IBS Magnet - General Information

These instructions should be made available to all staff members who come into contact with or who process magnetic materials in any form.

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When handling magnetic materials, especially made from the high-energy material NdFeB, the following points must be observed:

• Magnets can attract one another at significant distances. With larger magnets this results in a risk of injuries.
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• All sintered permanent magnets are hard and brittle. When they come together with any force, they can split into many sharp parts due to the strong magnetic attractive force. Appropriate safety measures must be taken (safety gloves, safety goggles).
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• The magnetic fields surrounding a permanent magnet on all sides can affect and even destroy sensitive electronic and mechanical measuring equipment. Please observe sufficient distance (e.g. greater than 2 m) from equipment of this type (including computers, screens, disks, credit cards, etc.).
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• Wearers of pacemakers must avoid magnetic fields at all costs!
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• During air transport of magnetised materials, the relevant IATA regulations must be observed (no magnetic fields are permitted to penetrate the packaging - it may be necessary to provide magnetic shielding).
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• Please do not process magnets in environments at risk of explosion. Sparks may be produced when moving magnets.
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• When processing rare earth magnetic materials in particular, please note that the dust and chips produced from grinding are self-igniting and can burn at high temperatures. Never work dry and take the relevant safety precautions before processing. Avoid breathing in the dust.
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• High-energy magnets, especially those made from NdFeB, must be stored in a dry place as this material has a high affinity with oxygen. Even unprotected use in a damp environment can result in corrosion and ultimately in the destruction of the magnets. The galvanic coatings on NdFeB magnets as corrosion protection must not be damaged. Even minor cracks can result in corrosion.
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• No permanent magnetic materials may normally be subjected to any type of hydrogen atmosphere or radioactive radiation. This can result in destruction.
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• Observe the maximum usage temperature for the relevant material. In general the magnetic properties decrease with an increase in temperature.
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• In addition, there are no known negative effects of magnetic fields on the human body. It can be assumed that persons who are allergic to ceramic or metallic materials will also be allergic to magnetic materials.