HEALTH & SAFETY WARNINGS: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF PERSONAL INJURY, DISCOMFORT OR PROPERTY DAMAGE, PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL USERS OF THE HEADSET READ THE WARNINGS BELOW CAREFULLY BEFORE USING THE HEADSET.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMAIN SEATED USING THE HEADSET UNLESS YOUR CONTENT EXPERIENCE REQUIRES STANDING.
Before Using the Headset:
- Read and follow all setup and operating instructions provided with the headset.
- Review the hardware and software recommendations for use of the headset. Risk of discomfort may increase if recommended hardware and software are not used.
- Your headset and software are not designed for use with any unauthorized device, accessory and/or software. Use of an unauthorized device, accessory and/or software may result in injury to you or others, may cause performance issues or damage to your system and related services.
- To reduce the risk of discomfort, adjust the viewing focus for each user before use of the headset.
- A comfortable virtual reality experience requires an unimpaired sense of motion and balance. Do not use the headset when you are: Tired; need sleep; under emotional stress or anxiety; or when suffering from cold, flu, headaches, migraines, or earaches, as this can increase your susceptibility to adverse symptoms.
- We recommend seeing a doctor before using the headset if you are pregnant, elderly, have pre-existing binocular vision abnormalities or other serious medical conditions.
Children:
Adults should make sure children use the headset in accordance with these health and safety warnings including making sure the headset is used as described in the Before Using the Headset section and the Safe Environment section. Adults should monitor children who are using or have used the headset for any of the symptoms described in these health and safety warnings (including those described under the Discomfort and Repetitive Stress Injury sections), and should limit the time children spend using the headset and ensure they take breaks during use. Prolonged use should be avoided, as this could negatively impact hand-eye coordination, balance, and multi-tasking ability. Adults should monitor children closely during and after use of the headset for any decrease in these abilities. Adults refer to the hardware specific recommendations for age restrictions
Seizures:
Some people (about 1 in 4000) may have severe dizziness, seizures, eye or muscle twitching or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns, and this may occur while they are watching TV, playing video games or experiencing virtual reality, even if they have never had a seizure or blackout before or have no history of seizures or epilepsy. Such seizures are more common in children and young people under the age of 20. Anyone who experiences any of these symptoms should discontinue use of the headset and see a doctor. Anyone who previously has had a seizure, loss of awareness, or other symptom linked to an epileptic condition should see a doctor before using the headset.
General Precautions:
To reduce the risk of injury or discomfort you should always follow these instructions and observe these precautions while using the headset:
Use Only In A Safe Environment: The headset produces an immersive virtual reality experience that distracts you from and completely blocks your view of your actual surroundings.
Always be aware of your surroundings before beginning use and while using the headset. Use caution to avoid injury and remain seated unless your content experience requires standing.
- Use of the headset may cause loss of balance.
- Remember that the objects you see in the virtual environment do not exist in the real environment, so don’t sit or stand on them or use them for support.
- Serious injuries can occur from tripping, running into or striking walls, furniture or other objects, so clear an area for safe use before using the headset.
- Take special care to ensure that you are not near other people, objects, stairs, balconies, open doorways, windows, furniture, open flames, ceiling fans or light fixtures or other items that you can bump into or knock down when using—or immediately after using—the headset.
- Remove any tripping hazards from the area before using the headset. Be aware of any tethered cables connected from headset to computer.
- Remember that while using the headset you may be unaware that people may enter your immediate area.
- Do not handle sharp or otherwise dangerous objects while using the headset.
- Never wear the headset in situations that require attention, such as walking, bicycling, or driving.
- Make sure the headset is level and secured comfortably on your head, and that you see a single, clear image.
- Make sure any headphone cables if used are not tripping hazards.
- Install and use wrist straps or lanyard with accessories when available to secure to your wrist when in use.
- Use lanyards with all tracked accessories so they do not become loose projectiles.
- Ease into the use of the headset to allow your body to adjust; use for only a few minutes at a time at first, and only increase the amount of time using the headset gradually as you grow accustomed to virtual reality. Looking around when first entering virtual reality can help you adjust to any small differences between your real-world movements and the resulting virtual reality experience.
- Do not use the headset while in a moving vehicle such as a car, bus, or train, as this can increase your susceptibility to adverse symptoms.
- Take at least a 10 to 15 minute break every 30 minutes, even if you don’t think you need it. Each person is different, so take more frequent and longer breaks if you feel discomfort. You should decide what works best for you.
- If using headphones, listening to sound at high volumes can cause irreparable damage to your hearing. Background noise, as well as continued exposure to high volume levels, can make sounds seem quieter than they actually are. Due to the immersive nature of the virtual reality experience, do not use the headset with the sound at a high volume so that you can maintain awareness of your surroundings and reduce the risk of hearing damage.
- Avoid dropping your headset. Dropping it, especially on a hard surface, can potentially cause damage to the headset and battery. Inspect your headset for visual damage before each use.
