This safety precautions must be brought to the attention of all personnel who may use, handle, or process permanent magnets and magnetic assemblies.
The extremely strong magnetic fields and strong mechanical forces developed by rare earth magnets may create hazards to personnel through chipping, shattering or pinching on impact. Make sure that magnetized rare earth magnets are under control when they come in contact with each other or ferromagnetic materials. It is important to wear safety glasses and other appropriate protective gear when handling large magnets. Wearing gloves to protect one's hands is also recommended.
Keep ferromagnetic metals away from the work area. Be cautious when handling tools near magnets and magnetic assemblies. Be attentive when working with magnets. When handling large magnets, be cautious when under the influence of any drugs that can cause drowsiness. Do not work with magnetized magnets if you are under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances.
Sensitive electronic instruments and devices may change calibration or be damaged by a powerful magnetic field. Always keep magnetized magnets a safe distance away from sensitive electronic instruments. Special caution should be exercised if one is wearing a pacemaker, because strong magnetic fields can damage the electronics inside pacemakers.
Records inside a magnetic storage medium may be destroyed or corrupted when magnets are brought nearby. Never bring magnets close to magnetic cards, magnetic tapes, prepaid cards or other similar devices.
If you have a strong allergic reaction to metals, your skin may roughen or redden when your skin comes in contact with magnets. To avoid such symptoms, avoid all skin contact with magnets.
Never swallow magnets or place magnets within the reach of children or mentally impaired adults. If magnets are swallowed, consult a doctor immediately and/or seek immediate medical attention.
Rare earth magnets may create sparks through contact in handling, especially when allowed to impact together. Never handle rare earth magnets in explosive atmospheres because sparking may ignite that atmosphere.
Rare earth powder is combustible; spontaneous combustion can occur when the powder is dry. If grinding, always wet grind magnets to avoid spontaneous combustion of the grinding swarf. Never dry grind. Make sure to have adequate ventilation when grinding magnets. Do not try to machine magnets using conventional tools, as this can produce chipping and shattering. Always wear safety glasses.
Always store rare earth powder or grinding swarf in water-filled containers or hermetically sealed inert atmospheres to prevent spontaneous combustion.
Always dispose of rare earth powder with care. Do not risk fires. Disposing magnetized magnets must be done as to prevent injury when handling.
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