Magic Glasses: Hiabs, Cones, and Exclusion Zones
- Feb 19
- 3 min read
At first glance, a Hiab set-up can look simple. A few stabilisers down, a short lift, and you are away. When you put on the Magic Glasses, you start to notice whether the space around the Hiab has been deliberately controlled. That difference often tells you more about the safety of the job than the lift itself.
Quick Scene-Setter
A Hiab arrives on site to deliver materials.
The lift is short and routine.
Other trades are nearby and, in some cases, members of the public may pass close to the work area.
Nothing looks unusual.
What Most People See
A Hiab positioned close to the drop location
Stabilisers deployed
An operator ready to lift
Plenty of room at first glance
Cones, if present, are minimal. Exclusion zones are often assumed rather than clearly marked.
What the Magic Glasses Show You
A trained eye looks at the space before the lift.
Are stabilisers clearly protected from people and vehicles?
Is it obvious where the exclusion zone starts and ends?
Would someone unfamiliar with the site know not to walk through the area?
Is the operator being forced to manage pedestrian movement while lifting?
Hiab stabilisers are critical structural components. People stepping too close, or vehicles passing near them, introduce unnecessary risk.
Without clear visual boundaries, the operator carries more responsibility than they should.
This is where cones make a difference.
The Controls That Matter
Using cones for Hiab exclusion zones
Cones provide a clear, visual demarcation around stabilisers
They help keep people and vehicles clear of critical parts of the Hiab
They reduce reliance on verbal warnings and constant monitoring
They help the site understand that a lift is underway
Practical realities
Hiabs can only carry limited ancillary gear
Cones are only useful if the truck has safe, practical storage for them
A small cone set is usually enough when placed deliberately
Working With the Site
Good exclusion zones are usually a shared effort.
Many sites know deliveries are coming and can plan for them
Builders often already have cones, barrier tape, or signage available
Borrowing a few cones to strengthen an exclusion zone is common and effective
In public-facing areas, barrier tape and simple signs such as “Wait to Be Guided” help manage pass-through when not actively lifting
This is not about imposing requirements. It is about using the tools already on hand to make the lift clearer and safer for everyone.
What This Setup Signals
A Hiab set up with clear cones and a defined space shows professionalism.
It signals that:
The operator and site have thought about people, not just the load
The lift is being actively managed
Safety of the Hiab, the load, and those nearby has been considered
Experienced people notice this immediately. A good setup is one of the strongest indicators of a capable team.
Magic Glasses Checklist – Hiab Exclusion Zones
Stabilisers clearly marked and protected
Exclusion zone visible to non-Hiab workers
Cones placed early, before lifting starts
Public access considered where relevant
Barrier tape or signage used if pass-through is likely
Setup looks deliberate, not improvised
Hiab work often looks simple, which is why exclusion zones are easy to overlook. Cones are a small control that makes the work clearer, calmer, and more professional.
When the space around the Hiab is well defined, the operator can focus on the lift, and the site can work around it safely. That is what good looks like.
Magic Glasses: The magic glasses come from the reality 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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