MSA Safety reveals third quarter results for 2023

by Featured News

MSA Safety’s robust performance

Global safety equipment and solutions provider MSA Safety Incorporated has announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2023.

The report, available on their official website, showcases a significant 17% increase in net sales compared to the previous year.

Key financial achievements of MSA Safety

The company achieved quarterly net sales of $447 million. This growth showcases the strength across MSA’s product range and their global regions.

Furthermore, the firm generated a GAAP operating income of $94 million, which is 21.1% of sales, and an adjusted operating income of $101 million or 22.7% of sales.

MSA Safety recorded a GAAP net income of $65 million. In terms of per diluted share, this translates to $1.65, while adjusted earnings were $70 million or $1.78 per diluted share.

In addition to their earnings, MSA Safety invested $13 million in capital expenditures.

They also repaid debts amounting to $68 million and allocated $18 million for shareholder dividends.

CEO’s perspective on MSA Safety’s growth

During the third quarter, the MSA team continued to deliver strong results,” said Nish Vartanian, MSA Safety Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

“Growth was broad-based across our key product platforms and regions, a testament to the resiliency of our business, our differentiated safety products and solutions, and strategic exposure to attractive end markets and long-term secular trends.

“Our ability to create sustainable growth is also supported by significant competitive advantages such as our purpose-driven culture, best-in-class innovation and relentless focus on solving our customers’ safety challenges.”

Vartanian also conveyed his optimism about the company’s trajectory: “We remain encouraged by our progress and are excited about the opportunities ahead.

With our singular mission of safety, I believe we are well-positioned to continue our strong performance and deliver value to our shareholders in the fourth quarter and beyond.”

IFSJ Comment

MSA Safety Incorporated’s financial results provide an insightful gauge into the current health of the safety equipment industry.

Their impressive growth, both in terms of sales and net income, is a testament to their unwavering commitment to quality and innovation.

The 17% increase in sales year-over-year reflects the trust and confidence that businesses globally place in MSA Safety’s products and solutions.

The firm’s strategic decisions, from investing in capital expenditures to repaying debt, further solidify its strong market position.

As industry professionals, it’s exciting to see a leading brand like MSA Safety achieving such results, setting a benchmark for others to aspire to.

MSA Safety showcases connected safety solutions at the A+A Trade Fair and Congress

by EventsFeatured NewsSafety

MSA Safety unveils its Connected Work Platform

MSA Safety, a global leader in safety solutions development, is presenting its array of connected safety solutions this week at the 2023 A+A Trade Fair and Congress in Dusseldorf, Germany.

The event will span from 24 October to 27 October.

ALTAIR io 4: Powering the Connected Work Platform

MSA Safety is introducing its Connected Work Platform to Europe.

This fully-integrated safety solution offers superior data analytics, promoting safety compliance, simplifying manual tasks, reducing paperwork, and fostering proactive safety management.

The engine behind the Connected Work Platform is the ALTAIR io 4 Connected Gas Detector.

With its innovative design, it easily links with the MSA Grid cloud-based software and the ALTAIR io Dock.

This integration ensures real-time data accessibility, which is pivotal for enhancing worker safety.

Combined with the MSA+ subscription service, both the ALTAIR io 4 device and MSA+ pave the way for an effective hardware and software partnership.

This combination seeks to simplify safety program management and push for safety and productivity across various work environments.

“Our focus is on helping to keep workers safe,” remarked Dave Howells, MSA Safety Vice President of Sales and International Marketing.

“We’re excited to be featuring our connected worker solutions at A+A that will give attendees a hands-on opportunity to learn how MSA is using technology to enhance our industry-leading products that connect and detect for safety and for sustainability, while helping to make work safer, easier and more productive.”

MSA Safety’s standout products at A+A

Visitors at the A+A Trade Fair will have the chance to engage with MSA product specialists and engineers. They will be discussing a range of topics, including fall protection, head protection, respiratory protection, and detection monitoring solutions. Some highlighted products for this year comprise:

  • V-SERIES Harnesses, which emphasise superior comfort and flexibility.
  • MSA V-TEC Mini Personal Fall Limiter, known for its compactness and light weight, now available in the EMEA region.
  • MSA V-SHOCK Self-Retracting Device, designed for comfort and ease of use, also debuting in the EMEA region.
  • FL500-H2 UV/IR Flame Detector for Hydrogen, showcasing how it can aid in facility protection against fires.
  • V-Gard Helmets, which are customizable head protection solutions for workers.

For an immersive experience of these products and MSA Safety’s services, attendees can visit the MSA Safety booth in Hall 1, Stand B39.

For continuous updates on the A+A Expo, one can visit this site or stay tuned to MSA’s social media channels.

IFSJ Comment

The world of safety solutions continues to evolve with companies like MSA Safety at the helm.