- Periodically inspect connection cords, connector tips and the power adapter for damage or signs of wear. Do not use your power adapter if prong(s), enclosure, connector port, connector cable or any part is damaged, cracked, or exposed.
Setting Up a Safe Environment:
- You are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe environment for use at all times
- Consider having another person act as a spotter while you move around in your virtual world. Take appropriate steps to prevent people (particularly children) or pets who do not understand that your perceptions are limited from entering your play space.
- Make sure your play space has a level, firm and even surface without loose carpeting or rugs, uneven surfaces or similar hazards. Remove any tripping hazards from the play space before using the headset.
Discomfort:
Immediately discontinue using the headset if any of the following symptoms are experienced: seizures; loss of awareness; eye strain; eye or muscle twitching; involuntary movements; altered, blurred, or double vision or other visual abnormalities; dizziness; disorientation; impaired balance; impaired hand-eye coordination; excessive sweating; increased salivation; nausea; lightheadedness; discomfort or pain in the head or eyes; drowsiness; fatigue; or any symptoms similar to motion sickness.
Just as with the symptoms people can experience after they disembark a cruise ship, symptoms of virtual reality exposure can persist and become more apparent hours after use. These post-use symptoms can include the symptoms above, as well as excessive drowsiness and decreased ability to multi-task. These symptoms may put you at an increased risk of injury when engaging in normal activities in the real world.
- Do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in other visually or physically demanding activities that have potentially serious consequences (i.e., activities in which experiencing any symptoms could lead to death, personal injury, or damage to property), or other activities that require unimpaired balance and hand-eye coordination (such as playing sports or riding a bicycle, etc.) until you have fully recovered from any symptoms.
- Do not use the headset until all symptoms have completely subsided for several hours. Make sure you have properly configured the headset before resuming use.
- Be mindful of the type of content that you were using prior to the onset of any symptoms because you may be more prone to symptoms based upon the content being used.
- See a doctor if you have serious and/or persistent symptoms.
System Alerts:
For your protection, you should take immediate action when prompted by system alerts. The headset may provide you with the following alerts:
- Overheating Alert. An audible and visual alert when the headset is overheating. If that alert appears/sounds, to reduce the risk of personal injury, immediately remove your headset and let it cool down before continuing use.
- Sound Volume Alert. A visual alert in the event of high volume levels. If that alert appears, lower the sound volume to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
- Outside of Play Space Alert. A visual alert if you are outside of your play space. If that alert appears, remove your headset or go back to your play space to continue your experience, if desired.
- Tracking Error System Alerts. A visual alert if the headset’s tracking system is not operating properly. Note if the headset is experiencing tracking issues, then the Guardian system may not be functioning properly or may be disabled. If this alert appears, remove the headset and move to a safe space. Afterwards, follow the instructions provided on-screen to address the issue.
Repetitive Stress Injury:
Using the device may make your muscles, joints or skin hurt. If any part of your body becomes tired or sore while using the headset or its components, or if you feel symptoms such as tingling, numbness, burning or stiffness, stop and rest for several hours before using it again. If you continue to have any of the above symptoms or other discomfort during or after use, stop use and see a doctor.
Headset Temperature:
It is important to check the temperature of your headset as front surfaces may get hot. It is normal for your headset to feel warm to the touch while in use or while charging. Prolonged skin contact with a headset that is hot to the touch may produce skin discomfort or redness, or low temperature burns. If your headset feels hot to the touch or is uncomfortably warm, stop using or charging it, and allow it to cool down.
Controller Batteries
- CHOKING HAZARD. The remote is not a toy. It contains batteries, which are small parts. Keep away from children under 3.
- Risk of fire. Batteries can explode or leak if installed backwards, disassembled, charged, crushed, mixed with used or other battery types, or exposed to fire or high temperature.
Interference with Medical Devices
The headset and controller(s) may contain magnets or components that emit radio waves, which could affect the operation of nearby electronics, including cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids and defibrillators. If you have a pacemaker or other implanted medical device, do not use the headset and controller without first consulting your doctor or the manufacturer of your medical device. Maintain a safe distance between the headset and controller and your medical devices. Stop using the headset and/or controller(s) if you observe a persistent interference with your medical device.
Electrical Shock:
To reduce risk of electric shock:
- Do not modify or open any of the components provided.
- Do not use the product if any cable is damaged or any wires are exposed.
Damaged or Broken Device
- Do not use your device if any part is broken or damaged.
- Do not attempt to repair any part of your device yourself. Repairs should only be made by a qualified repair contact.
Contagious Conditions
The headset should be cleaned between each use with skin-friendly non-alcoholic antibacterial wipes and with a dry microfiber cloth for the lenses. To avoid transferring contagious conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye), do not share the headset with persons with contagious conditions, infections or diseases, particularly of the eyes, skin or scalp.
Skin Irritation
The headset is worn next to your skin and scalp. Stop using the headset if you notice swelling, itchiness, skin irritation or other skin reactions. If symptoms persist, contact a doctor.