Press Release

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 18 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of Mine Safety Appliances Company (NYSE: MSA) at its meeting today declared a first quarter dividend of 10 cents per share on common stock, payable March 10, 2005 to shareholders of record on February 18, 2005.

The Board also declared a dividend of 56-1/4 cents per share on preferred stock, payable March 1, 2005 to shareholders of record on February 18, 2005.

Established in 1914, MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated safety products that protect people's health and safety. Sophisticated safety products typically integrate any 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 the fire service, homeland security, construction and other industries, as well as the military. Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, respirators and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad range of consumer and contractor safety products through retail channels. These products are marketed and sold under the MSA Safety Works brand. MSA has annual sales of more than $700 million, manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Europe, and more than 30 international locations. Additional information is available on the company's Web site at www.msanet.com .

SOURCE  MSA
    -0-                             01/18/2005
    /CONTACT:  Mark Deasy of MSA, +1-412-967-3357/
    /Web site:  http://www.msanet.com /
    (MSA)

CO:  MSA
ST:  Pennsylvania
IN:  ENV HEA MNG
SU:  DIV

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7913 01/18/2005 15:07 EST http://www.prnewswire.com