Take A Quiz

Product Resource Information

Scope

THE ALBERTA OH&S ACT, REGULATION AND CODE 2018, THE ASME B30.20-2018 STANDARD AND MANUFACTURERS OF CLOSE PROXIMITY OPERATED LIFTING MAGNETS ALL STATE THAT USERS OF CLOSE PROXIMITY OPERATED LIFTING MAGNETS MUST BE TRAINED IN THE SELECTION, INSPECTION, CAUTIONS TO PERSONNEL, EFFECTS OF ENVIRONMENTS AND RIGGING PRACTICES ASSOCIATED WITH THE CLOSE PROXIMITY OPERATED LIFTING MAGNET. FAILURES DUE TO MISSUSE HAVE RESULTED IN SERIOUS INJURIES AND DEATH. THIS SECTION WILL PROVIDE YOU INFORMATION ON THE SAFE USE OF CLOSE PROXIMITY OPERATED LIFTING MAGNETS

Legislation, Standards and Specifications

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

Manufacturer's referenced standards

Read Details

Employer, Worker, User, Supervisor and Supplier Responsibilities

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

Read Details

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 ?

Read Details

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

Read Details

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 ?

Read Details

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?

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

Design Factors

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

Read Details

Markings

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details
A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be marked with its duty cycle (when applicable) Read Details

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

Read Details
A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be marked with the voltage of the primary power supply or battery (when applicable) Read Details

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

Read Details

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 "

Read Details

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

Read Details
A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be marked with its ASME BTH-1 Service Class Read Details

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

Read Details

Training

It is important that all Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet users be knowledgeable about the safe and proper use, application of Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets, be thoroughly familiar with the manufacturer's recommendations, and safety material provided with each product. In addition all Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet users need to be aware of their responsibilities outlined in all applicable standards, regulations and policies

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

Inspection Requirements

There are 4 types of inspection that are required to be carried out on Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets, these are Initial, Every Lift, Frequent and Periodic

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

How often are every lift inspections completed

Read Details

What must be checked on an every lift inspection

Read Details

How often are frequent inspections completed

Read Details

What must be checked on a frequent inspection

Read Details

How often are periodic inspections completed

Read Details

What must be checked on a periodic inspection

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

Removal Criteria

A Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet must be removed from service if any of the following criteria deems that the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet is not fit for use.

Damaged or inoperable controls

Read Details

Damaged or inoperable indicators and meters if installed

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details
Structural and suspension members, fasteners, locks, and switches that are deformed, cracked, worn or corroeded. Read Details
Damaged lifting bail or sling suspension Read Details

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

Read Details
Battery correct electrolyte levels and corrosion of battery post or connections. Read Details

Cracked housings, welds and loose bolts

Read Details

Missing or damaged labels or markings.

Read Details

Selection, Limitations and Use

All Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet users must be aware that their capacity may change depending on things such as type and size of material lifted, the sling angle, angle of lift and the environment it is used in.

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.

Read Details

Rated loads cannot be exceeded

Read Details

Loads must be correctly distributed

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details
Before operating lifting ropes or chains must not be kinks or twisted around each other Read Details
Load temperature should not exceed the allowable maximum Read Details
What is the minimum and maximum temperature the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet can be exposed to Read Details
Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet swinging should be kept to a minimum Read Details
Shock loading must be avoided Read Details
Mechanical damage must be avoided Read Details

Do not stand or pass under a suspended load

Read Details

Do not ride on a Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet

Read Details

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

Read Details
Magnet faces and load contact areas must be clean Read Details
All meters and indicators must confirm correct operation before a lift is made Read Details
Loads must be lifted a few inches to confirm load security before continuing the lift Read Details
All adjustable power switches must be at full power during the lift Read Details
For Battery Operated Electromagnets the current flow indicator must be stable for a minimum 5 seconds Read Details
For Battery Operated Electromagnets during extended lift duration the existing battery condition indicator must be observed every 5 minutes Read Details
Ventilation lids must be opened before battery charging Read Details

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

Read Details
Batteries must be charged in a well ventilated area Read Details
Batteries must be charged where personnel are least likely to be exposed to fumes or electrolyte Read Details

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

Read Details
Eye, hand and body protection must be worn when servicing batteries Read Details

Suspended loads must not be left unattended

Read Details
Magnets must not be energised before being in contact with the load to be lifted Read Details

Maintenance

A maintenance program must be established and be based on recommendations made by the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet manufacturer, a qualified person may also include additional recommendations based on their review of the Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet application and operation.

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

Only Qualified persons shall perform adjustments and tests

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

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

Read Details

Dated records of repairs and replacements should be made

Read Details

Misconceptions

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.

Read Details

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.

Read Details

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. 

Read Details

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.

Read Details

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.

Read Details

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.

Read Details

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

Read Details

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.

Read Details

Competency Evaluation

This evaluation form can be used as a demonstration or knowledge based competency of a workers understanding of a Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnet. It can be used by either Workers or Employers to assess their knowledge. Click on the link below to either download or print the evaluation.

 

Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets Competency Evaluation

Manufacturer and Supplier Questions

The objective of this document is to acquire information from manufacturers and suppliers to assess if the Lifting Magnets supplied are compliant to the ASME B30.20 and ASME BTH-1 standards, as these are the most recognized standards used in North America. Click on the link below to either download or print the questionaire.

 

Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets Manufacturer and Supplier Questions

Tool Box Talks

These Tool Box Talks can be used as part of a safety meeting that focuses on topics related to a specific job, such as workplace hazards and safe working practices. Click on the link below to either download or print the tool box talk.

 

Close Proximity Operated Lifting Magnets Tool Box Talk

Video