ABSTRACT
There are four basic methods, or Access Devices as they are termed in some guidelines, by which the operator can access the work to be carried out inside isolators.
Gloves and sleeves are the simplest method of handling and are the method of choice provided that the work can be accessed. The maximum arm length of most operators is 700 mm, with a realistic limit to the working radius of 500 mm. The general weightlifting limit for working in sleeves is reckoned to be about 5 kg, and the absolute limit is 10 kg. A simple test to judge if a specific process can be handled when working in sleeves is to try out the process while seated at a bench. If the work can be handled reasonably comfortably in this way, without moving from the seated position, then it can probably be carried out in a glove isolator.