Their innovative approaches, as displayed at the A+A Trade Fair and Congress, not only push the boundaries of technology but also show a commitment to global worker safety.

MSA Safety’s foray into creating a fully-connected safety solution, particularly for the European market, highlights the importance of integrating technology to enhance worker safety measures.

Their broad spectrum of products, ranging from fall protection to detection monitoring solutions, emphasises their dedication to covering every aspect of worker safety.

These advancements will play a crucial role in setting higher industry standards.

MSA Safety’s newest gas detector earns the Frost & Sullivan New Product Innovation Award

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsFeatured NewsFire DetectionProducts

The ALTAIR io 4Gas detector gains recognition

MSA Safety has revealed that its latest portable gas detector, the ALTAIR io 4, has been awarded the 2023 Frost & Sullivan New Product Innovation Award in the global gas detection sector.

This announcement came as a testament to the product’s advanced features and MSA’s commitment to innovation.

Elevating the gas detection industry

The ALTAIR io 4 is the inaugural product in the MSA Connected Work Platform and was built to be a holistic and user-friendly safety solution.

It boasts a pioneering direct-to-cloud structure, enabling it to smoothly integrate with MSA Grid cloud-based software and the ALTAIR io Dock.

This interconnectivity can assist safety managers in amplifying compliance, efficiently handling their device arsenal, and boosting awareness of worker safety.

When used with MSA’s MSA+ subscription service, this device provides a robust system that augments worker safety, simplifying safety program supervision by offering immediate insight, ultimately optimising safety and efficiency for workers and worksites alike.

Recognition of distinction

Frost & Sullivan’s award acknowledges businesses introducing innovative products or solutions that aptly cater to essential consumer requirements.

This entails the company’s ability to envisage future industry needs and address emerging challenges and prospects.

The entirety of the Connected Work Platform ecosystem, which includes the ALTAIR io 4, the MSA Grid software platform, MSA+, and MSA id digital device assignment capabilities, is what set it apart during the evaluation.

A company’s perspective on innovation

Gustavo Lopez, MSA Safety’s Vice President of Product Strategy and Pricing, stated: “The Connected Work Platform is designed to make safety more straightforward and empower safety managers to devise adaptable and forward-thinking safety schemes.

“By utilising our top-tier sensor technology and cloud-based solutions, we’re facilitating safety managers to streamline their safety programmes via digital reporting and allowing them remote access to data.

“It’s a privilege to be acknowledged by Frost & Sullivan for this award, underscoring our persistent efforts to craft pioneering safety measures that safeguard people in their daily work environments.”

The criteria for success

To win a Frost & Sullivan award, products must meet the demands of industry customers, demonstrate reliability and superior quality, and display innovation in design.

Additionally, customer impact criteria such as cost-effectiveness, user experience during purchase and ownership, customer service, and brand value are factored in.

Further details on the Connected Work Platform and ALTAIR io 4 can be found here.

IFSJ Comment

The recognition of MSA Safety’s ALTAIR io 4 by a reputable institution like Frost & Sullivan signifies a significant shift in the realm of gas detection.

The device’s innovative design, coupled with its cloud capabilities, brings a fresh approach to safety management.

Moreover, the Connected Work Platform shows MSA’s dedication to optimising worker safety, which will likely set new standards in the industry.

Fire protective clothing: Finding the best fit

by AmericasAmericas - Breaking NewsBreaking NewsIFSJ ExclusivesPPE

Nik Blymiller, MSA Safety Product Group Manager for Fire Protective Clothing, highlights the evolution of firefighter PPE

Where do things currently stand with fire protective gear across the fire industry and the latest trends you are seeing?

We’ve been seeing the market evolve over the years and the roles firefighters are playing in responding to all different kinds of incidents, not just house fires.

Today, technical rescue situations are becoming more prominent, like during wildland fires and flooding, and we’re also seeing a desire for garments that can perform across new and different scenarios.

It’s these kinds of trends that are driving innovation and diversity in the fire protective clothing market.

The market used to desire having one set of garments that were suitable for everything, but customers have been calling for change.

We’re working to develop new solutions in our fire protective clothing offerings to address these changes.

Not every firefighter is built in the same way.

How is customer feedback incorporated into fire protection clothing design?

Customer feedback is imperative to what we do and how we work to design and deliver new protective firefighting equipment.

MSA Safety and its affiliates, like Globe Manufacturing Company and MSA Bristol, invest heavily in Voice of Customer (VOC) activities during the product development process, and that is critical in firefighter product development.

We work closely with customers throughout their selection, evaluation and tender process to ensure we’re putting forth a garment and solution that aligns with their needs.

That can include different fabric combinations, designs, trims, pockets, whatever it might be.

The flexibility that Globe and Bristol offer is what makes them differentiators in the fire protective clothing industry.

