Press Release

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of Mine Safety Appliances Co. (NYSE: MSA) today declared a fourth quarter dividend of 14 cents per share on common stock, payable December 10, 2005 to shareholders of record on November 18, 2005.

The Board also declared a dividend of 56-1/4 cents per share on preferred stock, payable December 1, 2005 to shareholders of record on November 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 $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
CONTACT: Mark Deasy of MSA, +1-412-967-3357