MSA Safety gains NFPA approval for new breathing apparatus
MSA Safety has announced that its G1 XR 2025 Edition self-contained breathing apparatus has been approved by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health and certified by the Safety Equipment Institute.
The product is confirmed as compliant with the 2025 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1970 performance standard.
According to the company, the latest version of the G1 XR can now be ordered by fire departments, with production expected to increase in the coming months at its facility in Murrysville, Pennsylvania.
The company said the model was first presented at the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference earlier this year.
Consolidation of previous NFPA standards
MSA Safety explained that the 2025 Edition of NFPA 1970 merges earlier editions of NFPA 1981 and NFPA 1982.
The updated standard introduces three required upgrades for all self-contained breathing apparatus units.
First, the end-of-service time indicator will now sound when the cylinder reaches 31% of its air supply, rather than 35% as required in earlier standards.
Second, all soft goods, including straps and emergency breathing pouches, must now be fully removable by the firefighter for cleaning.
Finally, the new standard requires visible Bluetooth connection indicators on the control module or heads-up display, depending on the user’s radio system.
Continued innovation through firefighter feedback
The company said the G1 XR 2025 Edition represents the latest stage of the G1 platform’s development, shaped by a decade of firefighter feedback.
Steve Blanco, President and Chief Executive Officer at MSA Safety, said: “As the needs of the fire service continue to evolve, our team remains at the ready to continue to innovate and earn the trust of firefighters around the world.
“The latest enhancements to the G1 SCBA are a reflection of our mission at work – developing solutions that will advance worker health and safety.”
MSA Safety said the G1 platform currently holds 15 US patents covering a range of features that enhance safety, comfort, situational awareness and operational efficiency.
These include built-in voice amplification, radio interface capabilities and an advanced electronics platform powered by a single rechargeable battery.
The company added that the system integrates telemetry to support improved monitoring during operations.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The NFPA 1970 certification of MSA Safety’s G1 XR 2025 Edition breathing apparatus marks an update that directly affects fire departments and equipment procurement teams.
The revision to end-of-service alarms, cleaning capability and Bluetooth connectivity means that departments specifying new self-contained breathing apparatus will need to verify compliance with the latest NFPA performance requirements.
Training officers and safety managers responsible for respiratory protection programmes will need to incorporate these changes into operational procedures and inspection routines.
Procurement officials may also consider how these features influence maintenance cycles and long-term equipment hygiene management.