We see that with just the number of different fabric combinations and garment styles that Globe and Bristol can provide.

We’re seeing a move toward lighter, more flexible material, and we’re getting more requests for comfort shields.

Additionally, working through our service Care Teams, we are able to use real life wear experience to design common repairs that can help optimise the cost of ownership.

What efforts are being made to accommodate the diverse physical builds of firefighters?

When it comes to fitting firefighters for protective clothing, we have an array of solutions, whether it’s our MSA Bristol or Globe fire protective clothing.

We offer a wide range of sizes, both male and female, for chest and waist widths, along with five different height groups ranging from extra short to extra tall.

All of our styles are available in women’s fit, which is important as we see the number of women in the fire service continue to grow.

Ultimately, it’s about helping firefighters find their best fit and so they can concentrate on safely doing their jobs.

If you have the feeling that something with a garment is stopping you or is uncomfortable or is physically restrictive, it might be time to consider the latest options.

Layer combinations are becoming lighter and more flexible and there is also the desire for gear that looks nice, as well.

What recent developments have impacted fire protection clothing?

It is well documented that there has been a rise in the frequency and intensity of wildland fires.

We’re seeing a demand for more flexible PPE that allows firefighters to fight those types of incidents in a way that can help reduce or prevent excess heat stress or burden on their person while they’re fighting such fires.

As we speak with customers, we’re hearing more about the different kinds of PPE needed for these types of wildland responses.

To develop solutions for these situations, we’re looking at balancing appropriate levels of thermal protection, particulate protection, heat stress and garment weight for these responses.

A second lesson is about the diversity in the type of firefighter. We are seeing more women and diverse firefighters.

As such, we’re working to make sure we offer products that work effectively to help protect firefighters across a wide range of body types and sizes.

How are hygiene and maintenance aspects being balanced with PPE design?

Cleanability and serviceability are two important factors we look at when designing PPE for firefighters.

In the United Kingdom we offer the Bristol Care managed service, which gives us the ability to help maintain garments for our customers.

We’re also looking at ways to help more of our US fire and rescue customers care for their gear because, after all, purchasing fire protective clothing is an investment and having longevity in protective gear is important.

In addition, observing best practices in cleaning is an important way that our fire and rescue customers can help protect themselves against exposures in the field, so helping to streamline that process can really add value.

We also take attention to selecting trims and seam tapes that can help reduce or prevent particulates from being trapped in the clothing.

For example, we heat seal labels for turnouts with a heat activated adhesive. This eliminates stitching and gives a smoother surface that’s easier to clean.

These tapes also tend to be lighter, more supple and breathable in challenging environments.

How is MSA Bristol staying on top of evolving rules and standards?

MSA Bristol is actively engaged with the various standards organisations, including EN, NFPA and ISO.

We work with these standards making organisations and help provide input on areas like the latest technology and trends in fire protective clothing.

By working through leading laboratories and approval bodies, we ensure our products meet the standards that our customers expect.

This exclusive article was originally published in the September 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Editor’s Product: MSA Safety’s M1 SCBA

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MSA’s ground breaking modular system is tailored to unique fire brigade needs

Specifically designed for the European and International fire services, The MSA M1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) represents the most advanced, ergonomic and modular breathing apparatus the company has ever developed for those markets.

With the M1 as a breathing apparatus, the M stands for modularity. That modularity allows individual customers with unique needs to build or configure their product in the way that best suits them.

Knowing that there are regional differences when it comes to selecting an SCBA, the M1 is designed to allow for flexibility with product design to allow the end-user to more efficiently and effectively design a product that is going to fulfil their needs.

Designed to meet the European Norm 137 (EN137) safety, health and environmental protection standards, as well as ATEX intrinsic safety standards for usage in hazardous or explosive atmospheres, the M1 SCBA is fully customisable and can be configured to meet a broad range of firefighter needs and brigade budgets.

Its groundbreaking design and several other patented and customisable features that enhance ergonomics, hygiene and firefighter comfort have been noted by European fire brigades as key factors in their decisions to purchase the platform.

Its unique features allow for a deeper, more efficient clean and easy service and maintenance without compromising safety.

Featuring the industry’s lightest-weight backplate with a unique one-handed height adjustment; an advanced hip belt that evenly distributes the weight of the SCBA; and a padded harness that is fully water-repellent, it makes the entire SCBA system machine washable without disassembly.

The M1 SCBA also includes a high-pressure cylinder connection for fast cylinder exchanges and is compatible with MSA’s industry-leading G1 facepiece.

Beyond the breathing apparatus, the M1 SCBA is the centrepiece of MSA Safety’s Connected Firefighter Platform in the International market.

A key feature of this enhanced technology is the MSA Entry Control Board (ECB), which is designed to meet the unique needs of the UK fire service.

