Magnets are small components with a large effect. They are used in product displays, home and office organisation, science experiments, industrial fixtures, filtration systems, lifting and retrieval tools, sensors, packaging, signage and many other applications.

The main safety point is simple: a magnet should be treated as an active force, not as an ordinary metal part. Strong magnets can move suddenly, attract nearby steel, pinch skin, crack if they collide, damage magnetic media and interfere with sensitive equipment. Small high-powered magnets are especially dangerous if swallowed because two or more magnets can attract through body tissue.

This guide is written for customers in Singapore and overseas who are searching for magnet safety, neodymium magnet safety, ferrite magnet handling, pot magnet safety, magnet storage advice, magnet handling precautions, rare earth magnet warnings and safe use of industrial magnets. It is general guidance only. For workplace use, industrial lifting, medical environments, schools, public displays or custom assemblies, a project-specific risk assessment should be completed before the magnets are supplied or installed.

The most common magnet injury is a pinch or crush injury. When two strong magnets are close enough to attract, the final movement can be sudden and difficult to stop by hand. Skin, fingertips or soft tissue trapped between magnets can be bruised, cut or crushed. Larger neodymium magnets and powerful pot magnets can cause more serious injuries because the magnetic pull force may be much higher than a first-time user expects.

Another important hazard is chipping or shattering. Neodymium, ferrite and samarium cobalt magnets are hard but brittle. They may look like solid metal, but they are not as tough as steel. If two magnets slam together, if a magnet hits a steel surface, or if a magnet is dropped onto a hard floor, the magnet can chip, crack or break into sharp fragments. Eye protection is recommended when handling larger, stronger or brittle magnets, especially during assembly, testing, separation or repacking.

Magnets can also affect electronics, instruments and magnetic data. Strong magnetic fields may interfere with compasses, magnetic sensors, magnetic stripe cards, hotel key cards, older storage media, watches and some measuring instruments. Modern phones and laptops are generally more resilient than old magnetic media, but the safest practice is still to keep strong magnets away from electronics unless the application has been tested and approved. Customers should also keep powerful magnets away from pacemakers, ICDs, hearing aids and other implanted or wearable medical devices because strong magnetic fields may interfere with their operation.

Heat, moisture and impact can reduce magnet performance. Some magnet grades lose strength if used above their rated operating temperature, and neodymium magnets may corrode if the protective coating is scratched or exposed to moisture for long periods. For outdoor use, humid environments, marine use, diving magnets, fishing magnets or washdown areas, the coating, housing and sealing method are just as important as the magnet strength.

Small magnets should never be treated as toys unless the complete product is designed and certified for the relevant age group and safety standard. Small high-strength magnets are a serious swallowing hazard. A single swallowed magnet may pass through the body, but two or more magnets can attract each other through the walls of the intestine. This can trap tissue, reduce blood flow, cause tears, create blockages or require emergency surgery. The risk is greater for young children, but older children and teenagers can also be harmed if they swallow magnets intentionally or accidentally.

For home, school and retail environments, keep loose magnets away from children and pets. Store small disc magnets, cube magnets, magnetic balls, magnetic hooks, craft magnets and office magnets in a closed container. If any magnets are missing from a toy, display, badge, packaging insert or classroom set, stop using the product until the missing magnets are found. If swallowed magnets are suspected, do not wait for symptoms to become severe. Seek urgent medical help and tell the medical team that magnets may have been swallowed.

Handle one strong magnet at a time whenever possible. Before opening a pack, clear the table of steel tools, screws, blades, paper clips, keys and other magnets. Work on a clean, stable, non-magnetic surface such as wood, cardboard, plastic or a rubber mat. Keep the magnet flat and controlled; do not wave it near other magnets or steel parts. When two magnets must be separated, slide them apart sideways rather than pulling them directly away from each other. Sliding reduces the peak force and gives better control.

Wear suitable gloves when handling heavy magnets, sharp-edged magnets, brittle materials or pot magnets with high pull force. Gloves are not a substitute for safe technique, but they can reduce abrasions and improve grip. Eye protection should be used when there is any chance of chipping, impact, snap-together movement or magnet breakage. For larger industrial magnets, use jigs, spacers, handles, clamps or mechanical aids rather than relying on hand strength.

