Press Release

PITTSBURGH, June 21, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- National Safety Month is in full swing and one company, MSA Safety Works, will be working this summer to ensure consumers are safer than ever when tackling projects around the house this summer.

To emphasize the need for sound safety practices, MSA Safety Works is using the month of June to kick off its 2005 Home Safety Tour, a traveling program created to educate the public on the importance of using proper protective equipment -- such as safety glasses, hearing protection and respirators -- when tackling do-it-yourself (DIY) projects. "There is risk to all of us, each and every day -- particularly in our homes and communities," said Alan C. McMillan, National Safety Council President. "The antidote is information, knowledge and awareness."

Central to the MSA program is the Safety Squad, a team of safety specialists that will patrol hundreds of neighborhoods and job sites in 12 cities in search for DIYers and contractors who are working at risk. The Safety Squad's mission is to equip these individuals with the information and products that enable them to work more safely and avoid injuries. Last year, the Squad distributed more 12,000 pairs of safety glasses and hearing protection products.

"Most people never think about wearing protective products or just don't feel there's a need to do so," said John Quinn, Product Group and Marketing Manager for MSA Safety Works and creator of the Home Safety Tour. "The truth is that accidents happen when we least expect them and, literally, at the blink of an eye."

According to the Home Improvement Research Institute, Americans are expected to spend a record $280 billion this year fixing up their homes. Additionally, it's estimated that 72 percent of these home improvement projects will be tackled by DIYers. MSA Safety Works estimates that fewer than 25 percent of this group will take appropriate steps to protect themselves from the potential harm that could result from power tools, falling objects or hazardous vapors.

Touring in MSA Safety Works' Safety Bug, a highly customized Volkswagen Beetle that resembles a giant hard hat, the Safety Squad will be a highly visible reminder of the need to stay safe. In addition to making stops in local neighborhoods and on job sites, the Safety Squad will demonstrate safety products at retail locations, including select True Value Hardware and The Home Depot stores.

The 2005 Home Safety Tour began June 3 in Pittsburgh and will include stops in Cleveland, Chicago, Philadelphia, Detroit and Washington, DC.

About MSA Safety Works

MSA Safety Works is the consumer products arm of MSA (NYSE: MSA), the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated safety products that protect people's health and safety. 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. Established in 1914, MSA has annual sales of more than $850 million, manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Europe, and more than 30 international locations.

MSA Safety Works' comprehensive line of consumer products include respirators, hard hats, hearing protection, eye and face protection, protective clothing, fall protection equipment and first aid kits for use in all home improvement projects.

MSA Safety Works products can be found in leading home improvement stores in the United States, including select Home Depot and True Value stores. For more information, visit http://www.msasafetyworks.com.

SOURCE MSA

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

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