Working safely with magnets

In short: neodymium magnets are safe for normal use, but keep four risks in mind: ingestion by children, pinched fingers, splinters when magnets snap together, and interference with pacemakers and ICDs. Keep strong magnets at least 15 cm away from a pacemaker or ICD, out of reach of children under the age of 14, and never let them snap together.

Children

Ingestion hazard

Magnets are not toys. Two or more swallowed magnets can attract each other through the intestinal wall.

Swallowed a magnet? Go to your GP or emergency room immediately, even if there are no symptoms.

Children and pets

Medical

Pacemaker, ICD and insulin pump

Keep a distance of at least 15 cm, and more for large magnets. Do not carry magnets in a chest pocket.

Are neodymium magnets dangerous?

Hands

Pinching

For magnets from approx. Ø15 mm and for pot magnets: wear work gloves, bring them together slowly and keep a spacer of at least 2 cm between them.

Separating strong magnets

Eyes

Splinters

Neodymium is brittle. Wear safety glasses when working with large magnets and slide magnets apart sideways instead of pulling them.

How to prevent splinters

Equipment

Electronics

Keep magnets away from cards with magnetic strips, mechanical watches and compasses. Phones, SSDs and chips will not be damaged.

Magnets and electronics

Heat

Temperature

Do not use standard neodymium above 80 °C. Above this temperature, the magnet permanently loses strength.

Magnets at high temperatures

Machining

Do not drill or saw

The dust is flammable and the magnet can break or lose strength. Choose a magnet with a hole or countersunk hole.

How do you mount a magnet?

Load

Holding force is not working load

Do not use magnets as the sole attachment for loads that could cause injury in the event of a fall.

Holding force, pulling force and working load

Skin

Nickel allergy

Most magnets have a nickel coating. For prolonged skin contact, choose epoxy, plastic or an inset magnet.

Which coating?

Storage and shipping

Storage and transport

Store magnets with spacers, away from children and loose steel objects. Ship them with a gap to the outside of the box.

Shipping or disposing of magnets

Moisture

Rust and outdoors

A damaged coating will rust. For damp areas and outdoors, choose epoxy, plastic or rubber.

Can magnets be used outdoors?

Advice

Not sure?

Not sure which magnet is safe for your application? Ask us, we are happy to help.

Contact us

Your safety comes first

Our neodymium magnets are among the most powerful permanent magnets in the world. Due to their strong attractive force, safe handling is essential. On this page, you will find the most important safety guidelines to prevent risks to yourself, others, and equipment.

  • CHILDREN AND CHOKING HAZARDS
    Small magnets can cause serious injuries if swallowed. Therefore, always keep magnets out of reach of children and never use them as toys.
  • PACEMAKERS AND MEDICAL IMPLANTS
    Strong magnets can affect the functioning of pacemakers, ICDs, and other medical implants. Therefore, it is important to always maintain sufficient distance between powerful magnets and medical devices.
  • ELECTRONICS
    Strong neodymium magnets are powerful tools, but require safe and careful handling. Due to their high magnetic force, they can cause injury or affect sensitive equipment if used incorrectly. Therefore, please read the safety instructions below carefully before working with our magnets.
  • CRUSH HAZARD
    Large neodymium magnets attract each other with enormous force. This can cause fingers or skin to get trapped, leading to painful bruising or even bone injury. Always maintain sufficient distance between magnets and wear appropriate protective gloves when handling larger magnets.
  • METAL SHAVINGS
    Neodymium magnets are hard, but also brittle. When two magnets collide hard, sharp splinters can fly off. For larger magnets, wear safety glasses and prevent magnets from clashing uncontrollably.
  • TEMPERATURE AND HEAT
    High temperatures can permanently reduce magnetic force. Therefore, only use neodymium magnets within the recommended temperature limits and avoid direct contact with heat sources or open flames.
  • RUST AND CORROSION
    Damaged or untreated neodymium magnets can oxidize due to moisture. Preferably use magnets indoors or in dry environments and prevent damage to the protective coating.
  • MACHINING
    Drilling, sawing, or grinding neodymium magnets is not recommended. Due to heat and mechanical stress, magnets can break, lose their magnetic force, or even ignite. Only use specially manufactured magnets for custom applications.
  • TRANSPORT AND SHIPPING
    Strong magnetic fields can affect electronic equipment and sorting systems during transport. Always pack magnets carefully with sufficient shielding and follow applicable shipping regulations, especially for air transport.
  • NICKEL ALLERGY
    Most neodymium magnets are nickel-plated. Sensitive individuals may develop an allergic reaction with prolonged skin contact. If necessary, wear gloves and avoid prolonged direct contact with the skin.
  • MAGNETIC STORAGE
    Always store magnets in a safe place, away from children, electronic equipment, and loose metal objects. If possible, use protective packaging to prevent unwanted attraction.
  • SAFE TRANSPORT
    Always transport strong magnets well-shielded and securely packaged. This prevents damage to equipment, unwanted attraction during transport, and ensures compliance with applicable shipping guidelines.
Neodymium magneten voor industrie, bedrijven en hobbyisten

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