A few hundred forklift accidents are unfortunately reported in Daly City each year. Operator training is not enough to decrease the number of incidents, enough to say, though, it is definitely among the most vital components. Obviously, the best method to preventing forklift accidents is having the organization and company involved, as well as combining the efforts of everyone in the facility.
Toyota applies the SAS or System of Active Stability. 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 reduce the risk of accidents from happening. 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.
Toyota's SAS system is a patented technology that is able to sense various things that may cause 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 occurs, the forklift's stability footprint changes from triangular in shape to a rectangular shape, resulting in an increase in stability. The result is an immediate stability and really reduces the possibility of a lateral overturn from happening.
Once the machine senses instability happening, the SAS engages instantly. Next, the Swing Lock Cylinder is engaged and the rear axle becomes stabilized. This creates the lateral stability the machine requires to help decrease the risk of lateral tip-overs from occurring.
Like the active rear stabilizer control, the active mast function controller uses the same technologies. Its function is to detect the numerous factors which may result in a possible longitudinal instability. When the SAS controller senses potential longitudinal instability from happening, 2 systems become engaged to help decrease the chances 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 would detect mast height and load weight, then automatically override the operator's manual control and limit forward tilt to reduce the chance of tipping the forklift forward or spilling a load. These safety mechanisms are in place to help the operator stay safe.
The Rear Tilt Speed Control uses the same mast height sensors and same load sensors to govern the mast's reverse tilt speed to half. This really reduces the possibilities of having the lift truck tilt backwards or spilling unsecured cargo.