Inputs
Enter site conditions and crew details to estimate setup time.
Example Data Table
| Scenario | Bags | Diameter (mm) | Access | Containment | Crew | Permit delay (min) | Estimated setup |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Service corridor, standard controls | 2 | 150 | Normal | Standard | 2 | 5 | ~1h 25m |
| Plant room, tight access, insulation | 3 | 300 | Tight | Double layer | 3 | 15 | ~3h 10m |
| Overhead line, negative pressure, decon | 1 | 600 | Normal | Negative pressure | 2 | 10 | ~1h 40m |
Examples are illustrative planning values and will vary by work method and site rules.
Formula Used
This calculator estimates setup time using a structured base time, adds condition adjustments, then applies efficiency multipliers and an optional buffer.
+ OverheadAdj + EnvironmentAdj + ContainmentAdj + DeconAdj + StagingAdj
Adjusted = Raw × ToolMult × ExperienceMult × PPEMult × CrewMult
Total = Adjusted × (1 + Buffer%/100)
Outputs are rounded to the nearest five minutes for practical planning.
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter glovebag count and the pipe or duct diameter.
- Set work length, access level, height, and overhead conditions.
- Select containment and decon requirements for your scope.
- Add permit or briefing delays if the site requires them.
- Choose crew size, experience, PPE level, and readiness.
- Press calculate, then export CSV or PDF if needed.
Notes and Good Practice
- Use buffer time when access, materials, or approvals are uncertain.
- If multiple trades share the area, increase permit delay.
- For complex systems, treat each isolation point as a separate glovebag.
- Confirm steps with site rules, supervision, and risk controls.
Where Setup Time Is Usually Spent
Glovebag setup time is dominated by staging, surface preparation, and verification steps rather than the bag attachment itself. Tight access and overhead positions typically add minutes through re-taping, re-alignment, and repeated seal checks. Use the breakdown table above to identify which adjustments are driving your estimate.
Key Inputs That Change the Estimate
Diameter and insulation affect contact area and prep quality, so they influence taping time and the number of seal passes. Working height introduces platform moves and tool handover delays. Containment requirements such as negative pressure or double-layer sealing add inspection tasks and equipment handling.
Crew Efficiency and Readiness Factors
Crew size improves output only up to a point; extra people can help with staging, but congestion may reduce gains. Experience reduces rework by improving sequencing and tape discipline. High PPE often slows dexterity and movement, so plan a realistic buffer when respirators or enhanced protection are required.
Example Planning Data
The table below shows sample inputs you can copy into the form to validate planning assumptions. Values are illustrative and should be aligned with your method statement, supervision, and site rules.
| Example | Bags | Diameter (mm) | Length (m) | Access | Containment | Crew | Buffer |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Baseline service run | 1 | 150 | 1.2 | Normal | Standard | 2 | 10% |
| Tight space with insulation | 2 | 300 | 1.5 | Tight | Double layer | 3 | 15% |
| Higher control level | 1 | 600 | 1.2 | Normal | Negative pressure | 2 | 20% |
Using Results for Work Packaging
Treat the computed total as a planning baseline and compare it to historical job cards or supervisor estimates. If the buffer becomes large, review drivers like access, staging distance, and containment. Export the CSV or PDF to attach to permits, toolbox talks, and daily plans for consistent scheduling.
FAQs
1) What does this calculator estimate?
It estimates glovebag setup time, including condition adjustments, crew efficiency multipliers, and an optional buffer for minor delays.
2) Why is the output rounded to five minutes?
Rounding improves planning clarity and reduces false precision when site variability, access constraints, and approvals can shift the real duration.
3) How should I choose the buffer percentage?
Use 10–20% for typical variability. Increase it when access is tight, containment is stricter, or staging and approvals are unpredictable.
4) Does a bigger crew always reduce time?
No. Benefits taper quickly because the work area can become congested, and only some tasks parallelize during setup.
5) What should I enter for containment requirements?
Select the level required by your site rules. Higher containment adds steps for sealing, checks, and equipment handling.
6) Can I use this for final job costing?
Use it for planning and comparison. For costing, validate with job history, productivity factors, and your approved work method.
7) How do the exports help on site?
Exports provide a consistent record of assumptions, inputs, and results that can be attached to permits, briefings, and daily work plans.