Attention has been drawn to anti-infection protocols in virtual reality, notably with the headsets, by Dubai-based equipment distributor Amusement Services International (ASI).
The company is tackling this most sensitive of issues with a set of recommendations.
It said: “Hygiene and safety at FECs and arcades has become of paramount importance in the eyes of today’s customer. This is even more pronounced for VR games. The VR headset is perceived as a risk as it is placed right up against the player’s biggest portals of infections transmission, the eyes, nose and mouth. The hand-held controllers pose a concern too, as they are handled by different players during the course of play.”
The company stresses that VR-based games are very popular within FECs and therefore ASI is recommending some guidelines to mitigate the risks but continue to earn top revenues from VR.
It stresses that equipment must be cleaned on a frequent basis by staff wearing the correct personal protection equipment and fresh gloves. The entire headset and controllers need to be sprayed with a mild disinfectant and wiped dry with a clean cloth.
It strongly suggests sanitising after very use with an alcoholic disinfectant wipe on all parts of the headset and controllers that make contact with the player.
The operator should ensure that there is an adequate stock of one-time use eye masks as they provide a barrier around the eyes of the player and the foam pad of the headset.
“Ask the player to wear the eye mask first, adjust the mask for correct fit and place the eyepiece assembly of the headset over the mast. Ensure that their vision is not obstructed by the eye mask and finally pull the headset straps over their head to tighten as needed.”
The full details of the recommendations are available by contacting ASI in Dubai.
