Safety rules (OHS) when working with magnets
Familiarize yourself necessarily before using strong permanent magnets.
Key rules in a nutshell:
- People with pacemakers must keep a safe distance.
- Do not give neodymium magnets to small children (swallowing risk).
- Do not bring strong magnets close to phones, laptops, and payment cards.
- Watch your fingers – large magnets can severely crush them.
Neodymium magnets (NdFeB) are the strongest permanent magnets available on the market. Their pulling force is many times higher than traditional ferrite magnets. Improper handling carries the risk of not only damaging electronic equipment but, above all, permanent damage to health. The guide below discusses key risks, from the impact on pacemakers to air transport regulations.
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Health, Children and Body Protection
Neodymium magnets can stop the operation of pacemakers and implanted cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs). The device may switch to test mode or stop stimulating the heart. People with implants must maintain an absolute distance from magnets. Warn guests and household members about the presence of strong magnetic fields.
This is not a toy! Swallowing two or more magnets (or a magnet and metal) is life-threatening. Magnets can attract each other through the intestinal walls, causing perforation, blockage, and infection. This requires immediate surgery. Keep small magnetic balls (e.g., NeoCube) out of reach children.
Large magnets attract with a force of several hundred kilograms. If your hand gets caught between them, it can lead to crushing, broken bones, or painful blood blisters. When working with large plate magnets, always use thick protective gloves and never test their strength on your own body.
Most neodymium magnets have a Ni-Cu-Ni (nickel-copper-nickel) coating. People allergic to this metal may get a rash from prolonged contact. If you plan to wear a magnet close to your body (e.g., jewelry), choose rubber-coated magnets or plastic-coated ones, which are hypoallergenic.
Handling and Storage
Never try to pull them apart forcefully "upwards". The best method is to slide one magnet relative to the other on the edge of a table (shearing method). Use a wooden wedge or a plastic separator. Remember: after separation, keep them far apart so they don't collide again.
Standard neodymium magnets (N) lose their power irreversibly after exceeding 80°C. If you plan to use magnets in hot oil, motors, or ovens, you must order special high-temperature magnets (H, SH, UH series) that withstand up to 200°C. Check the specifications before buying.
Neodymium rusts very quickly. Damaging the nickel layer will lead to the magnet crumbling into powder. For aquariums, underwater searches, and outdoor use, use only sealed search magnets or plastic-coated magnets.
Neodymium magnets are brittle ceramic sinters. A collision of two magnets at high speed will cause them to crack and shoot sharp shards. Always wear OHS protective glasses when handling strong magnets to protect your eyesight.
Neodymium magnets contain rare earth elements. Do not throw them into regular trash. If a magnet has lost power (e.g., due to overheating) or crumbled, take it to an recycling center or non-ferrous metal scrap yard. Care for the environment!
Electronics, Devices and Data
A strong magnetic field can permanently damage sensors in smartphones (compass, camera stabilization) and speakers. The greatest danger concerns laptops with older HDD hard drives – a magnet can erase data or damage the drive mechanics. SSDs and Flash memories are safer, but we recommend keeping a distance of min. 10-20 cm from all electronics.
Magnetizing the hairspring in a mechanical watch will cause it to drastically speed up or stop. Quartz watches (battery-operated) may stop in a strong field but usually return to normal after removing the magnet. Repairing a magnetized mechanical watch requires a visit to a watchmaker.
Elements of hearing aids (speaker, coil) can be damaged or generate painful squealing noises near a strong neodymium magnet. Exercise caution when bringing magnetic holders close to the head.
The magnetic stripe on payment cards, parking, or hotel tickets can be instantly wiped by bringing a neodymium magnet close. Chip cards are more resistant, but we recommend keeping your wallet away from strong magnets.
A strong magnetic field permanently distorts the image on older CRT monitors and televisions, creating colored spots. It can also damage coils in speakers if the magnet gets too close to the membrane. Keep a distance of min. 20 cm from audio-video equipment.
Physics, Drilling and Transport
The magnetic field cannot escape the packaging as it interferes with aircraft navigation instruments. Air shipment requires special shielding (steel sheet, styrofoam) and a declaration of compliance with IATA regulations. An ordinary envelope is not enough – magnets will "stick" to the courier sorting facility!
Do not drill into neodymium magnets using home methods! The resulting dust is explosive and toxic. Additionally, drilling heat will permanently demagnetize the material. If you need a hole, buy ready-made countersunk magnets produced by sintering from a mold.
Using neodymium magnets to stop utility meters is treated as theft and is illegal. Modern meters have magnetic field sensors that permanently record the interference attempt. This carries a high fine and a criminal case. We sell magnets exclusively for technical and hobby purposes.