Every year within Irvine, there are a few hundred forklift mishaps that are reported. Although operator training is definitely the most vital part of avoiding workplace accidents, it is not sufficient to decrease the number of incidences. Clearly, the best method to preventing forklift mishaps is having the organization and business involved, in addition to combining the efforts of each individual in the facility.
Toyota implements the System of Active Stability or SAS. This technology is derived from automotive technology. The SAS is capable of electrically monitoring and controlling forklift operations. This system is vital for helping decrease the risk of mishaps from happening. When the SAS system detects 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 injuries or accidents occurring by adding stability.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology which could detect various factors which 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 situation happens, the forklift's stability footprint changes to a rectangular in shape from a triangular in shape, resulting in added stability. The outcome is an immediate stability and greatly lessens the possibility of a lateral overturn from occurring.
The SAS system engages immediately, once the machinery detects the occurrence of instability. After that, the rear axle becomes stabilized when the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged. This creates the lateral stability the equipment requires to help decrease the possibility of lateral tip-overs from happening.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to detect the many things that could lead to a potential longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses possible longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help lessen the possibilities of forward and rearward tip-over situations from occurring: the forward tilt angle control and the rear tilt speed control.
The Forward Tilt Angle Control will sense load weight and mass height, 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 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 greatly decreases the chances of spilling unsecured cargo or having the forklift tilt backwards.