Several hundred lift truck accidents are unfortunately reported in Rhode Island each and every year. Operator training is not enough to reduce the number of incidents, suffice to say, although, it is certainly among the most important components. Clearly, the right approach to preventing forklift accidents is having the business and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology came from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically control and monitor forklift operations. This system is essential for helping reduce the chance of mishaps from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the proper controller. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to prevent injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that could sense many different factors which could 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 an increase in stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the machine detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help lessen the risk of lateral tip-overs from happening.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system uses the same patented technology to detect numerous factors which result in potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the chances of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The equipment forward tilt angle control can detect the mast height and load weight, the will override the operator's manual control automatically. It would also limit the forward tilt that will lessen the chances of spilling or forward tipping. These safety devices are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly decreases the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.