According to NCRP Report No. 102, what is required for the operator of a mobile radiographic unit to remain safe?

The requirement for the operator of a mobile radiographic unit to remain safe is based on ensuring adequate distance from the radiation source. The recommendation that the exposure switch must allow the operator to stand 2 meters from the patient is grounded in radiation safety principles.

By maintaining this distance, the operator minimizes radiation exposure during the procedure, as the intensity of radiation decreases significantly with increased distance from the source. This is aligned with the inverse square law, which states that radiation intensity diminishes as you move farther away from the source.

While wearing a lead apron, positioning the x-ray tube far from the operator, or sitting down during the exposure may seem beneficial, the critical factor in this context is the distance maintained from the radiation source to minimize exposure effectively. Therefore, the requirement that the operator stands at least 2 meters away directly supports the goal of protecting personnel from unnecessary radiation.