MSA's G1 SCBA Just Got Better: Rechargeable Battery Now NFPA Compliant and NIOSH Approved

PITTSBURGH, Feb. 23, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) today announced that its revolutionary G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) platform is the first SCBA to feature a rechargeable battery pack to be compliant with the latest National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards and approved for use by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH).  Firefighters and industrial workers rely on SCBA to provide respiratory protection in life threatening environments.

The MSA G1 SCBA differs significantly from conventional air masks in that it features a "Central Power" module that powers the entire unit from a single battery source.  This design eliminates the need for multiple battery sizes in various locations across the unit.

"Firefighters put themselves in danger every day to keep our communities safe," said Jason Traynor, MSA's Global Product Business Director for Respiratory Protection and Fire Helmets.  "So when we set out to design a completely new SCBA platform, we knew it had to be powerful and it had to be efficient without adding to the cost of ownership."

The MSA G1 SCBA rechargeable battery pack, which is available for immediate shipment, is lighter than its alkaline counterpart, environmentally friendly, and can be rapidly charged using MSA's compact, six-bay battery charger. 

"The G1 SCBA was developed with the promise to provide firefighters with the latest technology available to help protect them when lives are on the line.  This latest enhancement to the G1 SCBA makes it simpler and more cost effective than ever for firefighters to have access to the most innovative equipment available today," Mr. Traynor said.  "More importantly, it represents the next step in our vision to create a truly unique and versatile platform that can keep up with the pace of technological advancements over the years ahead."

Introduced in 2014, MSA's G1 SCBA is the most technologically advanced, streamlined, balanced, and customizable SCBA the company has ever produced.  With two patents issued and 12 patents pending, the G1 SCBA includes several ground-breaking features, including the elimination of all electronic components from the facepiece; darkness- and smoke-piercing "buddy lights" that provide visible indicators of critical air supply data from any angle; and improved voice amplification communications, all of which come standard on every MSA G1 SCBA.

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 line of products 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, fire and rescue helmets, and fall protection devices.  With 2014 revenues of $1.1 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,600 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.

SOURCE MSA

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