Serving as a cloud-connected fire-ground management tool, it provides incident commanders with air and alarm status of all telemetry-enabled breathing apparatus on scene.

It also features the fully integrated voice communication C1 headset, offering exceptional voice transmission and reception of incoming messages.

These are all essential features to enable firefighters to communicate effectively and reliably with each other, and to enable close monitoring of each team member. 

MSA’s ECB is capable of providing post-incident reporting and automated documentation and integrates seamlessly with FireGrid, a cloud-based MSA software platform that gives incident commanders the ability to evaluate and manage multiple situations in real time on scene, and from any location in the world.

The data available from post-incident reporting and automated documentation can help in the long-term monitoring of firefighters.

With graphic displays of on-air consumption rates, the data can show where and when a firefighter is breathing more heavily during an incident and make it possible to help identify any trends, patterns or possible areas of concern when it comes to individual firefighter health and wellness. 

The M1 has been tried and tested alongside MSA Bristol’s fire protective clothing lines and together they provide a particularly ergonomic PPE combination, with the seams and shape of the jacket positioned to comfortably accommodate the SCBA harness.

Exclusive: A comprehensive guide to protecting the firefighter with MSA Safety

by AmericasBreaking NewsPPE

MSA Safety‘s Gustavo Lopez and Nik Blymiller discuss solutions and the latest advancements in the fire protective clothing

From cloud-connected technology, self-contained breathing apparatus, incident monitoring, and firefighter protective clothing, Gustavo Lopez, MSA Safety Vice President of Product Strategy and Pricing, and Nik Blymiller, MSA Safety Product Group Manager for Fire Protective Clothing, discuss solutions and the latest advancements in the fire service.

With insights from cloud data and from the recent investment in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, it paints a picture of MSA’s commitment to enhancing global firefighter safety by offering new-to-world solutions to help keep firefighters safe on the job.

Can you provide an overview of MSA Safety’s Connected Firefighter Platform?

GL: The Connected Firefighter Platform utilises connectivity and technology to help make firefighters and fire departments more capable.

We look at this as offering a solution for three primary areas: people, products and processes.

The first, people, is about making firefighters safer with new technological tools.

Second, products, is about developing functionality that leverages technology and data to help inform maintenance procedures to make products last longer and be less burdensome to maintain.

Third, process, is about collecting information on firefighter behaviour to inform departments of additional training opportunities to make them safer by raising awareness of their behaviours.

In order to do this, you have to have a comprehensive suite of products that work together to leverage these capabilities.

The MSA Connected Firefighter Platform is an ecosystem of technology-based equipment and tools centred around MSA Safety’s self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), which are the G1 SCBA, primarily in North America, and the M1 SCBA, primarily in Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

The Platform includes the LUNAR® Connected Device, a handheld device that provides search and rescue capabilities for firefighters and serves as a personal thermal imaging camera, FireGrid software, HUB, and ALTAIR® portable gas detectors.

The FireGrid software is a big part of the Connected Firefighter Platform.

All of our connected products have wireless transmission capabilities to FireGrid, which is our centralised location for storing and providing insights from customer data.

FireGrid is essentially the central focal point that’s gluing our entire platform together.

Can you share the latest enhancements to the Connected Firefighter Platform?

GL: This year, we’ve launched FireGrid Map View, which is currently rolling out in the European market.

As a software enhancement of MSA’s LUNAR Connected Device that enables tracking of a firefighter’s estimated location when outside of a structure, it’s putting firefighters on the map.

Map View is accessible through FireGrid Monitor, our tablet-based on-scene monitoring application.

Map View shows a firefighter’s approximate location as a color-coded marker, using a LUNAR device’s GPS capabilities and coordinates.

In addition to seeing an individual firefighter’s estimated location, a tap of a marker in Map View allows an incident commander to see additional firefighter information, including team assignment, SCBA air pressure, and alarm status.

If LTE cellular connection or GPS connection is lost, Map View will display the last known location of the firefighter.

Incident commanders are also able to see the same information for a team of firefighters, allowing for better visualisation of where team members are located and to help support the rapid decision making that occurs on scene.

There are three selectable views in Map View: street view, satellite and terrain.

In addition to location monitoring with Map View, we’re also advancing the ways data can be used to better inform PPE maintenance, and specifically with MSA Safety’s SCBA products.

Customers with a HUB, LUNAR, any of our cloud-connected devices, can benefit because having their SCBA linked to the cloud allows for SCBA data to immediately be stored in the cloud and accessible through FireGrid.

With the SCBA usage data going to the cloud, fire departments have a solution to help with overhaul maintenance on their SCBAs.

The data transmitted to the cloud includes the number of hours an SCBA is under pressure.

