Conventional clutch rigging systems and panel rotation

Working with concrete elements involves clutches. This page has what you need to know about using the correct clutches safely.

The importance of safe clutches

Conventional Edge Lifting clutches must always be connected with the ring handle in the direction of lift. This is to make sure it is trapped by the handle of the clutch and cannot disconnect.

Locked clutch

Unlocked clutch

Disengaging tail clutches

It can be difficult to disengage the “tail” clutches, the rigger may require both hands to manipulate the locking rings to disengage the clutch.

Even if rigged with a single anchor it can be difficult to disconnect the tail lift clutch and tricky to rotate the locking ring of the top right-hand clutch remotely.

Locked clutches

Locked clutches during lift

Disengaging clutches

 If the clutches are attached incorrectly this may make it easier to disconnect the tail clutch because the crane supports the rigging. Safe access to the disconnection of the clutch should be planned prior to the lift commencing.

Review the images below, as the top locking rings are easy to turn remotely and the tail lift clutches are easier to disconnect.

But they are in the incorrect (unlocked) orientation:

Incorrect orientation

 The images below show the same incorrect lifting arrangement when rigged with a single tail lift anchor and top lift clutch in the incorrect (unlocked) orientation:

Incorrect orientation with a single tail lift anchor

The standard edge clutch design may have a safety lock feature. Certain brands may have a locking ring design which can only be unlocked at more than 35 degrees above the horizontal.

Disconnection can't occur, even when:

• loaded
• unloaded
• rotating
• connected to anchors in vertical faces.

This achieves what the rigger needs but in a safe way. The weight is always supported by the crane.

Locked clutches

Tilt-up panels

Tilt-up panels are widely used in the construction of:

• low-rise factories
• warehouses
• blocks of flats.

Concrete wall panels are cast horizontally, either on site or in a casting yard. They are crane-lifted into position and fixed with temporary bracing until the structure becomes fully self-supporting.

Tilt-up panels are designed as vertical members. If a panel is incorrectly rigged, it can be overstressed. Or it may even break when it is being lifted from the horizontal to the vertical position.

Certification for tilt-up panels

The rigging of tilt-up panels should be carried out or directly supervised by a person holding the intermediate rigging certificate. The use of load equalising gear, which is also often used during lift-up panel erection, is also covered by the intermediate rigging certificate.

Below is an example of what a bracing installation checklist for tilt-up panels might look like:

Bracing installation checklist