Each year within Connecticut, there are a few hundred lift truck accidents which are reported. Though operator training is definitely the most vital component of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to reduce the number of incidences. Obviously, the right approach to preventing lift truck accidents is having the business and organization involved, in addition to combining the efforts of each and every person in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the System of Active Stability or SAS, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS could electrically control and monitor forklift operations. This specific system is essential for helping reduce the risk of accidents from occurring. When the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense numerous factors that cause possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS immediately locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this particular situation happens, the forklift's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in more stability. The result is an immediate stability and really lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the equipment detects instability occurring, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machinery requires to help decrease the chance of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller utilizes the same technologies. Its function is to sense the many things that can result in a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over accidents from occurring: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will detect mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to lessen the possibility of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. All these safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly reduces the chances of spilling unsecured loads or having the lift truck tilt backwards.