What triggers the warning lights and audible alarms in radiography safety systems?

• A. When exposure is in progress.
• B. When the breast shield is attached.
• C. When the room door is opened.
• D. When power is flowing to the generator.

Answer: (A)

The warning lights and audible alarms are designed to signal that radiation is being produced. They activate as soon as the exposure switch is engaged and the exposure begins, so personnel know to stay clear or avoid entering the room. The indicators stay on for the duration of the exposure and turn off once it ends. The breast shield being attached isn’t what triggers the warnings, and while interlocks related to door opening can stop an exposure or trigger a separate alert, the standard warning lights and alarms specifically mark that an exposure is in progress. Merely having power to the generator means the unit is ready, not that an exposure is underway.