Jason Traynor

Firefighting is hot, hazardous, and let's face it, grueling work. But believe it or not, the job today has become even more challenging as firefighters must deal with increased heat loads, toxic substances and other physical challenges that make structural firefighting one of the most demanding professions on the planet. So, needless to say, being well-trained, physically fit, and safely equipped can make all the difference in the world. Evolving Technology The fact is, as heat loads and toxicity exposure risks increase due to modern synthetic construction, the ways in which fires are fought are changing as well. These shifts, combined with the revolution that’s taking place in firefighter protection technology, have led to new and exciting designs in firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) offerings. Technology is providing firefighters with respiratory protection “systems” is which respiratory protection itself is just one of many benefits Take the tried and true SCBA for instance. Since the invention of the first breathing apparatus in the late 1910s, their primary function has been air delivery. But today, technology is providing firefighters with respiratory protection “systems” is which respiratory protection itself is just one of many benefits. Revolution Of Life-Changing Technology Consider this: the effects of technology today impact virtually every aspect of modern life. And the same is true for the fire service, as software, thermal imaging, and wireless communications capabilities become more mainstream on the fireground. In response to these new capabilities, the consensus organizations responsible for PPE performance standards (i.e. NFPA and EN) have increased standards by mandating certain electronic components for each firefighter. But performance of these components can be limited by the fact that only so many “parts” can be attached to an SCBA, or because some capabilities are simply out of reach from a budget perspective. Over time, these limitations create long-term implications when it comes to SCBA choice, because the breathing apparatus purchased today may have to be in use for the next 15 years or more. So, what are firefighters to do? Firefighters should view their SCBA as the “foundation” of a safety system that equips firefighters with the many new safety capabilities that technology offers—now and in the future It’s More Than Air Delivery Missed opportunities for more timely safety improvements – which keep up with the pace of technology – are rooted in a false assumption that all SCBA are comprised of separate, mechanical components – and that the SCBA function is only about respiratory protection. But air-delivery is not the issue because every SCBA meets the standards, and every SCBA delivers air well. Further, looking at the SCBA merely as a separate component for air diminishes its potential to serve as a revolutionary safety technology “platform.” Safety As A System Firefighters need more than the minimum performance from breathing apparatus To keep pace with the rapid improvements in firefighter safety, firefighters need more than the minimum performance from breathing apparatus. Instead, they should view their SCBA as the “foundation” of a safety system that equips firefighters with the many new safety capabilities that technology offers—now and in the future. I’m talking specifically about platform-type products that can be easily updated with the latest technology, as soon as it becomes available, to help protect them when their lives are on the line. Key Questions To Consider When Looking For An SCBA Include: Does the SCBA have features that allow you to see, hear, and react quickly to changing situations? Can the SCBA sizing be customized to best fit each firefighter? How many total batteries are needed for the SCBA, and how does that affect long-term costs? How well does it integrate with other systems, such as communication devices, portable instruments, etc.? Does the SCBA provide you, your team, and incident command with critical information to make effective, life-saving decisions? Can the SCBA be programmed to meet your standard operating procedures, such as audible and visual alarms at 50% remaining pressure? Is the facepiece reducing or adding to overall SCBA cost and complexity? How easily can the SCBA be updated to meet changing standards? How easily can integrated accessories or features, such as thermal imaging, be added as they are developed in the future? At MSA, we develop technologically-advanced safety equipment designed to help meet today's changing fireground dynamics. We’re committed to setting the pace for safety with continuous improvements and innovations in PPE. For today. For tomorrow. For the future.

Equipment is an important element in fighting fires, and in keeping firefighters safe. But what new needs are driving the development of equipment? How can equipment expand its role in fighting fires, or in managing building occupancy and traffic flow for that matter? We asked our Expert Panel Roundtable: What are the new trends and opportunities in firefighting equipment?

MSA Safety Incorporated announced that its next generation G1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus (SCBA) has received U.S. government approval from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and certification from the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) as compliant to the 2018 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1981 performance standards. With this approval, the company can begin shipping the new NFPA-compliant SCBA immediately. Earlier this year, the SEI, in collaboration with the NIOSH, established a “Common Announcement Date” at which time all breathing apparatus manufacturers that successfully completed testing would receive SEI certification notification at the same time. Demand For New Breathing Apparatus Technology The Common Announcement Date, which was originally anticipated in the second half of August 2019, was postponed to October 9, 2019. Late last week, all breathing apparatus manufactures who had successfully passed required testing, which included MSA, were notified that the Common Announcement Date would be moved to September 30. “We are extremely pleased that the common announcement date was expedited,” said Jason Traynor, MSA's General Manager for Global Respiratory Protection and Fire Helmets. “The demand for new breathing apparatus technology in the U.S. Fire Service has been very solid, and today we’re excited to know that we can continue to help meet that demand without any further delays related to product approvals and certifications.” NFPA 1981 Is The Standard On SCBA As a matter of background, NFPA 1981 is the standard on SCBA for emergency services, establishing respiratory protection and functional requirements. The 2018 revisions in NFPA 1981 include changing the connection requirements for the SCBA regulator, now requiring two distinct actions (i.e., push and pull) to disconnect the regulator from the facepiece. Other changes include a modification to data logging requirements for breathing rate and cylinder pressure.

