Press Release

PITTSBURGH, May 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Board of Directors of MSA (NYSE: MSA) today declared a second quarter dividend of 18 cents per share on common stock, payable June 10, 2006 to shareholders of record on May 22, 2006. This represents a 29% increase from the previous quarterly dividend of 14 cents.

The Board also declared a dividend of 56-1/4 cents per share on preferred stock, payable June 1, 2006 to shareholders of record on May 22, 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, thermal imaging cameras and ballistic body armor. 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 $900 million, manufacturing operations throughout the world 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