Every year in Downey, there are several hundred lift truck accidents that are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most vital component of preventing workplace accidents, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Obviously, the right method to avoiding forklift accidents is having the organization and business involved, in addition to combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology originated from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This system is very important for helping lessen the chance of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system detects any type of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. Both the Active Mast Function Controller and the Active Control Rear Stabilizer help to prevent injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology offered by Toyota's SAS system is in place to sense many things which lead to potential lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this particular situation occurs, the stability footprint of the forklift changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly reduces the likelihood of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages instantly, once the machinery senses the occurrence of instability. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machine needs to help decrease the chance of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Similar to the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to detect the numerous things that could result in a potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller detects possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over accidents from happening: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed 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 decrease the possibility of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator be safe.
Using the same load sensors and mast height sensors, the rear tilt speed control is designed to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really reduces the possibilities of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.