New Escape Respirator from MSA First to Gain Approval for Protection Against Chemical/Biological Agents
PITTSBURGH, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- A new emergency escape respirator developed by global safety equipment manufacturer MSA (NYSE: MSA) today earned the distinction of being the first device of its kind to meet government standards for protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents. The Safe Escape(TM) Respirator is the fourth MSA respiratory protective device to gain certification by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) for CBRN protection.
This achievement also marks the third time MSA has been the first manufacturer to secure a CBRN approval in a different respirator category, underscoring the company's leadership in engineering and its focus on developing sophisticated safety products. Earlier CBRN-approved respirators include the company's Millennium(R) Gas Mask, the Ultra Elite(R) CBRN Gas Mask and the FireHawk(TM) CBRN NFPA 2002 Air Mask for fire service applications.
Developed for a wide range of users, including personnel in government installations, underground transit workers, first responders and law enforcement officers, the Safe Escape Respirator is a hood-style device that features a large, one-piece bonded lens and translucent chemical-resistant hood. This design provides wearers with a wide field of vision to minimize the likelihood of claustrophobia while enabling quick and easy face recognition. The respirator features a single canister containing a CBRN high-efficiency particulate filter and activated carbon.
The CBRN standard for full-face air-purifying respirators was issued by NIOSH in 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.
"With the ever present threat of terrorism, MSA understands the importance of achieving CBRN certification on an increasing number of our products," said Ron Herring, vice president and general manager of MSA's Safety Products Division. "Protecting wearers from many of today's modern threats is a fundamental part of MSA's mission. Naturally, we are pleased to be the first manufacturer to accomplish this challenge with a device that can be used by a broad range of users, including government personnel, transit workers and other people who work in areas that could be the target of a terrorist attack."
The Safe Escape Respirator is available in three sizes -- small, medium and large -- to accommodate a diverse range of wearers. Additionally, because of its hood-style design, the device can be worn with long hair, glasses and/or facial hair. Featuring self-adjusting cradle-type head straps and a high-stretch neck seal, the Safe Escape Respirator is easier to don than earlier generation devices and provides excellent communications capability.
The Safe Escape Respirator is packed in a sealed foil package and protected by a durable polyethylene Hextreme(TM) case that provides a five- year shelf life from the date of manufacture. Cases are color coded and marked according to size, making them easily identified in an emergency situation.
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
