Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety, Inc. announced that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire (PBF) has selected MSA Safety’s respiratory protective equipment as part of a $3.1 million contract award.
The decision was made after an evaluation conducted by the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire and the Pittsburgh Fire Fighters Local No. 1.
G1 SCBA
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire will be upgrading its self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) from the MSA FireHawk to the MSA G1® SCBA.
Factors that influenced the Bureau’s selection of the G1 SCBA were the advanced technology and connectivity features, the ability to upgrade the SCBA with new technologies as they become available, and advanced ergonomic features for comfort.
continuing the partnership
We’re honored that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire continues to entrust MSA with the responsibility "
“We have a long-standing relationship with the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire, and we’re proud to be continuing this partnership,” said Nish Vartanian, MSA Safety Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.
“As a local company with century-old roots in western Pennsylvania, we’re honored that the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire continues to entrust MSA with the responsibility of protecting the men and women who keep the residents of Pittsburgh safe each day.”
Advanced SCBA Technologies
The technology that powers the G1 SCBA is developed on the campus of the MSA Safety global headquarters in Cranberry Township, and the G1 units are manufactured and assembled at the company’s Murrysville facility.
With more than 15 patents, the G1 SCBA is the centerpiece of the MSA Connected Firefighter platform, a suite of advanced safety technologies that work in concert to significantly improve firefighter monitoring, accountability, and communication.
Bluetooth technology, FireGrid system
FireGrid system is a software service option that gives incident commanders the ability to evaluate and manage crews
The G1 SCBA utilizes embedded Bluetooth technology to transmit important data, including cylinder air pressure, battery status, and various alarm indicators, to incident commanders via MSA’s FireGrid® System.
The FireGrid system is a software service option that gives incident commanders the ability to evaluate and manage crews and multiple situations in real-time and from any location.
ergonomic design
From a comfort perspective, the G1’s unique ergonomic design, combined with an adjustable waist belt and wide shoulder straps, allows SCBA weight to be distributed more evenly on a firefighter's hips. Collectively, these features make the SCBA more comfortable when worn for longer periods.
Additionally, the G1 includes a “Central Power” feature that powers the entire unit from a single, rechargeable battery compartment, eliminating the need for additional batteries.
versatile firefighting platform
G1 represents the most advanced technology available in critical firefighter personal protection"
“The G1 represents the most advanced technology available in critical firefighter personal protection,” Mr. Vartanian said.
“In developing the G1 breathing apparatus, our vision was to create the most advanced and versatile firefighting platform available; one that continuously raises the bar when it comes to deploying new technologies that improve firefighter health and safety. That vision is consistent with our growth strategy to be the leading innovator in head-to-toe protection for the fire service.”
Delivery of G1 SCBAs
Delivery of the G1 SCBAs to the Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire is expected by the end of 2023.
The Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire protects the lives and property of more than 300,000 residents in the City of Pittsburgh and neighboring Wilkinsburg and Ingram boroughs.