NYC Safety Procedures and PPE 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is MOST critical for NYC sanitation workers when handling sharp or unknown waste?
- Safety glasses only
- Heavy-duty puncture-resistant gloves (Correct answer)
- Standard latex gloves
- No PPE is required for routine collection
Correct answer: Heavy-duty puncture-resistant gloves
Puncture-resistant gloves protect workers from cuts, needles, and sharp debris commonly found in residential waste.
Question 2: What is the correct procedure when a sanitation worker encounters a hypodermic needle in a waste container?
- Pick it up bare-handed and place it in a red biohazard bag
- Use tongs or a mechanical device and report it as sharps waste (Correct answer)
- Leave it in the container and continue collection
- Crush it underfoot to prevent injury to others
Correct answer: Use tongs or a mechanical device and report it as sharps waste
Sharps must be handled with mechanical tools and reported per NYC DSNY protocol to prevent needlestick injuries.
Question 3: According to DSNY safety rules, how should a worker position themselves when a collection truck is backing up?
- Stand directly behind the truck to guide it
- Remain in the truck cab
- Stand at a safe distance to the side, clear of the truck's path (Correct answer)
- Sit on the rear step
Correct answer: Stand at a safe distance to the side, clear of the truck's path
Workers must stay clear of the backup path to avoid being struck, as blind spots make rear collisions a leading cause of injury.
Question 4: What does the acronym 'LOTO' stand for in DSNY vehicle safety?
- Load Out, Tip Over
- Lockout/Tagout (Correct answer)
- Low Output, Truck Off
- Lift Out, Turn Off
Correct answer: Lockout/Tagout
Lockout/Tagout procedures prevent accidental machine startup while workers perform maintenance or clear jams.
Question 5: When working in extreme heat, how often should DSNY workers take a water break according to NYC heat safety guidelines?
- Once per shift
- Every 2 hours minimum
- Every 15–20 minutes during strenuous work (Correct answer)
- Only when feeling dizzy
Correct answer: Every 15–20 minutes during strenuous work
Frequent hydration breaks every 15–20 minutes help prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke during physically demanding outdoor work.
Question 6: Which back injury prevention technique should sanitation workers use when lifting heavy refuse containers?
- Bend at the waist and jerk the load upward
- Twist the torso while lifting to build momentum
- Bend the knees, keep the back straight, and lift with the legs (Correct answer)
- Lean forward and pull the container toward the body
Correct answer: Bend the knees, keep the back straight, and lift with the legs
Lifting with the legs while keeping the back straight reduces spinal stress and is the OSHA-recommended technique.
NYC Safety Procedures and PPE 1
Which type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is MOST critical for NYC sanitation workers when handling sharp or unknown waste?