Confined Spaces (FreeRangeXR)

This training course uses VR to fulfill safety requirements for confined space entry training online. The safety rescue procedures are also covered in this VR experience that immerses the entrant into a confined area with potential hazards. Through VR, workers with gain the knowledge on safe space entry. Learning from this training includes:

• Proper procedures for the entrant when going into a confined area.
• How to select the proper gear for entering the confined area.
• How to recognize control hazards in the environment and how to monitor and assess risk factors in the space.
• Call for a hole watch attendant.
• Proper use of equipment for detecting hazards in the space.
• Proper space entry.
• Rescue procedures for a confined space rescue.

The VR Experience

The virtual reality confined space training begins with the learner donning the VR headset and entering a simulated work environment outside of the confined space. The learner starts the training by selecting the appropriate equipment for removing hazards before space entry. The learner must ensure they have a working meter, radio, ladder, and air blower. The training continues with the learner will turning on the light to see within the confined cylinder. They will then need to pick up a clipboard and check the permit status for space entry. Next, the learner walks to the edge of the hole and demonstrates proper knowledge and use of the meter. This includes calibration, holding the meter over the hole, dropping the probe and lowering it 10ft into the confined area. Learners will be able to practice this skill. When the meter check is complete, the training course continues with the learner taking the air blower out of their truck, placing it on the appropriate marker and triggering the air flow. The learner then re-checks the hole with the meter. Once the learner has completed these safety checks to ensure the space is clear of hazards, they will get the ladder from the truck and use their knowledge of safety requirements to properly set up the ladder within the hole. The training continues with the learner using their radio to call for a “hole watch”. Once the person arrives, the learner is permitted to enter the hole via the ladder. They will then need to perform a maintenance task on a wall valve. The VR training with the learner executing a rescue of a down worker. The learner must using their radio to trigger a confined space rescue. The training course finishes with the learner properly returning their equipment, then entering a scoring room to see their results and the specifics on how they did relative to confined space entry and rescue standards.