NYC Sanitation Worker Civil Service Exam 2026 – 190 Entry-Level
Practice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales, Sanitation
Operations, Workplace Safety, Waste Collection, Reading
Comprehension, Memory & Problem-Solving
SECTION I: SAFETY PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS (Questions 1–38)
Question 1
A sanitation worker notices that a hydraulic line on the garbage truck is leaking fluid onto the
street. What is the FIRST action that should be taken?
A. Continue the route and report the leak at the end of the shift
B. Place absorbent material on the spill and notify the supervisor immediately
C. Ignore the leak if it is less than a quart of fluid
D. Pour water on the spill to dilute the hydraulic fluid
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hydraulic leaks create slip hazards and environmental violations; immediate
containment and supervisor notification prevent accidents and regulatory penalties.
Question 2
Which piece of personal protective equipment is MOST critical when handling broken glass
and metal debris during curbside collection?
A. Hard hat
B. Cut-resistant gloves
,C. Earplugs
D. Reflective vest
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cut-resistant gloves protect against lacerations from sharp objects, the most
common hand injury during manual waste collection tasks.
Question 3
During winter operations, a sanitation worker must spread salt on icy streets. What is the
primary safety concern when working near traffic during this task?
A. Salt corrosion on boots
B. Reduced visibility and slippery footing near moving vehicles
C. Dehydration from cold air
D. Damage to the salt spreader mechanism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ice reduces traction for both workers and vehicles; high-visibility gear and
situational awareness are essential near traffic on icy roads.
Question 4
A sanitation worker discovers a suspicious package with wires protruding from it while
collecting residential waste. According to safety protocols, what should the worker do?
A. Place the package in the truck and continue the route
,B. Open the package to determine its contents
C. Leave the package undisturbed and notify a supervisor and NYPD immediately
D. Move the package to the sidewalk and continue working
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Suspicious packages require immediate notification of law enforcement;
untrained handling of potential explosive devices can cause catastrophic injury.
Question 5
What is the correct procedure for lifting a heavy garbage bag to prevent back injury?
A. Bend at the waist and lift quickly
B. Keep feet together and use arm strength only
C. Bend knees, keep back straight, and lift with leg muscles
D. Twist the torso while lifting to gain momentum
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Proper lifting technique engages the large leg muscles and maintains spinal
alignment, reducing the risk of lumbar strain and disc injury.
Question 6
A sanitation worker is assigned to work during a snowstorm with temperatures below 20°F.
Which action BEST prevents cold-related illness?
A. Wearing multiple loose layers and taking warm breaks
, B. Wearing a single heavy coat and working continuously
C. Drinking coffee throughout the shift to stay warm
D. Removing gloves to improve dexterity
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Layered clothing traps insulating air and allows adjustment as body
temperature changes; warm breaks prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
Question 7
When operating a mechanical street sweeper, what should the driver do before beginning
the route?
A. Check the vehicle’s lights, brakes, and sweeping mechanism
B. Fill the hopper with water
C. Remove the side brooms to reduce wear
D. Increase tire pressure above the recommended level
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Pre-trip inspections identify mechanical failures before they cause breakdowns
or accidents during street operations.
Question 8
A sanitation worker notices that a fellow crew member is showing signs of heat exhaustion:
heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness. What is the appropriate response?
Practice Questions with Answers & Detailed Rationales, Sanitation
Operations, Workplace Safety, Waste Collection, Reading
Comprehension, Memory & Problem-Solving
SECTION I: SAFETY PROCEDURES AND PROTOCOLS (Questions 1–38)
Question 1
A sanitation worker notices that a hydraulic line on the garbage truck is leaking fluid onto the
street. What is the FIRST action that should be taken?
A. Continue the route and report the leak at the end of the shift
B. Place absorbent material on the spill and notify the supervisor immediately
C. Ignore the leak if it is less than a quart of fluid
D. Pour water on the spill to dilute the hydraulic fluid
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Hydraulic leaks create slip hazards and environmental violations; immediate
containment and supervisor notification prevent accidents and regulatory penalties.
Question 2
Which piece of personal protective equipment is MOST critical when handling broken glass
and metal debris during curbside collection?
A. Hard hat
B. Cut-resistant gloves
,C. Earplugs
D. Reflective vest
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Cut-resistant gloves protect against lacerations from sharp objects, the most
common hand injury during manual waste collection tasks.
Question 3
During winter operations, a sanitation worker must spread salt on icy streets. What is the
primary safety concern when working near traffic during this task?
A. Salt corrosion on boots
B. Reduced visibility and slippery footing near moving vehicles
C. Dehydration from cold air
D. Damage to the salt spreader mechanism
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Ice reduces traction for both workers and vehicles; high-visibility gear and
situational awareness are essential near traffic on icy roads.
Question 4
A sanitation worker discovers a suspicious package with wires protruding from it while
collecting residential waste. According to safety protocols, what should the worker do?
A. Place the package in the truck and continue the route
,B. Open the package to determine its contents
C. Leave the package undisturbed and notify a supervisor and NYPD immediately
D. Move the package to the sidewalk and continue working
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Suspicious packages require immediate notification of law enforcement;
untrained handling of potential explosive devices can cause catastrophic injury.
Question 5
What is the correct procedure for lifting a heavy garbage bag to prevent back injury?
A. Bend at the waist and lift quickly
B. Keep feet together and use arm strength only
C. Bend knees, keep back straight, and lift with leg muscles
D. Twist the torso while lifting to gain momentum
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: Proper lifting technique engages the large leg muscles and maintains spinal
alignment, reducing the risk of lumbar strain and disc injury.
Question 6
A sanitation worker is assigned to work during a snowstorm with temperatures below 20°F.
Which action BEST prevents cold-related illness?
A. Wearing multiple loose layers and taking warm breaks
, B. Wearing a single heavy coat and working continuously
C. Drinking coffee throughout the shift to stay warm
D. Removing gloves to improve dexterity
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Layered clothing traps insulating air and allows adjustment as body
temperature changes; warm breaks prevent hypothermia and frostbite.
Question 7
When operating a mechanical street sweeper, what should the driver do before beginning
the route?
A. Check the vehicle’s lights, brakes, and sweeping mechanism
B. Fill the hopper with water
C. Remove the side brooms to reduce wear
D. Increase tire pressure above the recommended level
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Pre-trip inspections identify mechanical failures before they cause breakdowns
or accidents during street operations.
Question 8
A sanitation worker notices that a fellow crew member is showing signs of heat exhaustion:
heavy sweating, weakness, and dizziness. What is the appropriate response?
