Safety Procedures and PPE Flashcards

Under NYC DSNY policy, what must a sanitation worker do FIRST upon discovering a fire in a waste collection truck's hopper?

Answer: Stop the truck, discharge the load safely away from structures, and call 911

Discharging the burning load onto pavement away from buildings and calling 911 is the required emergency response to prevent truck fires from spreading.

What is the DSNY-required minimum safe following distance between a collection truck and the vehicle ahead during normal street conditions?

Answer: 3–4 seconds of travel time

A 3–4 second following distance gives drivers sufficient reaction time given the weight and braking distance of heavy collection vehicles.

Which condition requires a DSNY worker to immediately report a collection truck as out-of-service?

Answer: Brake warning light illuminated on the dashboard

Any brake system warning requires the vehicle to be taken out of service immediately because brake failure on a heavy truck poses severe risk.

According to NYC right-to-know laws, where must Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for hazardous substances be kept on DSNY vehicles?

Answer: On the vehicle in an accessible location for the crew

SDS sheets must be readily accessible to workers on the vehicle so they can reference exposure information in an emergency.

What personal protective equipment must DSNY workers wear during nighttime collection operations?

Answer: High-visibility (reflective) safety vests

High-visibility vests ensure sanitation workers are visible to motorists during low-light conditions, reducing struck-by incidents.

When should a DSNY worker complete a pre-shift vehicle inspection?

Answer: Before operating the vehicle at the start of each shift

Pre-shift inspections identify mechanical defects before they cause accidents or breakdowns during operations.