MR is probably the most complex, diagnostically incisive and potentially dangerous implement in a hospital or outpatient center. Safety and safeguard surveillance must always be paramount and continually engaged for the protection of patients, the reputation and careers of the radiologists involved and for the protection of the machine itself.

The ACR has produced an excellent compendium of safety concerns and the means to minimize untoward events. A few of those concerns are underscored in this presentation.

All those who may be situated near the magnet must know the risks and how to avoid a bad event. This requirement applies not only to hospital personnel, patients and their families, but also to police and firemen who may be called to the unit in an emergency. The risk of bringing in metal-bearing individuals who are not trained in MR safety is considerable, perhaps even a second disaster waiting to happen if they are not schooled in the potential of an MR accident. We all should beware, too, of other rare but preventable events, such as a patient creating a closed electrical loop when in contrast with the bore, an unauthorized person presenting at the scan room, and an adventitious entry by a family member. Some of those opportunities for mayhem will be discussed here.