Thinking about it like milage on a vehicle, knowing how long an SCBA is being used helps with maintenance needs and can help fire departments better manage their SCBA fleet and rotating units to evenly disperse usage.

This can help with the longevity of the SCBA and help manage expenses knowing how many SCBA will need to be serviced at a given time.

With the M1 SCBA and G1 SCBA cloud-connected capabilities, we’re able to help fire departments save time and resources by streamlining the process for updates and maintenance.

We’re able to meet our customers’ needs by looking at the data we collect from their devices, turn that around, and give them useful insights and information to help better manage their operations.

Can you explain how does FireGrid uses beyond on-scene monitoring?

GL: We think about FireGrid in terms of four key functionalities: live incident management, post-incident analytics, inventory management and compliance and individual firefighter health and safety.

When you get into FireGrid and see all these capabilities, it really shows how it can be a solution for bringing together what can be fragmented pieces of on-scene and post-scene reporting and data.

Having all this information and data at your fingertips, so to speak, can help make departments more efficient and increase safety.

For live incident monitoring, you can monitor live MSA product data to help the incident commander make more informed decisions in real time.

With post-incident analytics, using our SCBA as an example, firefighters don’t have to change anything about the way that they’re using the breathing apparatus, but because our devices are cloud-connected, all that data is stored in their account in the cloud, and we’re able to utilise that data to provide more insightful analytics and reporting for the customer to better inform things like training or on-scene procedures.

We currently offer an inventory management solution where you’re able to track all of your MSA products and manage all of the relevant maintenance and compliance requirements for each asset.

We’ll be continuing to update the inventory management tool to encompass more products from the MSA portfolio and other products departments may have.

Lastly, for the individual firefighter health and safety component, it primarily takes the focus from looking at individual products to looking at individuals and behaviours.

How does MSA Bristol works to help develop and produce fire protective clothing?

NB: MSA Bristol has been designing and manufacturing speciality firefighting PPE for decades.

MSA Safety acquired Bristol in 2021, bringing MSA Safety into the international fire protective clothing space.

We’re well-placed to help take care of the garments to clean, decontaminate, inspect and repair each item.

Currently, we supply more than two thirds of the fire services in the United Kingdom with PPE.

MSA Safety and its affiliates, like MSA Bristol, invest heavily in Voice of Customer (VOC) activities during the product development process, and that is critical in firefighter product development.

MSA Bristol is actively engaged with the various standards organisations, including EN, NFPA and ISO.

We work with these standards making organisations and help provide input on areas like the latest technology and trends in fire protective clothing.

What are the key materials and technologies that set MSA Bristol’s fire protective clothing apart?

NB: Our sophisticated core garment blocks are one example of what sets the MSA Bristol products apart.

We offer a wide range of sizes, both male and female, for chest and waist widths, along with five different height groups ranging from extra short to extra tall.

All of our styles are available in women’s fit, which is important as we see the number of women in the fire service continue to grow.

We partner with leading fabric producers to help develop and implement the latest fibre and fabric technology in our garments.

We work closely with customers throughout their selection, evaluation and tender process to ensure we’re putting forth a garment and solution for their needs.

That can include different fabric combinations, designs, trims, pockets, whatever it might be.

Ultimately, it’s about helping firefighters find their best fit and so they can concentrate on safely doing their jobs.

How do the accessories like helmets, boots, and gloves integrate with the clothing?

NB: We’re always looking to develop and source accessories that complement our structural and rescue product lines to help enhance firefighter safety from head to toe.

We saw this take shape with the introduction of our X4 product line.

This line integrates Bristol’s high-performance protective clothing with MSA Safety’s market-leading experience in firefighting technologies and connected solutions.

The result is a range of new fire protective options that provide enhanced comfort, ergonomics and compatibility with MSA’s suite of state-of-the art firefighter equipment, from helmets and SCBA, to the very latest in monitoring accountability and communication devices.

We are designing a system for the end user to complement how protective clothing interconnect with the SCBA, with our sights set on developing the next generation of comprehensive firefighter safety.

Where is MSA heading in terms of future developments in fire protective clothing?

NB: We’re looking to bring fire protective clothing into a more connected ecosystem to help customers be better informed about usage and management of their PPE fleet.

This could include usage, cleaning, inspections, compliance and end of life or disposal of these products.

It’s about offering solutions to simplify the process of tracking all the different products firefighters use.

Additionally, we continue looking at how to more effectively link together fire protective clothing with our products firefighters are wearing and using.

What should attendees to the Emergency Services Show look out for from MSA?

GL: We’re looking forward to the Emergency Services Show and showcasing our solutions to help fire departments simplify on-scene incident management, post-event reporting and inventory management.

Additionally, our full line of fire protective clothing will be on display, and when combined with our Connected Firefighter Platform, attendees will see how MSA Safety has got firefighters covered from head to toe.

