Failed a Magnet Audit? Emergency Re-Testing & Certification

Audit Failed? How to Handle a Magnet Safety Emergency

It’s the scenario every Safety Manager or Quality Assurance Director dreads: the auditor is on-site, they’ve walked the floor, and they’ve just "Red-Tagged" a primary lift magnet or a food-grade metal separator.

Suddenly, production is at a standstill, and the clock is ticking on a non-compliance report. Whether it’s a failed breakaway test for ASME B30.20 compliance or a pull-test failure in a HACCP-regulated food facility, a failed audit is a high-stakes emergency.

Don't Panic: The 3-Step Recovery Plan

If your equipment has been pulled from service, follow these steps to stabilize your facility and prepare for re-certification:

1. Isolate and Tag the Equipment

The moment a magnet fails a visual or functional test, it must be officially locked out. Leaving a failed magnet on the floor—even if it isn't being used—is a major liability. Use a highly visible "Out of Service" tag and document the specific reason for the failure (e.g., housing cracks, handle malfunction, or loss of magnetic strength).

2. Review the Failure Criteria

Did the magnet fail because of a physical defect, or did it fail the load test?

• Physical Failure: Often involves cracked lifting lugs or damaged housing. These may require repair or replacement.

• Load Test Failure: If a magnet fails to hit its 3:1 breakaway factor, it often indicates internal degradation that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

3. Call in 3rd-Party Validation

Auditors are significantly more likely to clear a non-compliance report if you provide documentation from an independent, 3rd-party specialist. Self-testing a magnet that has already failed is rarely accepted as a "corrective action." You need NIST-traceable proof that the issue has been resolved.

How MagnetCert Can Help

At MagnetCert, we act as the "Emergency Response" team for industrial facilities across Michigan and the Midwest. We understand that downtime costs money, and a failed audit is a threat to your bottom line.

Our Rapid Response Services Include:

• Onsite Emergency Re-Testing: We bring our mobile test stands and NIST-traceable load cells directly to your facility.

• Audit-Ready Documentation: We provide the professional certification paperwork that proves your magnets meet or exceed industry safety standards.

• Expert Consultation: If a magnet is beyond repair, we’ll help you understand exactly what specifications you need for a compliant replacement.

Aligning Strength with Safety!®

Don't let a failed audit derail your production schedule. Keep our number on your safety board and call us the moment a concern arises.

Contact MagnetCert today at 231-493-7934 (Call/Text) for emergency onsite testing or 48-hour in-house certification. Service@magnetcert.com