Abstract: The invention provides an exemplary anaerobic cabinet system which comprises as least one anaerobic cabinet which defines an enclosure interior of which is visible from outside of the cabinet. The cabinet includes a mechanism for inducing and maintaining a prescribe low oxygen internal atmosphere within the enclosure. The cabinet further includes at least one hand/arm access port, a controlled lock-type access mechanism for manually introducing and removing items through the port, and a hand/arm access port provision which is operably coupled to the lock-type access mechanism for manipulating items within the cabinet. The lock-type access mechanism comprises a door provision which in combination with the port provision define an import chamber for loading and/or unloading items to and from the enclosure through the port.