Each year in Birmingham, fire brigades from around the United Kingdom come together to learn about the latest trends and emerging technologies in the fire service market. That’s why MSA Safety Incorporated, the provider of firefighter safety, selected the Emergency Services Show to showcase its new M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and the overall depth of MSA’s fire service product portfolio. With the U.K. firefighter safety market identified as a key strategic growth opportunity for MSA, the trade show represents an important milestone in MSA’s efforts to bring new SCBA technology to the international market. 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 customizable and can be configured to meet a broad range of firefighter needs and brigade budgets. Among its innovative features are a padded harness that is fully water-repellent, a light-weight backplate, and an advanced hip belt that evenly distributes SCBA weight for much improved ergonomics. M1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus Fire brigades want a range of SCBA options at a cost and configuration that's right for them"  "Fighting fires requires durable equipment built to perform in extreme conditions," said Jason Traynor, MSA's General Manager for Global Respiratory Protection and Fire Helmets. "Based on our extensive voice-of-customer research while designing the M1 SCBA, it quickly became clear that fire brigades want a range of SCBA options at a cost and configuration that's right for them. Positive customer feedback and recent key order wins provide confidence that we’ve really hit the mark with our new M1 SCBA.” In related fire service news, MSA also announced that it expects to receive Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) certification for its next generation G1 SCBA in early October. The MSA G1 model is used widely throughout the North American fire service market. SEI certification for G1 SCBA Earlier this year, the SEI, in collaboration with the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), established a “Common Announcement Date” at which time all breathing apparatus manufacturers that successfully completed testing would receive SEI certification notification at the same time. The SEI certification applies to newly updated SCBA performance standards promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). The common announcement date was established to prevent a first-mover advantage among SCBA manufacturers" Originally anticipated in the second half of August 2019, the common announcement date has been postponed to October 9, 2019. Mr. Traynor noted that MSA’s G1 SCBA was submitted for testing very early in the process. The G1 has successfully completed all testing and MSA is awaiting final paperwork. Common Announcement date “The common announcement date was established to prevent a first-mover advantage among SCBA manufacturers,” Mr. Traynor explained. “While regulatory approvals can be delayed for a variety of reasons outside of MSA’s control, we have a strong track record of meeting product standards and our manufacturing operations in Pittsburgh are well prepared to begin shipments of 2018 NFPA G1 SCBAs to our customers on October 9, upon receipt of the SEI certification. Underlying demand in the U.S. Fire Service remains strong and the replacement cycle is ongoing. ” “At MSA, we’re looking forward to continuing to provide solutions that demonstrate our deep commitment to game-changing innovation on behalf of firefighters across the globe,” Mr. Traynor said.

