Several hundred forklift accidents are sadly reported in Canada every year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is certainly one of the most important parts. Clearly, the right method to avoiding forklift mishaps is having the organization and business involved, as well as combining the efforts of each and every person in the facility.
Toyota has implemented the SAS or System of Active Stability, which is technology derived from the automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically controlling and monitoring lift truck operations. This specific system is vital for helping decrease 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. The Active Control Rear Stabilizer and the Active Mast Function Controller help to avoid injuries or accidents happening by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that is able to sense many things that may 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 forklift's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The result is an immediate stability and really reduces the chance of a lateral overturn from happening.
The SAS system engages immediately, when the equipment senses the occurrence of instability. Next, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the machinery needs to help reduce the chance 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 many things that lead to potential longitudinal instability. Whenever the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances of forward and rearward tip-over situations from happening: the rear tilt speed control and the forward tilt angle control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control would sense 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. All 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 lift truck tilt backwards.