Every year in Georgia, there are a few hundred forklift accidents which are reported. Though operator training is certainly the most essential 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 company and organization involved, as well as combining the efforts of everybody in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the SAS or System of Active Stability, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS could electrically monitor and control forklift operations. This specific system is important for helping reduce the risk of accidents from happening. Whenever the SAS system senses any kind of instability, its advanced sensors signal simultaneously and engage the correct controller. Both the Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid accidents or injuries occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which can sense many different things that could 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 particular situation occurs, the lift truck's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an instant stability and greatly lessens the chance of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages instantly, once the machinery detects the occurrence of instability. Then, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment 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 sense the many things which can lead to a possible longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from occurring, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the chances 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 sense mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to decrease the chance of tipping the lift truck forward or spilling a load. All these safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
Utilizing the same mast height sensors and load sensors, the rear tilt speed control is designed to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This greatly lessens the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.