Never drill, cut, machine, grind or weld a permanent magnet unless the process has been reviewed by a specialist and appropriate controls are in place. Cutting or grinding magnets can create heat, sharp fragments and dust. Neodymium magnet powder or dust can be flammable, and the machining process may also damage the magnet coating or reduce magnetic performance. For custom holes, countersinks, slots or mounting features, order the correct magnet shape from the start, such as countersunk neodymium magnets, ring magnets, channel magnets, threaded pot magnets or custom magnet assemblies.

For rarer cases, users with skin allergies or metal sensitivities should avoid direct contact with magnet coatings that may trigger irritation, such as nickel plating. Use gloves, choose a suitable alternative coating where available, and stop handling the magnet if redness, itching or discomfort occurs.

Different magnet materials behave differently. The correct safety advice depends on the magnet material, size, grade, coating, shape, working temperature and application.

Neodymium magnets (NdFeB)
Neodymium magnets, also called NdFeB magnets or rare earth magnets, provide very high pull force in a small size. This makes them popular for engineering, sensors, fixtures, product displays, packaging, cabinets, DIY projects, science experiments, magnetic holders and industrial applications. The same strength that makes neodymium magnets useful is also the main safety concern. Even small neodymium disc magnets or cube magnets can jump together unexpectedly, pinch skin or chip if they collide. When magnets collide, they may chip or shatter, sending sharp fragments outward like projectiles that can injure skin, hands, face or eyes. Eye protection is recommended.
Neodymium magnets are normally plated or coated, commonly with nickel-copper-nickel, epoxy, zinc, gold, copper, plastic or rubber. The coating helps protect the magnet from corrosion and handling wear, but it can be damaged by impact. If the coating cracks or peels, moisture can enter and the magnet may rust or lose strength over time. For wet, humid, outdoor or marine applications, choose an appropriate coating or an enclosed assembly rather than using an unprotected bare magnet.
Do not expose neodymium magnets to temperatures above their rated limit. Many standard neodymium magnets are commonly rated around 80 degrees Celsius, but the actual safe working temperature depends on grade, shape and application. High-temperature neodymium grades are available for special uses. If the application involves motors, heaters, ovens, outdoor sun exposure, automotive use or industrial heat, check the temperature rating before installation.

Ferrite / ceramic magnets
Ferrite magnets, also known as ceramic magnets, are dark grey or black magnets commonly used in speakers, educational magnets, craft magnets, fridge magnets, pot magnets, magnetic holders and general industrial applications. Ferrite magnets usually have lower pull force than neodymium magnets of the same size, but they can still pinch fingers or attract metal objects. Large ferrite magnets and ferrite pot magnets should be handled with the same care as other strong magnets.
The main material risk with ferrite magnets is brittleness. Ferrite can crack or chip if dropped, struck or allowed to snap onto steel. Broken ferrite pieces may have sharp edges, and dust from broken or abraded ceramic material should not be inhaled. When magnets collide, they may chip or shatter, sending sharp fragments outward like projectiles that can injure skin, hands, face or eyes. Eye protection is recommended.
Ferrite magnets generally resist corrosion better than unprotected neodymium magnets and can handle relatively high temperatures, but they are still not designed to be hammered, drilled or machined by untrained users.

Samarium cobalt magnets (SmCo)
Samarium cobalt magnets, often written as SmCo magnets, are rare earth magnets chosen for higher temperature performance and good corrosion resistance. They are used in demanding industrial, aerospace, sensor and high-temperature applications. SmCo magnets can be safer than neodymium in some hot or corrosive environments, but they are still strong permanent magnets and should be handled with proper controls.
The key safety point for SmCo is brittleness. Samarium cobalt is hard and fragile, so it can crack, chip or fracture if it is dropped or if two magnets collide. When magnets collide, they may chip or shatter, sending sharp fragments outward like projectiles that can injure skin, hands, face or eyes. Eye protection is recommended when assembling or testing SmCo magnets. Because these magnets can be expensive and application-specific, they should be stored carefully, separated with spacers and kept away from uncontrolled impact.

AlNiCo magnets
AlNiCo magnets are made from aluminium, nickel, cobalt and iron. They are commonly seen as horseshoe magnets, bar magnets, educational magnets, sensor magnets and high-temperature magnets. AlNiCo handles heat well compared with many magnet materials and can be useful where temperature stability is important. However, AlNiCo magnets can lose magnetisation if they are stored without the correct magnetic circuit, exposed to strong opposing fields or used carelessly.
Many AlNiCo horseshoe magnets are supplied or stored with a keeper, which is a piece of steel placed across the poles to help maintain magnetic performance. Users should avoid knocking the poles, dropping the magnet or using it as a toy. Even where the magnet is weaker than a neodymium magnet, it can still pinch skin, chip at edges or attract nearby steel.
AlNiCo magnets are generally less brittle than ferrite, neodymium and samarium cobalt magnets, but they should still be handled with care because they can chip, lose strength if stored incorrectly, and cause pinch injuries if allowed to snap onto steel surfaces or other magnets.

