Magic Glasses: Energy Sources in Pipes
- Feb 13
- 3 min read
At first glance, a pipe is just a pipe. With the Magic Glasses on, it becomes a potential energy source that can injure, burn, flood, poison, or explode if it is contacted or damaged. Competence in lifting work includes recognising that unseen energy can be just as dangerous as visible hazards, such as power lines.
Quick Scene-Setter
A crane or Hiab is set up to lift materials near an existing building.
There are several pipes running along a wall and into the ground. They are not marked. The lift path passes close, but nothing appears to be touching them.
Everything looks fine.
What Most People See
Most people see:
An old pipe that has probably been there for years
Something solid and fixed
No labels, no warning signs, no immediate concern
The assumption is that if it were dangerous, someone would have said so.
What the Magic Glasses Show You
The Magic Glasses change the question from “is there a pipe?” to “What energy is inside it?”
Pipes can carry:
High-pressure gas
Steam or hot water
Pressurised air
Hydraulic fluid
Chemicals or corrosive substances
Fuel or flammable liquids
Key hazards include:
Stored energy – pressure can release violently if the pipe is struck or crushed
Thermal energy – steam or hot water can cause severe burns instantly
Chemical exposure – leaks can create toxic or flammable atmospheres
Ignition risk – some pipes create the same fire and explosion risk as live electrical services
Unlike power lines, pipes often have no visible clearance rules, so people rely on judgment. That is where incidents happen.
The Controls That Matter
Before lifting near any pipework:
Ask explicitly what each pipe contains. Never assume.
Confirm whether the service is live, isolated, or redundant.
Identify pressure, temperature, and contents, not just location.
Establish a minimum approach distance, even if no formal rule exists.
Treat unknown pipes as live until proven otherwise.
Adjust crane position, radius, or lift path to increase separation.
Use physical barriers or exclusion zones to prevent contact.
If required, isolate or depressurise services before the lift.
If the answer to “What is in that pipe?” is unclear, the lift is not ready.
Magic Glasses Checklist – Energy in Pipes
Have all nearby pipes been identified?
Do we know what each pipe carries?
Is the service live, pressurised, or isolated?
What happens if this pipe is struck or ruptured?
Has a minimum clearance been agreed and maintained?
Is the lift path designed to avoid the pipe entirely?
Are workers kept out of the line of potential release?
Has the risk been discussed in the pre-lift briefing?
Energy hazards are not limited to overhead power lines. Pipes can carry pressure, heat, chemicals, and fuel, often with no warning signs.
The difference between a safe lift and a serious incident is asking the right question early.
Next time you see a pipe near a lift, stop and ask: What is running in that pipe, and how far away do we need to be?
Share this with someone who assumes pipes are harmless.
Magic Glasses: The magic glasses come from the concept of - when I look at my books, I don't see a problem. But when my accountant looks at the books, it's a whole different story. He must have a special set of glasses.
As PCBU's, Officers and Workers, we have an obligation to learn what we are up to and the risks. Our actions and the standards we accept also affect those around us. This magic glasses post is made to help others see what we see.
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