We will be expanding on how data and technology are being applied across fire grounds during a panel session we’re hosting and highlighting how UK firefighters are deploying innovative technologies to help improve scene management.

This exclusive article was originally published in the September 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.

Globe Manufacturing Company supports bipartisan PFAS Alternatives Act

by AmericasFeatured NewsPPE

PFAS Alternatives Act: A drive for PFAS-free safety gear

A significant stride has been made in the world of firefighter safety with the introduction of the Protecting Firefighters and Advancing State-of-the-Art Alternatives Act (known as the PFAS Alternatives Act).

This bipartisan bill, announced by Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and her colleagues, seeks to promote the development of future safety materials for firefighter turnout gear that are free of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

Globe Manufacturing Company: In full support of PFAS-free gear

In a landmark announcement, Globe Manufacturing Company, a leading producer of structural turnout gear for firefighters, and a subsidiary of MSA Safety Incorporated, has voiced its support for the PFAS Alternatives Act.

Bob Apel, the Chief Operating Officer of Globe, stated: “Globe applauds and supports the outstanding bipartisan leadership of Representatives Debbie Dingell, Sam Graves, Suzanne Bonamici, Tom Kean, Jr., Dina Titus, Anthony D’Esposito, Glenn Ivey, and Brian Fitzpatrick for their commitment to develop innovative, next-generation materials for firefighter turnout gear and address the demand for PFAS-free materials.

“Globe looks forward to continuing its long-term advocacy efforts working with congressional champions, the International Association of Fire Fighters, and other stakeholders to promote this investment in innovation and pass the PFAS Alternatives Act.”

PFAS Alternatives Act: A stepping stone to innovation

The fundamental aim of the PFAS Alternatives Act is “to drive innovation in developing next-generation protection for firefighters by accelerating the development of PFAS-free turnout gear.”

This legislation will provide crucial support for the development and testing of PFAS-free turnout gear materials, guidance and training on the proper use and maintenance of such gear, and the development of other innovations that can help reduce the inherent dangers firefighters face.

However, the current challenge lies in meeting the demand for PFAS-free turnout gear.

As it stands, no company making firefighter protective clothing can fully meet the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) performance standards while offering turnout coats or pants that are entirely PFAS free.

All NFPA-compliant moisture barriers available on the market today contain PFAS in some form. The PFAS Alternatives Act aims to address this issue and inspire innovation, thereby complementing private sector efforts already in motion.

IFSJ Comment

This is important news as it signals the industry’s commitment to the health and safety of firefighters.

The move towards PFAS-free gear is a significant step in the right direction, which aligns with global efforts towards safer and more sustainable materials.

This advancement will be closely watched by firefighters, manufacturers and safety professionals alike.

Tour de France Stage 13 takes off from the home of the world’s top fire helmets

by Featured News

Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne: The birthplace of the iconic MSA Gallet fire helmet

Stage 13 of the highly anticipated Tour de France departs from Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne today (14 July). This is not just any city, but the manufacturing hub of MSA Safety’s renowned fire helmets.

For the first time in the race’s 120-year history, this French city, often referred to as the world capital of fire helmets, is playing host.

For further information on the production of these fire helmets, you can visit MSA Safety’s website.

A landmark in the heart of fire helmet manufacturing

Positioned at the town’s entrance is a large MSA Gallet F1 helmet, standing as a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to the safety of first responders.

As Yohan Morel, Marketing Director for MSA International, put it: “The city’s history includes helping to protect first responders and industrial workers around the world, and we’re excited to welcome the Tour de France to Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne.”

The town and MSA Safety’s head protection products have a wide-reaching impact, utilised in 80 countries worldwide.

MSA Safety’s partnership with the French Federation of Fire Fighters in the Tour de France

MSA Safety’s influence extends beyond Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne to the Tour de France as a whole.

MSA’s helmets are playing a key role in the Tour alongside the French Federation of Fire Fighters, as members of the Tour’s emergency response team utilise MSA Gallet F2XR rescue helmets.

Furthermore, the company is participating in the Tour de France Caravan, featuring five vehicles adorned with limited-edition MSA Gallet helmets.

According to Morel: “MSA Safety is proud to support the Federation and raise awareness for the work firefighters do and for volunteerism in the fire service.”

The rich legacy of MSA Gallet fire helmet in Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne

MSA Gallet’s legacy in Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne traces back to 1909, almost as old as the Tour de France itself. Founded by Adrien Gallet, the company has grown to become a global leader in fire, police, and military helmets.

In 2002, MSA Safety acquired CGF Gallet of France, continuing to manufacture an array of helmets for various professions. Today, MSA employs around 220 associates in Chatillon-sur-Chalaronne.

As the cyclists set off for Stage 13, we are reminded of the city’s dedication to safety, embodied in every MSA Gallet fire helmet.

