From Glove Selection to Productivity Gains: Ansell Launches GuardianSM

BRUSSELS, August 30 /PRNewswire/ --     Ansell, a world leader in total hand protection solutions, announces the
official launch of its Guardian(SM) consulting service for industrial
production sites. This unique asses(SM)ent methodology, focussed on selecting
the most appropriate work gloves, helps multinationals to efficiently
increase worker safety. Guardian(SM) helps companies to objectively 
standardise references, decrease purchasing costs, reduce product cost-of-use 
by extending wear and even increase worker productivity through wearing 
gloves better matched to the task at hand.

Injury frequency rates at a key European automotive OEM supplier
dropped from 64 to 5 only months after implementing Guardian(SM) assessment
recommendations. Another multinational benefited from a 27.4% cost reduction
when inventory was reduced due to standardisation of references and
longer-lasting gloves were selected. These and other conclusive results
emerged from a pilot phase of 250 assessments carried out in 50 large
European companies active in automotive, OEM, chemical, and metal
fabrication. Ansell has decided to launch Guardian(SM) assessments on a 
large scale in Europe.

Mr. Herman in het Veld, Safety Manager of GE Plastics Europe,
explains "As part of GE's global initiative on hand injury prevention, GE
Plastics is using the Guardian(SM) methodology to define a GE-customised 
glove management programme which will be implemented across multiple sites 
and countries." GE Plastics participated in the pilot phase and is planning 
to extend the Guardian(SM) assessment.

"Guardian(SM) is designed to improve worker safety, but selecting
comfortable gloves fitting like a second skin and with the correct grip can
considerably enhance worker performance. This in turn leads to higher company
output." explains Werner Heintz, Senior Vice-President and Regional Director
Europe for Ansell Healthcare. "That's why gloves should be seen not only as
personal protection but as a tool to enhance productivity. A Guardian(SM)
asses(SM)ent can help large sites reach these objectives."

The Guardian(SM) assessment methodology and data have been optimised 
for workstation requirements in the following industries: automobile 
production, metal fabrication, automotive OEM and chemicals. For industries 
not covered, Guardian(SM) experts redirect clients to an Ansell 
representative who will offer personalised assistance to determine the most 
appropriate gloves for the applications in question (in certain cases Ansell 
salespersons are certified Guardian(SM) experts). The Guardian(SM) consulting 
service is available in all European countries; reports are generated in 13 
languages. The assessment results are international, and can be used to 
compare and consolidate requirements on regional, national or global. 
Selected automotive producers have started sharing the results of their 
Guardian(SM) assessments with their insurers, and obtained reduced risk 
premiums.

Guardian experts will be available to answer any questions you
may have at the Ansell stand Hall 6 - J31, during the A+A fair held in
Düsseldorf, Germany from 18 - 21 09 2007.

Guardian(SM) is a registered service mark of Ansell Ltd.

Guardian(SM) is empowered by SafetyNet(TM)

SafetyNet(TM) is a registered trademark of Ansell Ltd.

About Ansell:

Ansell Limited is a global leader in barrier protective products. With
operations in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, Ansell employs more than 11,
000 people worldwide and holds leading positions in the natural latex and
synthetic polymer glove and condom markets. Ansell operates in three main
business segments: Occupational Healthcare, supplying hand protection to the
industrial market; Professional Healthcare, supplying surgical and
examination gloves to healthcare professionals; and Consumer Healthcare,
supplying condoms and consumer hand protection. Information on Ansell and its
products can be found at http://www.ansell.eu.

Note to Editors:

For information about Guardian(SM) or about Ansell, please contact:
http;//www.ansellguardian.eu

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