26 October 2015 - Brussels, Belgium – Ansell, a global leader in protection solutions, launches an extensive program for its distributors and customers to implement the upcoming changes in the EN388 standard concerning hand protection against mechanical risks. Ansell will help its distributors and customers to better understand these changes and guide them through this change with clear information, training and a fully compliant product range.

Well Informed, Well Protected, Well Ahead

With one of the largest and most knowledgeable glove manufacturer sales forces, Ansell is ready to assist safety professionals in taking the most educated purchase decision for their safety requirements and prepare for the new regulations. A full Ansell Guardian personalised auditing and consulting methodology benefits companies wishing to overhaul their protection policies and track records, health and safety compliance, productivity and reduced cost of ownership when it comes to hand protection. Ansell is committed to keeping its clients “Well Informed, Well Protected, Well Ahead”.

Early Compliance an Advantage

“Ansell supports improved industry transparency with regard to the true performance of protective gloves against mechanical risks, including for our own products. For the past eight years we have been working within the standards committee for the introduction of more reliable and consistent EN388 performance levels, including improved lab testing methodology,” states Guido Van Duren, Director Global Regulatory Compliance PPE Products of Ansell. “Ansell is committed to helping provide support in this new regulatory environment and to keeping our clients informed and well ahead of the game.”

The company has launched the testing of its core mechanical protection portfolio, including most of the popular HyFlex® gloves. The results are scheduled to be published immediately following the official publication of the revised standard expected in March 2016, with the first gloves to feature the new EN388 performance levels, available a few months later.

Improved test methods, more reliability

The revised EN388 standard introduces several new testing protocols for abrasion, impact and two new cut tests including a new test method based on the current EN ISO 13997 which will become mandatory for protective gloves made from specific “engineered yarns”. With the old test method, the testing cut blades were often blunted by the presence of such specific fibres such as stainless steel and glass fibres in the yarns.

ENDS

Note to editors

Journalists wishing to interview an Ansell member of the standards committee for in-depth insights regarding the new standard and the industry context are invited to contact Mr. Hugo Thiecke +32 2 528 7400 to arrange an appointment.