Getting Started - VR Smoke School
Introduction
Thank you for choosing VR Smoke School! Our team has over 50 years of
visible emissions observation experience and we love to share our
knowledge. If you ever have any questions, contact us and we will be
happy to help.
Below is an overview of smoke school and the VR Smoke School process.
What is Smoke School?
Smoke school is the process of training and certifying a person to
observe the opacity of visible emissions. Smoke school consists of a
lecture course and a visual test. The lecture is required every 3
years and the field test is required every 6 months to maintain
certification.
EPA Method 9 is a test method for determining the opacity of visible
emissions. It details how to observe opacity, how to document opacity
observations and the requirements for completing a smoke school course.
ALT-152 is an approved alternative certification method for EPA Method
9. The only difference between ALT-152 and EPA Method 9 is the certification
method. ALT-152 allows the use of a virtual reality (VR) headset to earn
certification instead of attending an in-person smoke school. A person
certified using either ALT-152 or in-person smoke school will be certified
to perform EPA Method 9 testing.
Who Can Use ALT-152?
ALT-152 was issued by the USEPA in 2023 and applies to all
federally-regulated sources.
Because ALT-152 is a relatively new method, some states may currently not
allow it to be used for state-specific visible emissions regulations. Check
out the "Requirements" section of our website or contact us if you have
any questions about the use of ALT-152 in your state.
Online Lecture
In-person and VR smoke schools consist of two parts; the lecture and the visual test. The completion of the lecture course is required for ALT-152 certification. We recommend completing it at least once every 3 years. The VR Smoke School lecture is available (free!) in your Dashboard. It covers opacity observation techniques and documentation procedures for all visible emissions observation methods. When you successfully complete the lecture, you can print a certificate of completion that is valid for 3 years.
How to Take the Visual Test
You can take the VR Smoke School visual test on a desktop, laptop or VR headset. Only tests completed on an approved VR headset will allow you to earn your certification. You can take the test from non-approved devices for practice and demonstration purposes.
There is no charge to practice or take the VR Smoke School test. Payment is only required after you successfully complete the visual test on an approved VR headset and choose to receive your certificate of completion.
VR headsets currently approved for certification are:
- Meta Quest 2
- Meta Quest 3
- Meta Quest 3S
These headsets can be purchased from most retailers including Wal-Mart and Amazon.
When using an approved VR headset, you must use the included Meta browser. The Meta browser lets you adjust the display size and position it as needed. For detailed instructions, refer to the user guide for your specific Meta headset. Below is a video showing how to enter Theater Mode, Curve the display and expand the Meta browser window.
The VR Smoke School Visual Test Process
The VR Smoke School visual test is accessed through your Dashboard (which you are currently in). The Dashboard can be accessed from any browser by going to www.vrsmokeschool.com and signing in. The visual test is web-based and performs best with download speeds of at least 25 Mbps (similar to what is required for a 4K video). The visual test must be completed in under 90 minutes (most users complete it in under 25).
Standard Values
Standard value videos demonstrate known opacities ranging from 10% to 90% opacity. Standard value videos show the effect of smoke over a background and the differences between opacity values.
Practice Test
Practice test videos are identical to videos you will be shown during the certification test. They are intended to show you the test process as well as gauge your accuracy before taking the test. If you are reading high or low, you can adjust your readings accordingly.
Certification Test
The certification test consists of 25 white and 25 black smoke videos. You must assess the opacity of each video and input your answer. Videos are approximately 6 seconds each and may be replayed as needed. You must complete all 50 videos before you view your results.
Grading & Results
Your answers are automatically graded and available immediately after you complete the test. You must not have any single reading that deviates by 15% or more from the correct value. For example, if you enter 40% opacity and the correct answer is 60%, you will need to retake the entire test. Additionally, if your total deviation for either white or black smoke exceeds 37, you must also retake the test.
You can review videos of any missed readings to learn from your mistakes. If you fail, you may retake the test at any time. If you pass the test using an approved device, you can purchase your certificate from your Dashboard at vrsmokeschool.com
Tips for the Visual Test
The visual test can be challenging, especially for new students. Below are some basic tips that we have found helpful.
- Make your observation at the highest point of opacity. This is within 1-3 stack diameters of the stack exit on our smoke generator.
- Find a reference point that is clear of smoke and compare it to your observation point. How much is the smoke obscuring the background?
- Go with your instincts. Don’t second guess your answer.
- It’s OK to fail. There is no penalty or cost for retaking the test. You can review any missed readings at the end of the test and learn from your mistakes.
- You can miss a reading by +/-15% which means you have a 30% window. If you think the answer is 35%, ask yourself if it could be a 20% or a 50%. If 20% would be too light and 50% would be too dark, you are in the correct range.