Jan 17,2006

MSA Declares First Quarter Dividend

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 17 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of Mine Safety Appliances Co. (NYSE: MSA) today declared a first quarter dividend of 14 cents per share on common stock, payable March 10, 2006 to shareholders of record on February 17, 2006.

The Board also declared a dividend of 56-1/4 cents per share on preferred stock, payable March 1, 2006 to shareholders of record on February 17, 2006.

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 $850 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 (Mine Safety Appliances Company)

CONTACT: Mark Deasy of MSA, +1-412-967-3357