IFSJ Comment

This underscores the pivotal role safety companies like MSA Safety play in our global society. It also brings to the forefront the importance of quality fire helmets in protecting our invaluable first responders.

MSA Safety announces Steve Blanco as President and Chief Operating Officer

by AmericasBreaking NewsPeople

Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated has announced that its Board of Directors has elected Steve Blanco as President and Chief Operating Officer (COO). Previously, Blanco, aged 56, served as President of the firm’s Americas business segment since his appointment in 2017.

As the newly elected President and COO, Blanco will be responsible for directing the ongoing implementation of MSA’s strategic initiatives across its global reach. Meanwhile, Nish Vartanian will retain his roles as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer for the company.

“Steve’s election reflects the confidence that our Board of Directors and I have in his ability to lead the initiatives that will drive our future performance and enhance our productivity, processes and products on a global scale,” commented Vartanian.

Blanco’s leadership from 2018 to 2022 resulted in a 40 percent growth in the company’s Americas segment revenue. He played a crucial role in the acquisitions of Globe Manufacturing, Sierra Monitor, and Bacharach, Inc. during this period. Moreover, he was instrumental in devising and executing the MSA Business System, a synergy of behaviors, processes, and tools aimed at bolstering continuous improvement and superior performance across the enterprise.

“Steve has made numerous contributions to our success over the past decade and I very much look forward to working with him in this new role as we and our entire management team work to enhance MSA Safety’s position as the world’s leading developer and manufacturer of advanced safety solutions for workers,” added Vartanian.

Vartanian also highlighted that Blanco’s appointment is a part of the company’s longer-term strategy to cultivate its senior leadership further.

Before his election, Blanco joined MSA in 2012 as Vice President of Global Operational Excellence. In this role, he supervised the company’s worldwide manufacturing operations and pioneered the adoption of top-tier practices, enhancing MSA’s manufacturing efficiencies globally.

Prior to MSA Safety, Blanco held the position of Vice President of Manufacturing for the Electrical Sector at Eaton Corporation, a unit valued at $7 billion. He has also served Ford Motor Company and Visteon in various engineering, plant management, and operations roles. A Purdue University graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering technology, Blanco also holds an MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Blanco will carry out his expanded role from the company’s global headquarters in Cranberry Township, Pa.

Trailblazing the future of fire and safety

by Breaking NewsIFSJ Leaders

Senior professionals came together for the first ever IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference

On the 11 May 2023, a remarkable gathering of fire and safety industry leaders took place at the prestigious Grosvenor Hotel in Dubai Marina, UAE. The event that unfolded was the highly anticipated, inaugural IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference, organised by International Fire & Safety Journal in collaboration with MSA Safety. With an impressive turnout of 308 esteemed senior professionals from the Middle East and Africa fire and safety industry, it was a day brimming with extraordinary opportunities for high-level networking and captivating discussions.

The attendees, comprising influential decision makers in the field, were treated to an immersive experience characterised by expert presentations and engaging panel sessions. These sessions delved into the most pressing issues currently faced by leaders in the fire and safety sector, including health and wellbeing, sustainability, leadership strategies and crisis management. The conference has garnered widespread acclaim for its unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality content, leaving no stone unturned when it comes to the issues keeping fire and safety leaders up at night.

In addition to the educational sessions, the conference provided an ideal platform for the industry’s luminaries to converge and interact. The air was charged with excitement as professionals seized the chance to engage with one another and forge meaningful connections with their peers as well as key industry brands that had lent their support to the event. These moments of exchange and collaboration elevated the conference to new heights, fostering an environment ripe with possibility and potential.

A historic event

Dubai Civil Defense (DCD), the emergency management organisation in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, has been an invaluable strategic partner throughout the conference. With over 50 esteemed delegates in attendance, this organisation has been at the forefront of safeguarding lives, protecting properties, and preserving the environment in Dubai since its establishment in 1976.

Setting the tone for the conference, H.E. Lt. General Expert Rashid Thani Al Matrooshi, Director-General of Dubai Civil Defense, delivered a warm and engaging welcome address via video, extending his heartfelt wishes for attendees to have a truly fruitful and amazing time. H.E. Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, Assistant Director General of DCD for Fire and Rescue Affairs, gave a captivating keynote address expressing his great pleasure at being amongst so many stars at the Leaders in Fire and Safety Conference.

A pivotal moment unfolded during the event as a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between Dubai Civil Defense and the Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE). This momentous occasion established a platform for the exchange of knowledge, learning, and best practices between these two esteemed organisations. The MoU was signed by the presence of Terry Johnson, IFE GCC Branch Regional President, H.E. Brigadier Expert Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, and Steve Hamm, Chief Executive of the IFE, who hailed the MoU as a ‘key milestone’ in their collaboration.

