Neodymium Magnets-Powerful And Interesting Tools

—Neodymium Magnets Safety And Handling Guidelines

Neodymium Magnets are very strong and powerful. Their magnetic power allows them able to generate some magic effect. They are interesting but are not toys. Their special physical properties determine that they are easy to be damaged in magnetic characteristics and need to be handled with extreme care and precision to prevent accidents.

Here following are some guidelines about and safe operation, storage, transportation and disposal for this type of rare-earth magnets.

Operation

Neodymium magnets are brittle and prone to cracking and chipping. Hence they should be machined in professional methods and by special machines. The supervision of experts or professional technicians is also vital during the machining and operation.

When working with Neodymium magnets, take care to protect your hands and fingers. Two attracting magnets can severely pinch your fingers if they come between the magnets, which may make you feel no less than having your fingers pressed between a pair of pliers.

Neodymium magnets should never be heated above 175 °F or 80°C when will lose their magnetic properties. In addition, they may catch fire and burn and produce toxic fumes.

Neodymium magnets can generate strong magnetic fields. Thus, if left near magnetic media such as computers, floppy disks, hard drives, credit cards, magnetic I.D. cards, video tapes, etc., these magnets are likely to cause damage. Neodymium magnets should also never be left near electronic devices like televisions, computer monitors and VCRs.

Storage

Neodymium magnets should be kept out of reach of children. They may get hurt or choked as some neodymium magnets are very small in sizes.

Neodymium magnets should also never be placed near a pacemaker. The magnet can cause the medical aid’s malfunction.

Transportation

Transportation of magnetic materials by air in the United States is covered under the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 49 parts 100-185 by the U.S. Department of Transportation. A magnetized material is considered a hazardous material and is regulated as a hazard class 9 material when it is offered for air transport. Any magnetic material with a measurable field strength greater than 0.00525 gauss at 15 feet (capable of causing the deviation of aircraft instruments) is excluded from air transportation.

Disposal

Neodymium magnets can cause health problems. They should be disposed of in compliance with local, state, and Federal law. All strong permanent magnets should accept thermally demagnetization prior to disposal. In addition, all strong neodymium magnets should be placed in a steel container prior to disposal so they will not attract waste disposal equipment or refuse .