Immersive Training Offers an Edge at Portsmouth Site

Portsmouth Site Lead Jeremy Davis sits behind the wheel of the Vortex Advantage for a test drive. It’s one of two training simulators recently acquired by the site to help employees complete training on heavy equipment in the classroom.

PIKETON, Ohio — The training department at the Portsmouth Site recently added new, innovative educational tools for heavy equipment operators in a safe environment. Training simulators will challenge them by creating real-time interactive situations in virtual environments.

“It’s extremely realistic and I’m excited to see our employees take advantage of this training technology,” Portsmouth Site Lead Jeremy Davis said. “The virtual training is an impressive tool to help us get the job done as safely and efficiently as possible.”

Featuring realistic sounds, warning signals, rumbling effects and touch-screen technology, the tools allow operators to practice rare, high-risk scenarios in the classroom while improving skills.

The simulators, called the Vortex Advantage and Vortex Edge Plus, will be used to further improve the safety of heavy equipment operations by developing better skills to work in changing and hazardous conditions, such as challenging weather, and to avoid incidents like tipping over equipment.

With touch-screen technology, trainees can adjust their on-screen views to determine the best way to complete assigned tasks during training to operate heavy equipment at the Portsmouth Site.

Davis and Fluor-BWXT Portsmouth (FBP) Site Project Director Greg Wilkett slid behind the wheel of the Vortex Advantage for a test drive. Within minutes, Davis gained experience in “crab steering,” a steering method that causes the wheels of the equipment to “walk” sideways. Crab steering allows the vehicle to move diagonally and enhances navigation and maneuverability in tight spaces.

After boarding the Vortex, Wilkett practiced tasks that included lifting stacks of pallets to the third floor of a building. FBP is the prime contractor for the Portsmouth Site’s decontamination and decommissioning project.

“These state-of-the-art simulators are going to be very helpful in creating a safer environment for our employees,” said Wilkett. “They allow our workers to feel and see what it is actually like to operate the equipment in different environments.”

Seasoned instructors observe operators-in-training in person and view multiple screens to monitor their skills and techniques in real time.

“This training is certified by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and gives us the advantage of conducting training on the equipment without the risk,” said Hoisting and Rigging Manager Tim Williams.

The Vortex Edge Plus has separate components that can be easily transported and set up for use in various locations.

While the Vortex Advantage is an all-inclusive unit with multiple screens, controllers, seats, and pedals, the Vortex Edge Plus has separate components that can be easily transported and set up in different locations.

“The simulators will help us train and assess whether someone is ready to operate the equipment out in the field,” Training Instructor Jason Smith said.

Training Manager Dana Leach said they spent nine months researching the simulators for use at the Portsmouth Site.

“We want our students to progress through the program. They must achieve 80% completion before moving to the next level,” Leach said. “Each trainee will have an account, and their progress and scores will be tracked.”

-Contributor: Michelle Teeters