Smiths Detection Launches Hand-Held Suspicious Substance Identifier, Worldwide

HazMatIDâ„¢ Ranger Extends Market-Leading Product Line to Meet International Demand

Danbury, CT, 23 April 2009 - Smiths Detection today announces the worldwide launch of the HazMatID Ranger following its successful introduction in the United States last May. The handheld chemical identifier has quickly gained industry traction, thus extending the reach and versatility of the HazMatIDâ„¢ product line, adopted by military and civil responders around the world.

Mal Maginnis, President, Global Military and Emergency Responders for Smiths Detection, said: "We continue to adapt proven technologies to be smaller, lighter, multi-purposed and integrated in order to meet the many challenges our customers face. The worldwide launch of the HazMatID Ranger underlines our position as a leading provider of specialised solutions to protect and defend against growing CBRNE threats."

Specifically designed for diverse field applications requiring broad portability, the system features flexible single-handed operation. It can also be used in tandem by two responders by detaching and operating its PDA computer and utilizing Bluetoothâ„¢ connectivity.

Results can be transmitted to an external laptop for integration with test results performed by other Smiths Detection equipment. "System integration allows users to combine diverse technologies, enabling them to further reduce risk, time and loss associated with any incident," Maginnis added.

As with the market leading HazMatID, the Ranger can identify over 32,000 unknown solids or liquids including: white powders, WMDs, explosives, common and toxic industrial chemicals. This is the most extensive library available throughout the global market.