PITTSBURGH, Sept. 20, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Each year in
Birmingham, fire brigades from
around the United Kingdom come
together to learn about the latest trends and emerging technologies
in the fire service market. That's why MSA Safety
Incorporated (NYSE: MSA), the global leader in firefighter
safety, selected the Emergency Services Show to showcase its new M1
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and the overall depth of
MSA's fire service product portfolio. With the U.K.
firefighter safety market identified as a key strategic growth
opportunity for MSA, the trade show represents an important
milestone in MSA's efforts to bring new SCBA technology to the
international market.
Designed to meet the European Norm 137 (EN137) safety, health
and environmental protection standards, as well as ATEX intrinsic
safety standards for usage in hazardous or explosive atmospheres,
the M1 SCBA is fully customizable and can be configured to meet a
broad range of firefighter needs and brigade budgets. Among
its innovative features are a padded harness that is fully
water-repellent, the industry's lightest-weight backplate, and an
advanced hip belt that evenly distributes SCBA weight for much
improved ergonomics.
"Fighting fires requires durable equipment built to perform in
extreme conditions," said Jason
Traynor, MSA's General Manager for Global Respiratory
Protection and Fire Helmets. "Based on our extensive
voice-of-customer research while designing the M1 SCBA, it quickly
became clear that fire brigades want a range of SCBA options at a
cost and configuration that's right for them. Positive customer
feedback and recent key order wins provide confidence that we've
really hit the mark with our new M1 SCBA."
Update on NFPA G1 SCBA Certification in U.S.
In
related fire service news, MSA also announced today it expects to
receive Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) certification for its next
generation G1 SCBA in early October. The MSA G1 model is used
widely throughout the North American fire service
market.
Earlier this year, the SEI, in collaboration with the U.S.
National Institute for Safety and Health (NIOSH), established a
"Common Announcement Date" at which time all breathing apparatus
manufacturers that successfully completed testing would receive SEI
certification notification at the same time. The SEI certification
applies to newly updated SCBA performance standards promulgated by
the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
Originally anticipated in the second half of August 2019, the common announcement date has
been postponed to October 9,
2019. Mr. Traynor noted that MSA's G1 SCBA was
submitted for testing very early in the process. The G1 has
successfully completed all testing and MSA is awaiting final
paperwork.
"The common announcement date was established to prevent a
first-mover advantage among SCBA manufacturers," Mr. Traynor
explained. "While regulatory approvals can be delayed for a
variety of reasons outside of MSA's control, we have a strong track
record of meeting product standards and our manufacturing
operations in Pittsburgh are well
prepared to begin shipments of 2018 NFPA G1 SCBAs to our customers
on October 9, upon receipt of the SEI
certification. Underlying demand in the U.S. Fire Service remains
strong and the replacement cycle is ongoing. At MSA, we're looking
forward to continuing to provide industry-leading solutions that
demonstrate our deep commitment to game-changing innovation on
behalf of firefighters across the globe," Mr. Traynor said.
About MSA
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global
leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety
products that protect people and facility infrastructures.
Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics,
mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against
hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's
comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a
broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical
industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and
the military. MSA's core products include self-contained
breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems,
portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection
products, firefighter helmets and protective apparel, and fall
protection devices. With 2018 revenues of $1.4 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,900
people worldwide. The company is headquartered north of
Pittsburgh in Cranberry Township, Pa., and has manufacturing
operations in the United States,
Europe, Asia and Latin America. With more than
40 international locations, MSA realizes approximately half of its
revenue from outside North America. For more information
visit MSA's web site at www.MSAsafety.com.
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SOURCE MSA Safety