The contract was formally awarded in early July, 2022, with the equipment deliveries expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Multi-phase SCBA training and deployment process
The announcement also represents the beginning of a multi-phase SCBA training and deployment process, involving the London Fire Brigade’s more than 4,500 firefighters. The decision to upgrade London’s SCBA technology was made after an extensive and comprehensive evaluation process.
Nish Vartanian, the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at MSA Safety Incorporated, said “The M1 SCBA represents the most advanced, ergonomic and modular SCBA that MSA has ever introduced to the European and International markets.”
Breathing apparatus contract from London Fire Brigade
We are incredibly proud to establish this new partnership with one of the oldest and most respected fire brigades in the world"
Nish Vartanian adds, “We are incredibly proud to establish this new partnership with one of the oldest and most respected fire brigades in the world. Most importantly, we’re honored that the London Fire Brigade has entrusted MSA with the responsibility of protecting the men and women who keep the residents of London safe each day.”
London Fire Brigade’s Deputy Commissioner, Richard Mills, said “Following a competitive tender process, we’re really looking forward to developing our exciting partnership with MSA. The new state-of-the-art breathing apparatus equipment will be lighter and easier to carry and provide enhanced safety for our firefighters. The improved equipment shows how we are transforming as a fire service and investing in the latest technology to help protect London and Londoners.”
M1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
The ground-breaking design of the MSA M1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus was a key factor in London Fire Brigade’s selection of the new SCBA platform. The breathing apparatus includes several patented and customizable features that help to enhance ergonomics and improve firefighter comfort and hygiene.
These features include the industry’s lightest-weight back-plate 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, making the entire SCBA system machine washable without disassembly.
Other key features of M1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus
Other features of the M1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus that factored into the London Fire Brigade’s selection include a high pressure cylinder connection for fast cylinder exchanges, compatibility with MSA’s industry-renowned G1 face piece, and integration with FireGrid, which gives incident commanders the ability to evaluate and manage multiple situations, in real time and from any location.
MSA Safety Incorporated’s Entry Control Board (ECB), designed specifically to meet the unique needs of the UK fire service, also played a key part in the Brigade’s decision to choose the MSA brand.
MSA’s Entry Control Board (ECB)
MSA’s ECB is also capable of providing post-incident reporting and automated documentation
Serving as a cloud-connected fire-ground management tool that provides Incident Commanders with air and alarm status of all telemetry-enabled breathing apparatus on scene, MSA’s ECB is also capable of providing post-incident reporting and automated documentation.
As part of the contract, MSA Safety Incorporated will also provide the London Fire Brigade with a new communications system that provides enhanced voice communications. Called the C1 Headset, the device attaches easily to the outside of the SCBA face piece.
MSA Safety Incorporated - London Fire Brigade partnership
Nish Vartanian commented that the SCBA contract with the London Fire Brigade represents the beginning of a new and exciting partnership.
He said, “As a company whose only mission is worker safety, we are incredibly proud to be associated with a brigade that is regarded as a genuine industry leader and advocate for firefighter safety. London is one of the most progressive and respected fire brigades in the world and, as part of our Voice of the Customer process, we will certainly be seeking their input on future product development initiatives.”