What is the main distinction between primary and secondary containment in laboratory settings?

• A. Primary containment is for chemical safety, while secondary is for biohazards
• B. Primary containment prevents exposure to biohazards, while secondary provides additional protection
• C. Primary containment includes personal protective equipment only
• D. Secondary containment is utilized during transportation of samples

Answer: (B)

The main distinction between primary and secondary containment in laboratory settings is that primary containment is designed to prevent exposure to biohazards and protect laboratory personnel, environments, and the community from hazardous materials, while secondary containment provides an additional layer of protection. Primary containment typically involves the use of devices like biosafety cabinets, fume hoods, and specific procedures to mitigate direct contact with hazardous substances.

Secondary containment, on the other hand, serves as a backup system that helps to contain any spills or leaks that may occur from primary containment systems. This can include physical barriers like secondary spill trays or containment structures that ensure that any hazardous materials do not escape into the surrounding environment or laboratory space, thus ensuring an additional level of safety.

This option effectively captures the importance of both levels of containment, highlighting how primary containment focuses directly on protecting individuals from exposure, while secondary containment is crucial for preventing environmental contamination in case of failures in the primary systems.