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IAFF and DHS Select MSA to
Build Next-Generation SCBA Prototype
Mar 23, 2010
Washington, D.C. - The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF),
under contracts with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, has selected
global safety equipment manufacturer MSA (NYSE: MSA) to build a prototype of
a new self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
The IAFF’s next-generation SCBA prototype will rely on pressure-vessel
technology, which promises to make fire fighting breathing apparatuses
smaller, lighter and more efficient than SCBA currently in use. MSA, based
in Pittsburgh , Pa. , was selected to build the prototype after an extensive
solicitation process.
“This is one of the most significant health and safety projects the IAFF has
ever undertaken because this new SCBA technology will do more to protect the
lives of fire fighters,” IAFF General President Harold A. Schaitberger said.
The IAFF received more than $2.7 million from the Department of Homeland
Security’s Science and Technology Directorate (DHS) to fund research and
development of a next-generation SCBA. A fully-functional prototype SCBA
that incorporates the new pressure-vessel technology is to be field tested
in fire and law enforcement departments later this year.
Development of a prototype SCBA by MSA is expected to demonstrate the
superiority of new pressure-vessel technology that would replace the single
air cylinder design of conventional fire fighting breathing apparatuses. As
part of its development efforts, the IAFF and DHS Science and Technology
Directorate worked with Vulcore Industrial LLC to create the new
pressure-vessel technology to make SCBA lighter with a greatly reduced
profile when compared to current SCBA cylinders.
The new technology, referred to as a “flat pack,” uses a special
high-temperature lining in place of conventional aluminum liners used in
current SCBA cylinders. These linings are then braided with Kevlar and wound
with pre-impregnated carbon fiber. The entire array is inside a soft,
flexible cover, allowing the design to flex horizontally and vertically at
the connection points.
“This is certainly an exciting endeavor for
all of us at MSA,” said William Lambert, MSA president and CEO. “The IAFF
has long been an advocate and leader in the effort to advance fire fighter
health and safety, and now MSA has the unique opportunity to help support
this mission in a very direct way. Needless to say, the opportunity to be
involved in the development of revolutionary new SCBA technology – at a
ground level with the IAFF – is a partnership of which we are most proud to
be associated.”
This first phase of this research and development effort involved extensive
testing to support a request for a special permit from the U. S. Department
of Transportation to gain clearance to use the technology in SCBA. Approval
from the Transportation Department is expected within the next two months,
enabling field testing of an SCBA prototype. The timeline for fire service
availability is currently under development due to the need for cooperation
from the many industry entities instrumental to the commercialization of
this revolutionary technology.
To see video of pack in testing click here
http://community.fireengineering.com/video/video/show?id=1219672%3A...
For more video click here
http://community.fireengineering.com/video/video/show?id=1219672%3A...
The
International Association of Fire Fighters, headquartered in
Washington , DC , is the leading advocate in North America for the safety
and training of fire fighters and paramedics. The IAFF represents more than
296,000 full-time professional fire fighters and paramedics who protect
communities in every state in the United States and throughout Canada . More
information is available at
www.iaff.org
The Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate is the primary research and
development arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The S&T
Directorate's mission is to improve homeland security by providing to
customers state-of-the-art technology that helps them achieve their
missions. S&T customers include the operating components of the Department,
state, local, tribal and territorial emergency responders and officials.
Under Secretary Dr. Tara O'Toole currently leads the S&T Directorate.
Established in 1914, MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture
and supply of safety products that protect people's health and safety. Many
MSA 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, oil, gas and
petrochemical industry, homeland security, construction, mining and other
industries, as well as the military. Principal products include
self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments,
head protection, ballistic body armor, fall protection devices 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
approximately $1 billion, manufacturing operations in the United States ,
Europe , Asia and Latin America , and more than 42 international locations.
Additional information is available on the company’s Web site at
www.msanet.com
Kerin Sparks
Strategic Business Manager
North American First Responder Market
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