@passcited.com.