As it is our Business at Maverick VR to provide virtual reality experiences at events, we understand the critical need to keep headsets clean and safe. In this article, we will outline how we have implemented new procedures as part of our "enhanced cleaning protocol" when facilitating events.
Maverick VR has provided Virtual Reality experiences at hundreds of events in the United States and Canada. During a typical corporate party, trade show, or product activation, there may be hundreds or even thousands of people rotating in and out of headsets to participate in immersive virtual reality experiences.
When it comes to sharing a VR headset with other people, no one wants to put on one that is not clean or shows signs of residue as a result of another person's sweat or even makeup.
As part of our standard operating procedures at Maverick VR, each headset we bring to an event is attended to by our expertly trained VR Staff. They help participants get in and out of the equipment, and they clean the headset after each person removes it, so it is ready for the next participant.
Covid-19 has Changed how we do Business
The Coronavirus, which spread worldwide in early 2020, has had a significant impact on how people interact with each other and their environment. As we move slowly from social isolation towards what many are calling "the new normal," it is not that we can never again engage in some activities or have fun, we may have to put in place some additional precautions and procedures.
First, Let's Discuss How NOT To Clean A VR Headset
A Virtual Reality Headset is a somewhat expensive and sensitive piece of technology. Made of mostly plastic with glass lenses, one must be careful to use cleansers that are non-abrasive and don't contain alcohol. Brands such as Chlorox - known for their antibacterial products, include polymers and are too strong. These harsh chemicals could affect the oleophobic coating that keeps fingerprints from showing on the outside of the device. You also don't want the chemicals on the inside of the headset as they could be irritants to your eyes, breathing pathway, skin, etc.
While some companies recommend using compressed air to keep dust off of VR headsets, we recommend caution as it can interfere with the devices' inner workings. Blowing air into the device with a fluorocarbon-based propellant inside the can may damage plastics if they spurt out accidentally in their liquid form.
How We Moved From Cleaning VR Headsets to our Enhanced Cleaning Protocol
Research shows that The Coronavirus can live on plastic surfaces for two to three days. To ensure that our headsets do not become a source of virus transmission and to ensure the safety of all participants who will be nearby, Maverick VR has implemented, the following procedures:
1 - At events, each VR Booth staff member will wear gloves made of silver-coated nylon, which contain antimicrobial technology and resists microorganism growth on the gloves
2 - At events, staff assigned to each VR Booth will wear a mask (if still recommended).
3 -Maverick VR will have single-use disposable masks for guests to wear under the headset, eliminating the surface area a user interacts with a device by up to 90%.
4 - We will continue cleaning all Devices and hand controllers after each user. Table settings, branded materials, and other items in the area will also be cleaned regularly to ensure the comfort and safety of those in the area.
5 - Maverick VR will deploy UV-C technology to clean headsets after each use (more information below).
Using UV-C Technology to Clean Headsets
UV light has three wavelength categories: UV-A, UV-B, and UV-C. "UV-C is a type of ultraviolet light, also known as Germicidal UV. It has the power to kill or incapacitate bacteria, mold, fungi, and viruses by destroying the DNA of dangerous pathogens."
The way that UV-C light works is that it provides a short-wavelength, ultraviolet light that breaks apart germ DNA, leaving it unable to function or reproduce. In other words, UV-C light is germicidal (UV-A and UV-B light are not). UV-C can even neutralize "superbugs" that have developed a resistance to antibiotics.
Companies such as Phone Soap and other specialists in germicidal technology have created devices that emanate UV-C light and have deployed them in hospitals, clinics, and laboratories. Numerous studies have adequately concluded their success in destroying microorganisms' pathogens, viruses, bacteria, and others.
Maverick VR is committed to providing our services in a way that makes the health and safety of our customers and employees our number one priority. We will continue to monitor developments in technology related to sanitizing our equipment and evaluate all options. We will modify our procedures as recommended by public health officials, equipment manufacturers, and leading event industry professionals. Read more about how life has changed in the VR and Event Industry.