Explain the term "spill containment."

The term "spill containment" refers specifically to the strategies and actions implemented to prevent the spread of hazardous materials in the event of a spill. This is a critical aspect of hazardous materials management because it aims to mitigate the potential impact of spills on the environment and public health. Effective containment measures can involve the use of barriers, absorbent materials, or specialized equipment designed to contain leaks and spills.

For instance, in a chemical spill, containment efforts might include laying out absorbent pads or booms around the area affected to restrict the movement of hazardous substances. By focusing on stopping the spread immediately, responders can reduce further contamination and facilitate recovery and cleanup efforts.

Other options, while related to hazardous materials handling, do not specifically capture the essence of containment. Measures taken to recover spilled materials focus on clean-up after a spill has occurred, safe transportation addresses the movement of materials without incident, and storage pertains to how materials are kept before use or transport. Each of these plays a role in the overall management of hazardous materials, but they do not directly define the proactive aspect of spill containment.