Alberta Occupational Health and Safety. Act, Regulation and Code 2021

American Society of Mechanical Engineers B30.20-2018, Below the Hook Lifting Devices, Chapter 20-3 Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets.

Manufacturer's specifications for the type and style of Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets.

Manufacturer's referenced standards

Users must be trained in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets.

Can you prove users are competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets ?

If a user is not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets they must have direct supervision from a competent worker

If not competent in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets do users have direct supervision ?

Do you have documented policies and procedures in the selection, inspection, cautions to personnel, effects of environments, and rigging practices associated with Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets?

An employer must identify responsibilities for the user of a Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet.

The use of Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets can create hazardous situations

Have Supervisors taken all precautions to protect the health and safety of every worker under the Supervisors supervision.

Have Suppliers ensured the equipment supplied is in a safe operating condition, and that it complies with this Act, regulation and the OHS Code  

What are the manufacturer's design factors for the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet you are using ?

A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be marked with the manufacturer's or repairer's name and contact information

A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be marked with a manufacturer's or repairer's model and identification number

A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be marked with its weight

A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be marked with its cold current amps at 68 deg F (20 deg C) (when applicable)

A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be marked with its rated load

A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet control handle or switch must be marked with "Lift," "Off," and "Drop" or equivalents to indicate mode of operation "

A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be marked with its ASME BTH-1 Design Category B

A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must have attached product safety labels according to ANZI Z535.4 - 2011

What are the training requirements for Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet users?

How does your company monitor the training requirements for Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets?

How have users been trained in the requirements for Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets?

Training records should be kept to show users were trained in the requirements for Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets

Manufacturer's specifications for the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets must be available to users

Where are your manufacturer's specifications for the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets kept ?

How do you ensure users are familiar with the manufacturer's specifications?

Have employers identified hazards associated with the use of Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets ?

Have users identified the hazards associated with the use of Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets?

All new and reinstalled Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets shall be inspected by a designated person prior to initial use

All altered or repaired Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets shall be inspected by a designated person

How often are every lift inspections completed

What must be checked on an every lift inspection

How often are frequent inspections completed

What must be checked on a frequent inspection

How often are periodic inspections completed

What must be checked on a periodic inspection

All Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets must have a documented periodic inspection completed by a qualified person

All Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets that have been idle for a period of one month or more must be given a frequent inspection

How does your company identify a Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet has had a periodic inspection?

Damaged or inoperable controls

Damaged or inoperable indicators and meters if installed

Electrical components including meters, indicators or alarms that fail tests for proper operation and condition.

Lifting magnet coils that don't meet the ohmic and ground readings of the manufacturer's standard

Damage to visible electrical conductors, including loose connections, continuity, corrosion, and damaged insulation.

Cracked housings, welds and loose bolts

Missing or damaged labels or markings.

Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets shall only be operated by qualified personnel, which includes, designated persons, trainees under the supervision of designated persons, maintenance and test personnel, and inspectors.

Rated loads cannot be exceeded

Loads must be correctly distributed

Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets shall not be used to handle any loads for which they are not designed

Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets shall be applied to the load in accordance with their instruction manuals

Do not stand or pass under a suspended load

Do not ride on a Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet

Do not use the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet to side pull or slide a load

Batteries must be charged when current flow or voltage falls below the manufacturer's recommended range

Batteries must be charged before Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets are returned to service according to manufacturer's recommendations

Suspended loads must not be left unattended

Before adjustments and repairs are started all sources of magnet power must be disconnected, locked out, and tagged "Out of Service" 

Before repairs the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be tagged "Out of Service"

Only Qualified persons shall perform adjustments and tests

Only Qualified persons, or those under the direction of a qualifed person shall perform adjustments and repairs

Replacement parts must be at least equal to the original manufacturer's specifications

Any hazardous condition disclosed during inspection must be corrected before normal operation of the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet is resumed

After adjustments and repairs the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must not be returned to service until it has been inspected

Dated records of repairs and replacements should be made

Misconception 1. If you have attended a training course you are a competent rigger.

Training is only one part of being competent to carry out your job, you must also be adequately qualified and have sufficient experience.

Misconception 2. Magnets can be used for lifting all types of steel.

The effectiveness of a magnet changes depending on the type of steel it is used with. Ratings can change depending on the type of material. Or the magnet may not be able to pick up the type of material.

Misconception 3. Magnets can be used on any thickness of material.

The thicker the material the magnet lifts is generally better. Most magnets are restricted to a minimum thickness of material they can lift. 

Misconception 4. A Magnets capacity is constant for different material sections, i.e. round bar, flat plate etc.

A Magnet can lift a significantly heavier flat plate than a round bar, if it is capable of lifting both types of material. Many magnets may only be capable of lifting one type of material. Consult manufacturer for any restrictions that may apply.

Misconception 5. Material surface condition will not affect the magnets capabilities.

The surface of both the magnet and the object being lifted must be clean, if not the flow of the magnetic field between them will be affected and reduce the capacity of the magnet and could result in loss of the load.

Misconception 6. Magnets can be used for lifting at angles.

Care must always be taken to ensure the load is evenly distributed. Magnets should not be used for side pulling or sliding the load.

Misconception 7. Magnets can be energised prior to contacting the load.

It is not a good practice to have the magnet energised before making contact with the load as the energised magnet can collect magnetic debris before contacting the load and create an air gap which will reduce the capacity and efficiency of the magnet

Misconception 8. Magnets can lift loads that are flexible.

As the length or width of the load increases the load begins to deflect and to peel at the magnet face, this can create an air gap which reduces the capacity of the magnet.