DOT Inspector Safety and Hazard Identification 3

Question 1

When should an inspector use wheel chocks during a vehicle inspection?

Accepted Answer

Whenever the vehicle is parked for inspection to prevent unintended movement

Answer

Wheel chocks should be placed whenever a vehicle is stationary for inspection to eliminate risk of rollaway regardless of parking brake condition.

Question 2

An inspector finds that a vehicle is carrying compressed gas cylinders that are not secured. What hazard does this primarily present?

Accepted Answer

Projectile hazard if cylinders fall and valve stems break

Answer

Unsecured compressed gas cylinders can become high-velocity projectiles if they fall and the valve stem is sheared off, presenting a lethal hazard.

Question 3

What is the minimum safe distance an inspector should maintain from a placarded hazmat vehicle while awaiting hazard identification?

Accepted Answer

At least 100 feet upwind and uphill

Answer

The Emergency Response Guidebook recommends at least 100 feet as an initial isolation distance, and inspectors should position themselves upwind and uphill from potential hazmat releases.

Question 4

A driver presents a shipping paper describing a flammable liquid shipment. The vehicle has no placard displayed. What action should the inspector take?

Accepted Answer

Place the vehicle out of service for improper placarding

Answer

Failure to display required placards for a hazmat shipment is a violation that requires placing the vehicle out of service per 49 CFR 177.823.

Question 5

Why must inspectors avoid standing directly behind a vehicle during a brake check with the engine running?

Accepted Answer

Sudden brake release can cause the vehicle to roll backward rapidly

Answer

If a vehicle rolls or lurches backward during a brake application test, an inspector standing directly behind it has no time to escape being struck.

DOT Inspector Certification Practice Test

DOT Inspector Certification Practice Test

DOT Inspector Safety and Hazard Identification 3