Each year within Newfoundland, there are a few hundred forklift accidents that are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most essential part of preventing workplace accidents, it is not enough to lessen the number of incidences. Obviously, the right approach to preventing forklift mishaps is having the organization and business involved, in addition to combining the efforts of every person in the facility.
Toyota applies the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS can electrically monitor and control lift truck operations. This system is very important for helping reduce the possibility of accidents from occurring. Whenever the SAS system senses 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 avoid injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
The patented technology provided by Toyota's SAS system is in place to detect many things that result in possible lateral instability. If and when those conditions are detected, the SAS instantly locks a hydraulic cylinder on the rear steer axle. If this specific situation happens, the stability footprint of the forklift changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and really lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the equipment detects instability happening, the SAS engages immediately. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machine requires to help reduce the risk of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
The active mast function operates like the active rear stabilizer control. The active mast function controller system utilizes the same patented technology to detect numerous factors that result in potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help reduce the possibilities of rearward and forward tip-over situations from happening: 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 decrease the possibility of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. These safety devices are in place to help the operator be safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control utilizes the same load sensors and same mast height sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly reduces the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the lift truck tilt backwards.