Magnetic Handling Guide

Proper Handling

1. Wear Protective Gear
   Why It Matters: Magnets can pinch fingers or shatter, sending fragments at high speed.
   Best Practice: Always wear gloves and eye protection when handling large or multiple magnets.
2. Assess Surroundings Before Handling
   Why It Matters: Magnets can snap to nearby beams, shelving, or tools.
   Best Practice: Scan your workspace for exposed steel or ferromagnetic objects before handling.
3. Work On A Non-Metal Surface
   Why It Matters: Metal tables can attract magnets unexpectedly.
   Best Practice: Use a sturdy, non-metal surface—wood, polymer, or aluminum work best.
4. Use Non-Ferromagnetic Materials For Storage And Surfaces
   Why It Matters: Neodymium magnets are not attracted to aluminum or 316 stainless steel.
   Best Practice: Use aluminum or 316 stainless shelving, bins, or work surfaces to reduce risk and improve control.
5. Avoid Direct Contact With Other Magnets Or Ferromagnetic Objects
   Why It Matters: Magnets can snap together forcefully, causing injury or damage.
   Best Practice: Keep magnets spaced apart and away from steel tools or surfaces. Use controlled movements and spacers.
6. Know Magnet Strength Before Handling
   Why It Matters: Larger or higher-grade magnets can exert unexpected force.
   Best Practice: Know the grade and pull force of each magnet. For high-strength magnets, use two-person handling and extra spacing.
7. Keep Magnets Away From Pacemakers And Medical Devices
   Why It Matters: Strong magnetic fields can interfere with implanted medical devices.
   Best Practice: Maintain a safe distance from anyone with a pacemaker, insulin pump, or other electronic medical equipment.
8. Keep Magnets Away From Credit Cards And Magnetic Media
   Why It Matters: Neodymium magnets can erase or corrupt magnetic strips and data storage.
   Best Practice: Maintain a safe distance from ID badges, credit cards, key cards, hard drives, and magnetic tapes.

Magnet Manipulation

1. Use Tools For Separation
   Why It Matters: Pulling magnets apart by hand increases risk of injury.
   Best Practice: Use plastic wedges or wooden spacers to slide magnets apart—never pull directly.
2. Emergency Separation Protocol
   Why It Matters: Improper separation attempts can cause injury.
   Best Practice: If magnets collide, do not force them apart. Use approved tools and follow your site’s protocol.
3. Stack Magnets Safely
   Why It Matters: Unstable stacks can collapse or shift unexpectedly.
   Best Practice: Use rigid spacers and secure stacks with non-magnetic straps or clamps.
4. Do Not Drill Or Machine Neodymium Magnets
   Why It Matters: Neodymium magnets are brittle and can shatter violently when drilled, releasing hazardous dust.
   Best Practice: Never drill, saw, or grind neodymium magnets. Use pre-machined units or consult your supplier for custom shapes.

Storage Best Practices

1. Store In A Dry Environment
   Why It Matters: Moisture can cause corrosion, even with protective coatings.
   Best Practice: Keep magnets in low-humidity areas at room temperature.
2. Use Silica Gel Packets To Control Humidity
   Why It Matters: Coated magnets are still vulnerable to rust.
   Best Practice: Place silica gel packets inside storage containers to absorb moisture.
3. Use Non-Magnetic Containers For Storage
   Why It Matters: Magnetic containers can cause magnets to shift or attract.
   Best Practice: Use plastic or wooden boxes. For small magnets, use individual compartments.
4. Place Spacers Between Stored Magnets
   Why It Matters: Direct contact increases risk of collision and damage.
   Best Practice: Use rigid, non-magnetic spacers to keep magnets separated and stable.
5. Label Stored Magnets Clearly
   Why It Matters: Unlabeled magnets can be mishandled or misidentified.
   Best Practice: Mark containers with magnet type, strength rating, and handling precautions.
6. Designate Storage Zones
   Why It Matters: Magnets stored near electronics or sensitive equipment can cause damage.
   Best Practice: Keep magnets in low-traffic areas away from magnetic media and medical devices.
7. Post Signage And Train Personnel
   Why It Matters: New team members or visitors may not be aware of magnet risks.
   Best Practice: Post clear signage in magnet handling zones and ensure all personnel receive basic magnet safety training.
8. Inspect Magnets Before Use
   Why It Matters: Cracked or chipped magnets can break under stress, creating sharp fragments.
   Best Practice: Visually inspect magnets before handling. Remove damaged units from circulation and follow disposal protocol.

Transport & Disposal

1. Use Non-Magnetic Packaging For Transport
   Why It Matters: Magnets can attract each other or nearby objects during transit.
   Best Practice: Use sturdy, non-magnetic materials and spacers to isolate magnets.
2. Secure Magnets During Transit
   Why It Matters: Loose magnets can shift, collide, or breach packaging, especially in air freight or vibration-prone environments.
   Best Practice: Anchor magnets with foam inserts, mechanical restraints, or magnetic shielding enclosures. Label packages with “Magnetized Material” if required by carrier regulations.
3. Comply with Shipping Regulations
   Why It Matters: Strong magnets may be classified as hazardous under IATA, DOT, or carrier-specific rules.
   Best Practice: Measure field strength at package surface. If it exceeds regulatory thresholds, use shielding or reclassify shipment. Include MSDS or technical datasheets if required.
4. Disposal of Damaged or Degraded Magnets
   Why It Matters: Broken magnets can splinter, oxidize, or retain residual magnetism—posing risks to personnel and equipment.
   Best Practice: Dispose of magnets through certified e-waste or metal recycling channels. Avoid landfill disposal. For rare-earth magnets, consider reclaim programs.
5. Environmental Considerations
   Why It Matters: Some magnets contain heavy metals or rare-earth elements that can leach into soil or water.
   Best Practice: Follow local hazardous waste protocols. Document disposal for compliance audits.