Introduction
UMD is committed to fostering a secure environment for its faculty, staff, researchers, students, and visitors who are involved with or exposed to strong magnetic fields. To ensure their well-being, we provide safety guidelines and recommendations for working with Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and other devices with strong magnetic fields. Program elements to support the safe use of magnetic devices includes magnet registration, magnetic field surveys, and the posting of safety signage, and are based on the static magnetic field guidelines published by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH).
Magnetic Field Surveys:
Before beginning magnetic field operations with the new magnet, ESSR Research Safety will conduct a full hazard assessment and assess the magnetic field using an appropriate magnetometer. Please contact the ESSR Research Safety office to schedule this evaluation. In addition, we will conduct surveys of existing magnetic field sources to assess compliance and safety.
Magnet Registration:
Any magnet requiring cryogenic support, as well as any device that generates a magnetic field strength exceeding 5 Gauss outside the equipment, must be officially registered on the laboratory’s profile in the SciShield Equipment Management system.
For more information see the see the SciShield Magnet Registration Tutorial or contact labsafety@umd.edu.