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VR lockout tagout training and beyond

Virtual Reality (VR) is revolutionizing professional training. This episode of SynergyXR Talks delves into how Saint-Gobain Isover is harnessing VR in its lockout tagout (LOTO) procedure training.

SynergyXR Talks – VR lockout tagout training and beyond

In the rapidly evolving landscape of professional training, innovative technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) are making significant inroads. In this episode of SynergyXR Talks, we shed some light on how Saint-Gobain Isover is leading this technological revolution and employing VR to redefine its training protocols.

We explore the insights and revelations, as Helle Maria Monke, Training Coordinator at Isover, discusses her experiences with Isover’s implementation of VR as part of their employee lockout tagout (LOTO) certification procedure training, and its broader implications for various industries.

About Isover

Isover is a leading manufacturer of mineral wool for insulation, which has innovated and produced glass wool solutions for the building industry since 1937. Isover is a part of the global Saint-Gobain Group, providing a broad range of solutions for different industries around the world.

The more senses we use when we are in a learning situation, the more we can remember afterward

Helle Maria Monke  |  Training Coordinator at Isover

Setting the Scene: Traditional vs. VR Training

Traditionally, LOTO training involved classroom sessions with PowerPoint presentations and hands-on training with actual equipment. This approach, while effective, had its limitations, especially in terms of scaling and ensuring safety during training. Isover’s transition to VR training marks a significant shift, offering a safer, more engaging, and efficient training environment.

 

Implementation of VR Training at Isover

Isover’s journey into VR training began with a desire to enhance its training methodology. Helle from Isover highlighted the significance of empowering more individuals in the organization to take ownership of the project: “It’s too vulnerable if only two people at the whole plant know how the VR headset works… So we have “trained the trainer” to be a VR trainer”​​. This approach ensured a broader dissemination of VR knowledge and skills within Isover, and a wider acceptance of the new procedure.

 

Results and Impact of VR Training

The implementation of VR training at Isover has yielded impressive results, transcending the expectations of traditional methods. Over 100 employees underwent this innovative training, leading to tangible improvements in both skill acquisition and operational efficiency.

Helle further commented on the practicality of VR in training: “It is something, a tool for instructors to make their everyday work also easier… So it is helping as a tool, also for our trainers”​​. This underscores the value of VR in facilitating the trainers’ work, making training not only more effective and streamlined but also adding VR to their professional toolbox.

 

Multisensory Learning Experience

Discussing the multisensory aspects of VR training, Helle mentioned the stickiness of VR training, and how it can help memory and retention of important information, “The more senses we use when we are in a learning situation the more we can remember afterward”​​. This approach speaks to the immersive nature of VR training, which engages users visually and through other sensory inputs, enhancing the overall learning experience.

 

Future Prospects and Developments

As Isover looks to the future, the potential for expansion and enhancement of its VR training program is immense. Plans for integrating AR for real-time guidance and synchronizing VR training with Isover’s Learning Management System (LMS) are underway. These developments will make training even more interactive and effective, streamlining training processes and providing personalized experiences.

 

Broader Industry Implications

Isover’s VR training initiative has potential ripple effects across various industries, from energy and manufacturing to healthcare and retail. This approach not only improves safety and efficiency but also prepares a workforce that is adaptable to technological advancements and evolving industry demands.

Energy Sector Adaptation

Major energy companies can leverage VR training for high-risk procedures like offshore drilling operations, enhancing safety measures and preparedness.

Manufacturing Efficiency

In manufacturing, especially automotive, VR can be used for assembly line training, leading to a more agile manufacturing process and reducing training-related downtimes.

Healthcare Application

VR training can simulate surgical procedures or emergency medical responses in healthcare, improving surgical outcomes and emergency preparedness.

Construction and Mining

For construction and mining, VR can simulate hazardous work environments, reducing accidents and fatalities in traditionally high-risk industries.

Aviation and Aerospace

In aviation, VR can be used for both pilot training and aircraft maintenance, ensuring higher levels of safety and efficiency in aviation operations.

Retail and Customer Service

Retail chains can use VR to train employees in customer service scenarios, enhancing customer service experiences and store management.

Future-ready Training

Isover’s foray into VR training for their LOTO procedure is not just a technological leap but a paradigm shift in how professional training is perceived and executed. This case serves as a beacon for similar companies, illustrating the profound impact of embracing innovative training solutions. As we look forward, it is clear that VR, along with AR, will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of workplace training, especially in sectors where precision and safety are paramount.

Isover’s journey is just the beginning of a wider transformation, one that promises to redefine the standards of professional training across various industries.