Through this MoU, the IFE will establish a branch in Dubai, fostering a vibrant environment for continuous professional development. His Excellency emphasised that DCD is an open platform, eager to engage with counterparts from across the globe. Brigadier Expert Al Mutawa underscored the significance of this partnership: “The new interactive platform will enable members to exchange invaluable best practices and lessons learned from their vast experiences.”

One of the day’s highlights was the presentation on the Dubai Civil Defence’s Readiness Programme. Captain Essa Ahmed Al-Mutawa, Director of the Control and Monitoring Department at DCD, unveiled the world’s first AI-enabled fire readiness programme. This ground-breaking initiative employs artificial intelligence to analyse past incidents and provide proactive recommendations to prevent future events.

Thought leadership

The question posed by the conference through its presentations and discussions was ‘What is keeping leaders from the fire and safety industry up at night?’ From forever chemicals in firefighting foam to strategic leadership and crisis management, the leading minds of the fire and safety industry came together to ponder the biggest issues facing those in attendance.

A panel discussion on the impact of sustainability on fire and life safety management in buildings and construction highlighted the challenges of fire safety in repurposed buildings and emphasised the need for resource availability for future generations. Other discussions focused on the rapid pace of technological advancements and how they are transforming the fire safety industry, emphasising the importance of balancing innovation with survivability, and the challenges of transportation infrastructure and evacuating large transportation hubs.

IFSJ Managing Editor Duncan J. White led the day’s most heartfelt session on “Health and Wellbeing: Dealing with the human issues” in which panellists shared personal experiences highlighting the impact of mental and physical health on leadership and emphasising the critical role of good health in making sound decisions.

Lithium-ion batteries and forever chemicals were also under the spotlight as speakers explored safety, environmental, and social factors related to lithium-ion battery use, highlighting the need for public awareness and improved regulations the health impacts and the delicate balance between legislation and responsible practices around PFAS in firefighting foam.

And of course leadership came under scrutiny as experts debated the crucial role of crisis management in risk management strategies, the need for proper training to ensure effective response during crises, and the importance of consistency in leadership.

First-rate networking

A key aim for the IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety was to bring together Leaders from across, giving them the opportunity to engage with one another and open up discussion about the issues they face, facilitating engaging conversations, promoting knowledge sharing, and fostering a sense of community among delegates. By connecting individuals with a common goal of promoting professional fire and safety practices, the conference played a pivotal role in advancing the industry and raising standards in the region.

The quality of the networking opportunities at the event was further enhanced by the exclusivity of the invite-only format. By carefully curating the guest list, IFSJ ensured that participants were senior professionals who are actively involved in shaping the industry. This exclusivity helped to foster a focused and intimate environment, promoting meaningful connections among attendees.

The interactive panel discussions played a significant role in facilitating networking opportunities. These sessions allowed attendees to engage with subject matter experts and gain valuable insights into the latest advancements and approaches in fire and safety. By participating in these discussions, delegates had the opportunity to exchange ideas, perspectives, and best practices with their peers, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

The conference’s emphasis on exploring key areas for business growth in the region created additional networking prospects as attendees connected with professionals who have a deep understanding of the fire and safety landscape in the Middle East. The exchange of knowledge and experiences at the event has led to valuable partnerships and collaborations, contributing to the overall advancement of the fire and safety industry.

The best event in years

The IFSJ Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference held in Dubai garnered high praise from key industry figures, who lauded its execution, networking opportunities, and focus on important topics.

Paul Davison, CEO at Proteus Communications Group, with his three-decade experience in marketing, attested to the exceptional organization of the event. He stated: “the Leaders in Fire & Safety Conference here in Dubai has been one of the best organised and executed events I’ve been to in this region or indeed anywhere over the last few years.” Similarly, Paul Pope, Group Business Development Director at Global Fire Equipment, admired IFSJ’s organisation skills, calling the event “truly incredible”.

Networking was also a strong highlight, with Even Ottsen, International Sales Manager at Fomtec, acknowledging the conference as a: “great opportunity to meet important people in the industry”. Sam Malins, Group CEO at Reacton Fire Suppression, shared this sentiment, highlighting the coming together of: “So many passionate people from around the fire safety industry in one room.”

The conference’s diverse agenda was another point of praise. Beyond networking and industry discussions, the conference also addressed health and wellbeing in the workplace, as Sawsan Dahham, Head of Fire and Life Safety at Dar, appreciated.

Sponsors also found value in the event. Amin Muhtaseb, Regional Manager at Nightstick, stated: “We’ve been a sponsor this year and it’s been a great event. Thanks to the team for organising and all the communication that happened beforehand – we look forward to being here next year.”

This exclusive article was originally published in the June 2023 issue of International Fire & Safety Journal. To read your FREE digital copy, click here.