Nov 05,2004

MSA Introduces Gas Mask Specially Designed for Firefighters

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Product is First of its Type to Receive Approval for Protection from Chemical

                                Warfare Agents

PITTSBURGH, Nov. 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new gas mask developed by MSA (NYSE: MSA), the world's leading manufacturer of safety equipment, is the first device of its kind to be engineered specifically for firefighters and achieve government approval for protection from chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents.

(Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041105/CLF039-a

             NewsCom:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041105/CLF039-b )

The Ultra Elite(R) Gas Mask features a facepiece design that duplicates that of MSA's widely used MMR (mask-mounted regulator) Air Mask for the fire service. As a result, fire departments using these types of MSA breathing apparatus can incorporate the gas mask into their protective equipment arsenal without having to conduct new facepiece fit tests. In addition to simplifying respiratory protective equipment needs, this capability provides fire departments with significant savings in time and administrative costs.

"Firefighters, as first responders, are the first wave of response in a national emergency," said Ron Herring, Jr., vice president and general manager of MSA's Safety Products Division. "Because of this responsibility, there is a vital need to outfit our firefighters with safety equipment that allows them to work efficiently and be protected against a wide range of modern threats. The Ultra Elite Gas Mask delivers exceedingly well in these keys areas," he said.

In use, the Ultra Elite Gas Mask provides respiratory protection in non- firefighting applications. Its design is based on a customer-identified need to provide a common facepiece platform that can be used for both air-purifying and supplied-air applications. First introduced in 1994, the facepiece design has been field proven to provide firefighters an exceptional fit, comfort and value.

"In addition to reducing administrative expenses, this facepiece commonality simplifies training demands because firefighters will have an established level of familiarity with this type of device," Mr. Herring commented. "More importantly, the gas mask gives firefighters more flexibility in CBRN protection that they clearly need in this day and age."

The Ultra Elite Gas Mask is the second MSA air-purifying respirator (APR) to be certified this year by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for CBRN protection. The CBRN standard for full-facepiece gas masks was issued by NIOSH on March 7, 2003. In conjunction with military testing labs, NIOSH tests and approves devices as "CBRN-compliant" according to stringent test protocols for:

     - Chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear agents.
     - Mask penetration and permeation.
     - Carry and transportation durability.
     - Use performance.
     - Quality assurance.

"MSA understands how critical CBRN protection is to first responders," Mr. Herring said. "To lead the way in developing a device that meets the unique needs of firefighters is a goal we established for this market since the idea for a CBRN standard first came about in 1999. We're pleased that we've been able to expand our competency in this area to better serve the needs of our fire service customers."

Established in 1914, MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated products that protect people's health and safety. The company has annual sales of approximately $800 million, manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Europe and 28 international affiliates. More information about MSA is available on the company's Web site at http://www.msanet.com . To learn more about MSA respiratory protection products for the fire service, please visit http://www.MSAFire.com .

SOURCE  MSA
    -0-                             11/05/2004
    /CONTACT:  Mark Deasy of MSA, +1-412-967-3357/
    /Photo: NewsCom:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041105/CLF039-a
            NewsCom:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20041105/CLF039-b
            AP PhotoExpress Network:  PRN14
            AP Archive:  http://photoarchive.ap.org
            PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com /
    /Web site:  http://www.msanet.com
                http://www.MSAFire.com /
    (MSA)

CO:  MSA; Mine Safety Appliances Company
ST:  Pennsylvania
IN:  ENV HEA
SU:  PDT

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4324 11/05/2004 12:25 EST http://www.prnewswire.com