MSA Gas Mask Selected As Standard Issue In Homeland Security Assistance Program
PITTSBURGH, May 16 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MSA (NYSE: MSA) announced today that the Millennium(R) CBRN Gas Mask from MSA has been approved by the Department of Homeland Security to be the standard issue gas mask in protective equipment kits provided to smaller communities through the Homeland Security Commercial Equipment Direct Assistance Program (CEDAP). In March of
2004, the Millennium Gas Mask was the first mask of its kind to be approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health for protection against chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) agents.
The CEDAP Program was developed to help first responder agencies in smaller communities acquire and use commercially available equipment to prevent, deter and respond to terrorist attacks, as identified in state homeland security strategies. As part of the program, the federal government provides community agencies with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Kits that provide minimum levels of equipment for inhalation and dermal protection. In addition to the Millennium Gas Mask, the CEDAP kit includes four MSA CBRN canisters, one coverall/overhood ensemble, one pair of certified HazMat boots and a nylon carrying case.
"At MSA we take pride in being able to help protect our nation's first responders," said Ron Herring, vice president and general manager of MSA's Safety Products Division. "Because of the many responsibilities entrusted to today's first responders, there is a vital need for equipment that allows them to work efficiently and be protected against a wide range of modern threats. We're pleased CEDAP has selected MSA's Millennium Gas Mask as standard issue for this essential program."
Based on military engineering, the Millennium Gas Mask incorporates a flexible one-piece polyurethane lens bonded to a durable Hycar rubber facepiece. A drinking tube provides connection for hydration. The Millennium dual-canister mount, used to attach the mask's air-purifying cartridge, allows for weapon sighting from either shoulder. With a fully elastic six-point head harness, the mask is easy to don, adjust, and remove. Additionally, lens fogging is prevented by an internal nosecup, which deflects exhaled air from the lens and a standard mechanical speaking diaphragm is included. Based on sales to state and local law enforcement agencies, the Millennium Gas Mask is the most widely used and recommended mask for law enforcement and first responder applications in the U.S.
Under the CEDAP program, equipment is being offered in two phases in 2005. The first phase is focused on the rapid deployment of personal protective equipment, detection and sensor devices, information sharing software for law enforcement operations, and communications systems. A total of $32 million in devices, systems and training will be provided in 2005.
Eligible applicants include jurisdictions not currently receiving funding under the Urban Areas Security Initiative, which is geared to agencies in large urban areas. Jurisdictions in suburban, rural and border areas, as well as college and university campus police departments, are encouraged to apply for the equipment.
The CEDAP program is being managed by the System Support Division of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination and Preparedness (SLGCP). Those interested in learning more about the CEDAP are encouraged to call the SLGCP CSID Helpline at 1-800-368-6498. Information about the program is also available online at the U.S. Department of Justice Web site at http://www.ojp.usdoj.gov.
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 http://www.msanet.com .
Source: MSA