Solving the greatest challenges through innovative science and technology can present unique safety challenges.
To improve safety for everyone working in potentially hazardous environments, we have used virtual reality (VR) technology to develop an immersive risk management training package. This training is currently available to research institutes and organisations located in Australia that undertake work in a laboratory setting, or similar and will benefit from participating in virtual safety training. CSIRO is not charging participants to access this training.
Participants completing this training will gain a practical understanding of relevant control measures in a safe environment, including the consequences of emergency events that can result from specific hazards when the control measures are not implemented.
What is involved
The new safety training is made up of two components.
1. Theoretical risk management training component
Before the VR training component takes place, participants will complete web-based theoretical training. This component outlines the risk management processes set out under Work Health and Safety Regulations, such as the requirement to identify hazards and control risks in accordance with the hierarchy of controls in preparation for the VR training.
2. VR Training component
Participants are invited to immerse themselves in a generic virtual laboratory modelled after one of our own and to complete scenarios based on potential real-life incidents, such as a chemical spill, and failure of a pressure vessel releasing hazardous gas or chemicals.
These scenarios are delivered through three training modules that will require participants to consider Health, Safety and Environment risk management in the context of:
- experiment and facilities design
- plant and equipment
- management of unexpected incidents.
Participants will wear a VR headset to fully immerse themselves in the experience and respond to scenarios as they are encountered.
Technology requirement: The initial release of the VR component of this training is designed to run on Meta Quest 2 VR headsets. Organisations deploying the training are required to provide their own VR headsets for their team members. These headsets are available to purchase online and instore throughout Australia.
Register your interest
If you would like to receive the Safety Risk Management Training package, please register your interest using our web form.
After successful registration of interest, eligible participants will be contacted by a CSIRO team member and receive the following via email:
- Access to the online theoretical risk management training component hosted by CSIRO
- Instructions on how to download and install the VR training component. Note: a VR app store account may be required.
- Additional material to assist with deployment in your organisation.