Flexible rubber magnets
Flexible rubber magnets are lower-strength magnetic materials used for labels, signs, displays, craft sheets, magnetic strips, vehicle signage, shelf labels and light-duty holding. They are normally easier to handle than hard rare earth magnets, but safe use still matters. Flexible magnets can be damaged by excessive heat, sharp bending, cutting with unsuitable tools, strong solvents or outdoor exposure beyond the material rating.
Flexible magnetic sheets and rubber magnetic strips should be stored flat or in a gentle roll, away from sharp creases. If used on painted surfaces such as vehicles, the surface should be clean and dry, and the magnet should be removed periodically to avoid trapped moisture, dirt or surface marking. Flexible magnets should not be used for safety-critical holding, lifting or load-bearing applications unless specifically designed and tested for that purpose.
Flexible rubber magnets are generally safer and weaker than hard magnets, but they should still be handled properly.

Magnets should only be used for their intended purpose and within the limits stated in the product description, specifications or safety guidance. Do not use magnets for lifting, suspension, overhead holding, climbing, personal safety, load-bearing support, vehicle attachment, marine recovery or other critical applications unless the product is specifically designed, tested and rated for that use. Specifications such as pull force, holding strength, working load, magnetic strength and temperature resistance are usually based on controlled or ideal test conditions, such as a clean, flat, thick steel surface with direct contact and a straight pulling force. These values should be treated as reference guides only and not as guaranteed performance in every real-life application. Actual magnet performance can be reduced by surface thickness, material type, paint, rust, coating, dirt, air gaps, uneven surfaces, curved surfaces, moisture, temperature, vibration, impact, angle of pull, shock loading and general wear. Users must consider the full real-world environment before relying on a magnet for holding, mounting or recovery work. Where failure could cause injury, property damage, falling objects or operational risk, the application should be assessed by a qualified engineer, safety professional or other competent expert, and suitable mechanical backup or secondary retention should be used. Magnet use must also comply with all applicable local safety laws, workplace rules, lifting regulations, marine regulations and industry standards relevant to the intended application.

An example on hand is the use of pot magnets and magnet assemblies. Pot magnets and magnet assemblies combine a permanent magnet with a steel cup, housing, hook, threaded bush, countersunk hole, eyebolt, carabiner, handle or other mounting feature. These assemblies are popular because the steel housing concentrates the magnetic field on the contact face and can greatly increase holding force on flat steel. Common examples include neodymium pot magnets, ferrite pot magnets, countersunk pot magnets, internal threaded pot magnets, external threaded stud magnets, hook magnets, magnetic bases, fishing magnets and diving magnets.

Pot magnets, hook magnets, eyebolt magnets and similar magnetic assemblies should not be used as lifting devices unless they are specifically designed, tested, certified and clearly rated for lifting applications. Standard pot magnets are generally intended for holding, mounting, positioning or temporary attachment, not for lifting suspended loads, overhead loads, people, machinery or safety-critical items. Pull force figures are usually based on ideal test conditions and should not be treated as a certified safe working load. In Singapore, lifting equipment used in workplaces may be subject to MOM requirements, including registration, inspection, testing and examination by an Authorised Examiner where applicable. MOM states that certain lifting equipment must be registered, and that lifting equipment must be examined at regular intervals by an Authorised Examiner to ensure it remains safe to operate. Users must ensure that any lifting application complies with all applicable Singapore workplace safety laws, MOM requirements, lifting regulations and industry standards before use. SG Magnetics pot magnets are not supplied as certified lifting devices unless expressly stated in writing. For lifting magnets, please contact us – even so, they must be certified before use or you can purchase our ready MOM certified lifting magnets (subject to availability).

The pull force of a pot magnet is usually measured under ideal conditions: a thick, flat, clean steel plate, full contact, straight pull and no air gap. Real-world holding force can be lower if the surface is thin, painted, rusty, curved, dirty, wet, oily or uneven. Shear force, sideways force, shock loading and vibration can also reduce practical holding strength. Customers should not use a published pull force as a working load limit for lifting people, lifting overhead loads or safety-critical rigging.

