Are You Ready for 2026? Navigating the New ASME B30.20-2025 Magnet Safety Standards

Don't Get Pulled Under: Why the New ASME B30.20-2025 Magnet Standards Demand Better Preventative Maintenance

Lifting magnets are indispensable tools in many industries, but their power demands respect and rigorous safety. The latest update to the ASME B30.20-2025 standard isn't just another revision; it’s a critical reinforcement of safety protocols that directly impacts your preventative maintenance strategy.

This new edition, set to become effective in late 2025/early 2026, builds on the 2021 standard with clarified requirements for lifting devices, updated load testing, and new figures for various lifters. For anyone operating or maintaining lifting magnets, understanding these changes isn't optional—it's essential for OSHA compliance and, more importantly, for safeguarding your workforce.

Key Updates & Your Preventative Maintenance

1. Reinforced Breakaway Force Testing: The 2025 standard clarifies the crucial 3:1 safety factor for lifting magnets. This means your rated loads must be significantly less than the magnet's actual breakaway force. Regular, documented breakaway force testing isn't just a compliance step; it's a vital preventative measure that ensures your magnets are operating far within their safe limits.

2. Mandatory Inspections (Visual & Frequent): The emphasis on both "frequent visual inspections" (before each shift for specific issues) and "periodic inspections" based on service level underscores the core of preventative maintenance. This isn't about waiting for a failure; it’s about proactive detection of wear, damage, or degradation before it becomes a hazard. A well-maintained magnet, like the clean and shiny one above, is a safe magnet.

3. Clearer Marking Requirements: Proper, permanent marking including rated load, serial number, and voltage (for electric) is critical. This helps ensure that the right magnet is used for the right job and that its specifications are always visible. Incorporating this into your preventative checks means verifying markings are legible and accurate.

The standard for below-the-hook lifting devices has changed. With the release of ASME B30.20-2025, the industry is moving toward even stricter oversight of lifting magnets. Whether you use permanent, electro-permanent, or electromagnets, these updates directly affect your daily operations and your annual safety audits.

Why Preventative Maintenance is No Longer Optional The 2025 edition doubles down on the 3:1 safety factor for breakaway force. A magnet that "looks fine" may no longer meet the rigorous testing requirements of the new standard. This is where Preventative Maintenance (PM) becomes your most valuable tool. A clean, shiny, well-maintained magnet isn't just about aesthetics—it's about ensuring the surface contact is perfect to achieve that mandatory breakaway force.

What You Need to Check Now:

• Marking & Identification: Is your serial number and rated load still legible?

• Inspection Intervals: Are you performing "Frequent" visual checks every shift?

• Testing: When was the last time you documented a breakaway force test?

By staying ahead of the ASME B30.20-2025 requirements, you aren't just checking a box for OSHA; you are ensuring that your equipment—and your people—stay safe.

Why It Matters

Adhering to ASME B30.20-2025 isn't just about avoiding OSHA citations. It’s about cultivating a culture of safety through diligent preventative maintenance. By integrating these updated requirements into your routine, you minimize risks, extend equipment lifespan, and ultimately, protect your most valuable asset: your people.

Is your team up-to-date on the latest ASME B30.20-2025 changes? Ensure your preventative maintenance program reflects these crucial updates! You can download this checklist ---->>>