MSA Safety Incorporated - Experts & Thought Leaders

One and a half years before INTERSCHUTZ 2026, many well-known companies have already confirmed their participation in the world's renowned trade fair for firefighting, rescue, and civil protection in Hanover. International market majors, such as Rosenbauer, Dräger, and Desautel are among the confirmed exhibitors. In total, nearly 450 exhibitors have registered, covering approximately 38,000 square meters of exhibition space. This accounts for more than a third of the total planned space. Exhibitors can still benefit from the early bird rate, which is available until 31 December 2024. Commitment to INTERSCHUTZ In total, 450 exhibitors have registered, covering about 38,000 square meters of exhibition space In addition to Rosenbauer, Dräger, and Desautel, companies such as Binz Automotive, BAI, BMW, Business France, Fireco, FireDos, GSF Sonderfahrzeuge, Haix, Josef Lentner, Lakeland, Maleco, MSA, MUNK, Schlingmann, S-GARD, Schmitz Feuerwehrtechnik, Tatra Trucks, Texport, VIKING Life-Saving Equipment, Volkan, WEBER-HYDRAULIK, Wietmarscher Ambulanz + Sonderfahrzeug, and WISS have also confirmed their participation. "The clear commitment to INTERSCHUTZ by many market pioneers a year and a half before the trade fair is an important signal to the entire industry. In view of global crises, climate change, and natural disasters, the message that companies send by participating in INTERSCHUTZ is very significant," says Bernd Heinold, Head of INTERSCHUTZ at Deutsche Messe. Foster essential international exchange Bernd Heinold adds, "In 2026, INTERSCHUTZ will focus on the innovations of tomorrow that will make our future safer under the motto 'Safeguarding Tomorrow' and foster essential international exchange between decision-makers from politics, business, science, and aid organizations." He continues, "Key themes will include how we network internationally, how communication and knowledge transfer can succeed, what networks need to work together, and how AI can enhance these processes in the future. By participating in INTERSCHUTZ, the registered companies have chosen to invest in the future."

MSA Safety, Inc., a pioneer in the development of safety solutions that help to protect people and facility infrastructures, has partnered with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to supply its agencies with the MSA M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA). The partnership sees MSA Safety equip the Royal Australian Navy, Australian Army, and Royal Australian Air Force with the state-of-the-art M1 SCBA. All three of the ADF services will be using the M1 SCBA by the end of 2025, helping to protect more than 1,800 defense personnel from exposure to hazardous environments. Proper respiratory protection MSA Safety’s M1 SCBA breathing apparatus is the 10th generation of the apparatus MSA Safety’s M1 SCBA breathing apparatus is the 10th generation of the apparatus, which is the most advanced, ergonomic, and modular system to date. This system has been recognized for its advanced protection for firefighters, industrial workers, and emergency responders, and with recent studies highlighting the risks of occupational exposure to particulates and byproducts of combustion on fire scenes, the importance of using proper respiratory protection is clear.  The M1 SCBA System incorporates advanced materials and design features that help protect against toxic agents, ensuring a high level of safety for those working in extreme conditions. In addition to servicing the needs of the ADF, the M1 SCBA System is designed to meet the diverse needs of customers across various industries, including defense, oil and gas, mining, industrial manufacturing, utilities, and fire services. The System offers employers, contractors, and team leaders a solution for helping to advance the safety and well-being of their teams.

As the number of hazmat incidents occurring annually continues to increase, more volunteer fire departments are finding it difficult to afford the training and equipment needed to prepare for and respond to these kinds of incidents. To help departments access these much-needed resources, CHEMTREC® has partnered with the National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) for the sixth year to offer the CHEMTREC HELP (Hazmat Emergencies Local Preparedness) Award.  HELP Award In 2024, six volunteer departments will be selected to receive $10,000 each The HELP Award provides grants to assist volunteer departments in securing the resources needed to enhance their hazardous materials response capabilities and improve responder safety. To date, 17 departments have received a total of $165,000 through the program. In 2024, six volunteer departments will be selected to receive $10,000 each, thanks to CHEMTREC® and its supporters, which include the American Chemistry Council, Dow, and LyondellBasell.   eligibility criteria The 2024 HELP Award application period is open from June 1 until September 1. Departments must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply: Be composed of more than 50% volunteers ∙Serve a population of 25,000 or less. The department’s annual revenue must not exceed $250,000. Be located in the United States and legally organized under state law. Tribal entities servicing a tribe recognized by the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) that are chartered under IRA Section 17 or organized by a tribal government under a tribal code or resolution are eligible to apply.  The Chief or individual applying on behalf of the department must be a member of the NVFC.  Explain in the application essay what they would do with the award to increase their hazmat response and preparedness capabilities. Only one application per department will be accepted. 

