You need to be able to see all the tools in AC so you can't get 2m away because you can't see them properly. You also need to be able to access them just in case.
Apparently a health and safety assessment has been done saying its OK but haven't seen it or been shown the justification. We can't sit next to each other in t & p as it's too close (1.5m) but can be closer ojtiing...