When using hook magnets, eyebolt magnets, pot magnets or magnetic holders, inspect the thread, hook, eyebolt and housing before use. Ensure the fitting is fully engaged and not cross-threaded. Keep hands clear of the contact face when placing the magnet on steel. If removal is difficult, slide or tilt the magnet using the correct handle or tool rather than pulling suddenly. Sudden release can cause the magnet, hook or attached load to snap back.

Diving magnets and fishing magnets need extra care because they may be used in outdoor, marine, muddy or unknown environments. All parts of the magnet as well as additional accessories such as the rope, eyebolt, carabiner and knot must be checked before every use. Users should wear gloves, keep the rope away from fingers and avoid wrapping the rope around hands or body.

Good magnet storage prevents injuries and protects the magnet finish. Keep magnets separated with cardboard, foam, plastic spacers, wooden blocks or original packaging. Strong magnets should not be stored loose in a drawer where they can collide with each other or attract steel tools. Boxes should be clearly labelled with terms such as strong magnets, magnetic field, keep away from pacemakers, keep away from children and keep away from electronics.

For neodymium magnets, dry storage is especially important. A scratched or damaged coating can allow corrosion, and corrosion can weaken the magnet or cause the coating to lift. Ferrite magnets are more corrosion-resistant, but they can still chip if stored without spacing. AlNiCo magnets may need keepers to preserve magnetic performance. Flexible magnets should be kept flat or rolled gently, without creases or heavy loads pressing into them.

Magnets must be packed, handled and shipped carefully because external magnetic fields may attract nearby metal objects, damage other parcels, affect sensitive equipment or interfere with instruments during transport. For land transport of magnets and sea transport of magnets, the rules are generally to ensure that objects cannot be attracted to the surface of the parcel.

For international air shipment, magnetised material may fall under IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations as UN 2807 Magnetized Material, Class 9, depending on the magnetic field measured outside the fully packed parcel. As a practical guide, if the magnetic field is less than 0.002 gauss measured at 2.1 m / 7 ft from any surface of the package, the shipment is generally not treated as regulated magnetized material; if the magnetic field is 0.002 gauss or more at 2.1 m / 7 ft but less than 0.00525 gauss measured at 4.5 m / 15 ft, the parcel may need to be packed, marked, documented and shipped according to applicable IATA, courier and destination-country requirements; and if the magnetic field is more than 0.00525 gauss at 4.5 m / 15 ft from any surface of the package, it may not be accepted for air transport unless repacked, shielded and retested to meet the required limits. Strong magnets, including neodymium magnets, pot magnets, hook magnets, fishing magnets, diving magnets, ferrite magnets, AlNiCo magnets and large magnetic assemblies, should be separated, immobilised and shielded using suitable packaging such as spacers, foam, cardboard, steel shielding or other protective materials to reduce the external magnetic field and prevent movement or damage during shipping. Customers who repack, forward, export or ship magnets internationally are responsible for checking the latest IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, courier restrictions, customs requirements, destination-country rules and any required dangerous goods documentation before shipment. SG Magnetics supplies magnets in Singapore and can arrange overseas magnet shipping, international magnet delivery and worldwide magnet shipping where permitted, subject to product type, destination, courier acceptance, packaging requirements and applicable shipping regulations.

Broken magnets should be handled as sharp fragments. Wrap pieces in paper, cardboard or tape before disposal so they do not attract tools or cut handlers. Do not burn magnets. Where possible, dispose of magnets through appropriate local waste guidance.

For pinch injuries, separate the magnets carefully without causing a second injury. Clean the area, check for cuts, swelling, numbness or reduced circulation, and seek medical attention if pain, bleeding, loss of sensation or restricted movement continues. For eye injuries, do not rub the eye. Seek medical attention promptly, especially if a magnet has chipped or shattered.

For suspected swallowed magnets, treat the situation as urgent. Do not assume the magnets will pass naturally, especially if more than one magnet may have been swallowed. Contact emergency medical services or go to a hospital, and tell the medical team that strong magnets may be involved. This information is important because magnets can attract through tissue and may not behave like ordinary swallowed objects.

For equipment incidents, isolate the magnet and affected device. Keep other steel tools and magnets away from the scene until the magnet is under control. If a magnet damages a pacemaker, medical device, sensor, credit card, hard drive, watch, compass or measuring instrument, seek professional guidance before reuse.