Abstract: A safety grapple for releasably joining an object to be moved to a device for moving the same. Provision is made to cycle the grapple (10) through at least two release procedures before actual release can be effected. This is accomplished through the use of lug actuator cam plate 50 which rotates unidirectionally a selected amount for each upward and downward movement of a central shaft (22) of the grapple (10). This cam (50), with cam followers (52) mounted on the lugs (54), is shaped such that the lugs (54) are pivoted out of engagement with the object (100) only after a selected number of shaft reciprocations. In a specific embodiment, the grapple (10) requires two full cycles of shaft movement before lug release is effected on the third cycle. This prevents inadvertent release of the object (100), a feature especially important in the handling of hazardous material.