Which of the following is an example of a passive containment method?

The selection of placing barriers around spill-prone areas as an example of a passive containment method is indicative of a strategy designed to prevent or minimize the impact of potential spills without requiring active intervention. Passive containment methods involve systems or structures that act to contain or control hazardous materials with minimal human operation or mechanical input.

In this case, barriers serve to physically prevent contaminants from spreading into the surrounding environment, hence effectively containing potential spills. This approach is essential for managing risks associated with spills, particularly in settings where hazardous materials are stored or used.

Regular monitoring, active pumping, and emergency response drills, while critical to safety and risk management, involve either ongoing human oversight and intervention or immediate reaction to a situation, which makes them active processes rather than passive containment methods.