Is a dead-man type exposure switch permitted for mobile radiography?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only when the equipment is in a fixed installation
• D. Not specified

Answer: (A)

In mobile radiography, keeping the exposure under the operator’s immediate control is essential for safety. A dead-man type exposure switch provides exactly that: the X-ray exposure occurs only while the switch is being pressed, and it stops immediately when the operator releases it. This is important in the mobile setting where patient positioning, movement, and surrounding factors can change quickly; if something goes wrong or the operator needs to pause, exposure ends promptly, reducing the chance of unnecessary radiation. Because this safety mechanism helps enforce continuous operator control and aligns with standard portable imaging practices, it is permitted and commonly used.