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OPERATOR RESTRAINT SYSTEMS
The Catâ patented Operator Restraint System has been developed specifically for use on lift trucks.  Through extensive research, development, and testing, this system acts much as a conventional seat belt during normal day-to-day operation of the lift truck.  In the unlikely event of a lateral tip-over, this system prevents the operator from jumping off the truck, thus reducing the chances of the operator being pinned and injured by the overhead guard.  At the instant of impact, the system releases, allowing the operator's hip to slide off the seat and absorb the force of the fall which would normally be transferred to the operator's head and neck by the whipping forces produced by the tip-over.

If your lift trucks do not have this restrain system, a retrofit program is available for most Cat lift truck models built since 1970.  Your lift trucks may require some modification for proper installation.  Stringent Cat specifications will be followed when retrofitting your lifts trucks.
PATENTED OPERATOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM:
  • 2,000-15,000 lbs. (1,000 to 6,800 kg) capacity solid tire
  • 2,000-10,000 lbs. (1,000 to 4,500 kg) capacity pneumatic tire

CONVENTIONAL SEAT BELT:

  • 11,000 lbs. (5,000 kg) and above, pneumatic tire and rough terrain

Pneumatic tire lift trucks beginning at 11,000 lbs. lifting capacity and rough terrain lift trucks are large enough that conventional seat belts will sufficiently confine the operator within the overhead guard and minimize the risk of head injuries should a lateral tip-over occur.

STANDARD, NON-RELEASING SEAT BELT:

Truck starts to tip.  Operator restrained from jumping off the truck.  Operator holds on and leans away from the fall.  At impact, seat belt holds operator's hips.  Head and upper torso continue downward, pivoting about the restrain in a severe whipping action.  Operator's head is forced outside of the operator's compartment of the truck, striking the ground.  Severe or fatal head injuries can occur.

Point of Impact
Cat OPERATOR RESTRAINT SYSTEM:

Truck starts to tip.  Operator restrained from jumping.  Operator holds on and leans away from the fall.  At impact, operator restrain system releases at anchor end.  Pivot point and associated whipping action are eliminated.  Operator keeps his head away from the ground.  Hips slide down and absorb impact with the ground.

Point of Impact
Unfortunately, no system can completely eliminate the risk of serious injury.  Ultimately the most effective method is ongoing training of your employees, ongoing supervision, and attention to conditions within the work environment.

 

Risk Management

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