Each year in Birmingham, fire brigades from around the United Kingdom come together to learn about the latest trends and emerging technologies in the fire service market. That’s why MSA Safety Incorporated, a global provider of firefighter safety, selected the Emergency Services Show to showcase its new M1 self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) and the overall depth of MSA’s fire service product portfolio. With the U.K. firefighter safety market identified as a key strategic growth opportunity for MSA, the trade show represents an important milestone in MSA’s efforts to bring new SCBA technology to the international market. environmental protection standards Fighting fires requires durable equipment built to perform in extreme conditions" 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 customizable and can be configured to meet a broad range of firefighter needs and brigade budgets. Among its innovative features are a padded harness that is fully water-repellent, the industry's lightest-weight backplate, and an advanced hip belt that evenly distributes SCBA weight for much improved ergonomics. "Fighting fires requires durable equipment built to perform in extreme conditions," said Jason Traynor, MSA's General Manager for Global Respiratory Protection and Fire Helmets. fire service market "Based on our extensive voice-of-customer research while designing the M1 SCBA, it quickly became clear that fire brigades want a range of SCBA options at a cost and configuration that's right for them. Positive customer feedback and recent key order wins provide confidence that we’ve really hit the mark with our new M1 SCBA.” In related fire service news, MSA also announced that it expects to receive Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) certification for its next generation G1 SCBA in early October. The MSA G1 model is used widely throughout the North American fire service market. breathing apparatus manufacturers The G1 has successfully completed all testing and MSA is awaiting final paperwork Earlier this year, the SEI, in collaboration with the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), established a “Common Announcement Date” at which time all breathing apparatus manufacturers that successfully completed testing would receive SEI certification notification at the same time. The SEI certification applies to newly updated SCBA performance standards promulgated by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). Originally anticipated in the second half of August 2019, the common announcement date has been postponed to October 9, 2019. Mr. Traynor noted that MSA’s G1 SCBA was submitted for testing very early in the process. The G1 has successfully completed all testing and MSA is awaiting final paperwork. game-changing innovation “The common announcement date was established to prevent a first-mover advantage among SCBA manufacturers,” Mr. Traynor explained. “While regulatory approvals can be delayed for a variety of reasons outside of MSA’s control, we have a strong track record of meeting product standards and our manufacturing operations in Pittsburgh are well prepared to begin shipments of 2018 NFPA G1 SCBAs to our customers on October 9, upon receipt of the SEI certification." "Underlying demand in the U.S. Fire Service remains strong and the replacement cycle is ongoing. At MSA, we’re looking forward to continuing to provide globally renowned solutions that demonstrate our deep commitment to game-changing innovation on behalf of firefighters across the globe,” Mr. Traynor said.

Given the unpredictable and hazardous nature of firefighting, where seconds could mean the difference between life and death, there’s nothing more important for firefighters than being connected as a team. That’s why MSA Safety Incorporated, the pioneer in firefighter safety, today announced a breakthrough innovation to help make firefighting a safer profession. At the annual Fire Department Instructor’s Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind., the Pittsburgh-based company today unveiled LUNAR – a small, wireless, cloud-ready device designed to provide higher levels of protection for firefighters through enhanced vision, improved situational awareness and team connectivity. Stand-Alone Device LUNAR’s proprietary technology keeps firefighters connected in a broad range of ways LUNAR represents the latest addition to a suite – or ecosystem – of MSA products that enable a level of accountability never before achieved in the fire service industry. When used together on a fireground or while responding to any other type of hazard, this suite of products provides a new platform for firefighter safety the company has branded as ‘Connected Firefighter.’ Designed for use as a stand-alone device, or as part of an MSA SCBA system, LUNAR’s proprietary technology keeps firefighters connected in a broad range of ways, including:   Person-to-person ranging, which enables firefighters to find each other using distance and direction data, even when one may be incapacitated; GPS location, which provides safety officers or incident commanders a birds-eye view of all LUNAR devices on scene; Personal thermal imaging, which is visible through an immersive 3.5” high-resolution display; and A motion-detected, man-down alarm, which provides an added value for those responding to fire calls where an SCBA is not deployed. Enhancing Firefighter Safety The MSA Hub, a small, modular device that enables on scene data and asset management “Accounting for all firefighters on a fire ground has been a consistent need expressed by the fire service profession, but it’s also been a challenge for many manufacturers to solve,” said Jason Traynor, General Manager of Global Respiratory Protection and Fire Helmets for MSA. “When we looked at what we could do to enhance firefighter safety, we listened to feedback from thousands of firefighters. We then took those insights and used a holistic approach to build a connected ecosystem of products where the sum of the individual components is the key to keeping firefighters better connected – and safer – than ever before.” Other products comprising the Connected Firefighter platform include: The company’s G1 SCBA; The MSA Hub, a small, modular device that enables on scene data and asset management; and The MSA Cloud Platform, which gives incident commanders the ability to evaluate and manage multiple situations at one time from any location. Firefighter Safety Equipment Technology LUNAR and our Connected Firefighter platform are great examples of how we’ve continued to invest in R&D" According to Nish Vartanian, MSA President and CEO, the introduction of LUNAR – and the potential it represents – delivers on the vision of having it’s G1 SCBA serve as a flexible platform for the future. “When we introduced the G1 SCBA in 2014, we did so with the goal of making it adaptable to new technology as soon as it becomes available which, in turn, raises the level of firefighter safety on a continuous and rolling basis,” commented Mr. Vartanian. “LUNAR and our Connected Firefighter platform are great examples of how we’ve continued to invest in R&D and technology to make this vision a reality.” In addition to LUNAR, MSA introduced two other new products that also represent a step forward in the evolution of firefighter safety equipment technology. These are: MSA’s Globe Pant System, which offers four new ‘fits’ of turnout pants – Slim, Regular, Relaxed, and Women’s – that enhance firefighters’ performance and comfort while ensuring their protection and safety; and MSA’s Globe Guard™ System, which are optional components for turnout coats and pants that are designed to help reduce exposure to toxic substances on the job while still providing high breathability, moisture management, and flame resistance. Head-To-Toe Protection The company expects to begin production of LUNAR in Summer 2020 Also on display will be the company’s game-changing G1 SCBA, breakthrough integrated Thermal Imaging Camera (iTIC), ATHLETIX™ turnout gear that deploys new material technology with unique stretch fabrics to provide a body-contoured fit that is lighter weight with less bulk and more flexibility, and SUPRAFLEX™ boots, a lighter weight firefighter boot that provides comfort and unprecedented flexibility by incorporating continuous segmented flex panels. “As a leading manufacturer providing firefighters with head-to-toe protection, our focus on connectivity is a great example of how technology can enable the integration of other MSA products into this Connected Firefighter platform,” continued Mr. Vartanian. “As we continue to deliver on our mission of protecting people at work, I feel we are uniquely positioned to exceed the expectations of those who put their trust in the MSA brand and do so in a way they’ve come to expect from MSA – with speed, agility and customer-driven innovation.” The company expects to begin production of LUNAR in Summer 2020.