Firefighters are flocking to Indianapolis for FDIC International. Much of the week-long event is dedicated to classroom instruction and hands-on training. Connecting and networking In addition to learning, firefighters are connecting and networking on a scale unprecedented since the pandemic. There is also a spirit of gratitude to first responders for keeping communities safe. For the first time, FDIC International is co-locating with the JEMS Conference and Expo for the EMS market. Equipment manufacturers emphasize new technology in a large exhibit hall at FDIC International, where firefighters can see and touch the latest products, from protective clothing to hand-held devices to large fire apparatus. The event even spills into the outdoors, where displays comprise large aerial equipment and activities include skill competitions. Interact directly with firefighters It’s a unique trade show that enables end-user engagement with 30,000 firefighters" Exhibitors embrace the opportunity to interface directly with firefighters. “It’s a unique trade show that enables end-user engagement with 30,000 firefighters,” said Jason Traynor, MSA Safety’s General Manager of Global Fire Service Products.” “They can meet with us directly, get a sense of who MSA is, how we operate, the kind of people we employ. Coming to the show is about that connection with the people who have to do the work and have committed themselves to a selfless career.” G1 SCBA and LUNAR “It’s about the time we get to spend with the people, and introducing new technologies is also important." The MCA Safety exhibit emphasizes the company’s focus on human-centered design and products that work together in a connected firefighter platform. They include the G1 SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) and the LUNAR-connected handheld device, which complements the SCBA with search-and-rescue and thermal imaging capabilities. The two are connected and can send data back and forth. If either goes into alarm, LUNAR becomes a beacon that can help firefighters locate a partner based on the signal strength of the beacon. In effect, the combination provides objective data to aid decision-making in an emergency. Fotokite tethered drone, software MCA is highlighting the Fotokite tethered drone, which hovers above a fire scene and provides situational awareness MCA is also highlighting the Fotokite tethered drone, which hovers above a fire scene and provides situational awareness (with visual or thermal imaging) and connectivity to understand the fire scene better. MCA’s software helps departments monitor people, processes, and products for a deeper understanding of the work they do. The broader ecosystem enables them to view firefighting more holistically. Gas Laser National Gas Leak Detector The FDIC show is the first since the pandemic to occur at its regularly scheduled time. One exhibitor estimates attendance is about triple what he saw at the show last August, almost back to 100% of the pre-pandemic level. In addition to firefighter attendees, who were willing to brave the threat of COVID, many distributors and sales reps are returning to the show. Teletype Gas Measurement Instruments had two orders pending just one hour after the exhibition opened, said Alan Skinner, Regional Manager. Teledyne’s Gas Laser Natural Gas Leak Detector is a handheld device that can quickly scan common venting points from a safe distance. AttackPRO handheld thermal imaging camera Several exhibitors at the show mention the usefulness of feedback from users and show attendees in guiding product design. Seek Thermal employed information about real problems in the field when designing its AttackPRO handheld thermal imaging camera, introduced at the show. The simple, durable product is easy to control; there are only two buttons, so no confusion in an emergency. Situational awareness A smaller camera provides situational awareness, while the new product is more for decision-making The AttackPRO complements Seek Thermal’s smaller and familiar RevealFirePROX camera, an affordable personal thermal imaging camera for everyone in a department. The smaller camera provides situational awareness, while the new product is more for decision-making and is a “fire attack tool,” said Brent LaSala, Director, Global Marketing at Seek Thermal. Comfortable clothing Clothing for firefighters makes up a big part of the show floor, and the trend is toward more comfortable clothing with a better range of motion. 5.11 Tactical is approaching the challenge with flexible fabrics, including a poly-cotton blend, and adjusted fit. The trend extends to the company’s lighter-weight jackets, outerwear, and duty uniforms, which seek to combine an “old-school” aesthetic with better comfort, said Aaron Shick, Sr. Manager, Strategic Accounts and Channels, 5.11 Tactical. fully electric fire truck Resulting from 10 years of research and development, the electric apparatus is a reinvention of the fire truck Rosenbauer America showed off a fully electric fire truck, which will go into service next month at the Los Angeles City Fire Department. Resulting from 10 years of research and development, the electric apparatus is a reinvention of the fire truck from the ground up. Rosenbauer worked closely with the Los Angeles Department to address the specific challenges and obstacles of how the new truck fits into the city’s needs. Revolutionary Technology electric truck The Rosenbauer RTX (Revolutionary Technology) electric truck can travel 60 miles before it needs a charge and can operate 30 to 90 minutes at a fire scene before needing a charge; the average fire call is about 25 minutes. If the battery depletes to 20%, a diesel generator kicks in and can power the truck for several hours for an extreme fire. The truck is also 8,000 pounds lighter than a conventional apparatus. The 13kW Volvo Penta drivetrain is powerful, reliable, and noise- and emissions-free. Training and operating procedures “Anything that a traditional apparatus needs to do, this truck does, and more,” said Mark Fusco, VP of Sales & Marketing, Rosenbauer America. In Berlin, Germany, a similar truck has been operating for several months in an initial trial. It ran 440 calls and only needed to engage its generator to recharge two times. “In deploying this truck, departments will need to consider various factors such as training and operating procedures,” says Fusco. NFPA-approved truck “You can fit more loose equipment on this truck because there is more usable space. This is an NFPA-approved truck, and it is exceeding expectations.” Two more Rosenbauer electric trucks are being demonstrated in fire departments in the U.S. and Canada, and another truck is coming next year.

Technology has played a role in firefighting since the beginning; in fact, portable water pumps were found among the ruins of ancient Egypt. As bucket brigades gave way to electric pumps and internal combustion motors displaced horse-drawn fire engines, firefighting has benefited in terms of greater efficiency and lives saved at each point along the way. Technologies boosting the efforts of firefighters include drones, robots and other high-tech innovations. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: Which technologies will we see in ‘the future of firefighting'?

Thermal imaging is an advantageous tool for firefighters on the frontline. As thermal cameras have become more compact and affordable, their availability has expanded, along with their usefulness. We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: How does thermal imaging serve the needs of firefighters and how is it changing?