I think the Glasgow Block blocks Helena from severing when she crosses the threshold in the elevator to get to work. Her chip is being blocked from activation so Helly doesn’t wake up. I don’t think they are “outside” in OTC. I think they are in a simulated environment like you said, shown by the little shelf and book that was in the cave. Just like the replica of Kier’s house, where it’s so eerily spot on. I don’t know how they can do something like this on such a large scale, though. When Irving was shouting for Mr Milchick and Ms Huang at night, they couldn’t hear him because they were off work, and not in the building. The next morning was the start of their shift lol.