Until recently, a one-size-fits-all approach for firefighter respiratory protection might have been considered the norm. However, no two fire stations are alike, and each has differing needs, preferences, and expectations of their protective equipment. This understanding served as the key driver behind the development of a new and innovative self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) platform – called the M1 SCBA – that was unveiled at the 125th French Firefighters Congress by MSA Safety Incorporated, a pioneer in firefighter safety. The M1 SCBA is fully customizable and can be configured to meet a broad range of firefighter needs and brigade budgets. Environmental protection standards It is the result of a three-year product development initiative and countless hours of voice-of-customer research. Overall, the M1 SCBA represents the most advanced, ergonomic, and modular SCBA that MSA has ever introduced to the European and International markets. Designed to meet the European Norm 137 (EN137) safety, health, and environmental protection standards, as well ATEX intrinsic safety standards for usage in hazardous or explosive atmospheres, this all-new SCBA platform includes several innovative and customizable features that help to enhance hygiene and improve ergonomics and comfort. These include a padded harness that is fully water-repellent, making the entire SCBA system machine washable without disassembly; the industry’s lightest-weight backplate, with a unique one-handed height adjustment; and an advanced hip belt that evenly distributes the weight of the SCBA. Enhanced voice transmission With a 10 year warranty, all components of the M1 SCBA are designed for longer-life Additional features that help to reduce the overall cost-of-ownership include a high-pressure cylinder connection for fast cylinder exchanges; configurations with and without integrated electronics and telemetry; and compatibility with MSA’s G1 facepiece. For those who desire enhanced voice transmission, a new state-of-the-art communications system, called the C1 headset, is also available and easily attaches to the outside of the facepiece. With a 10 year warranty, all components of the M1 SCBA are designed for longer life and are field replaceable without requiring the use of tools. “Fighting fires is extremely demanding, and requires equipment built to survive extreme conditions,” said Jason Traynor, MSA’s General Manager for Global Respiratory Protection and Fire Helmets. Breathing apparatus technology “But what’s right for one fire brigade, might not be right for another. And that really was the premise behind the development of the M1 SCBA. We wanted to give fire servicemen and women an entirely new range of options in breathing apparatus technology at a cost and configuration that’s right for them.” “Our commitment to the fire service is long-standing,” added Bob Leenen, President of MSA International. “We’re proud that we’ve been protecting fire brigades all around the world for so many years, and are thankful for their continued trust in the MSA brand. The M1 SCBA is very much a game-changer when it comes to both respiratory protection performance and customization,” he said. Mr. Leenen noted the company expects to begin production of the M1 SCBA by the end of 2018.

Global safety equipment manufacturer MSA Safety Incorporated announces that its new jet-style fire helmet, called the Cairns® XF1, has received third-party certification as compliant to the 2018 edition of the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 1971 performance standards for structural firefighting. It is also certified as compliant to the 2013 edition of the NFPA’s 1951 performance standards for technical rescue. With this certification, MSA can begin shipping orders for the Cairns XF1 immediately. Enhanced technology integration The Cairns XF1, which was previewed in April at the Fire Department Instructor’s Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Indiana, represents a new addition to the MSA firefighter helmet line. The helmet, which resembles a firefighter jet pilot helmet, represents a significant design departure from the ‘brim-style’ helmet traditionally preferred by North American firefighters. The new style delivers enhanced technology integration while maintaining the quality, durability, and safety performance firefighters have come to expect from MSA’s Cairns brand. The XF1 helmet incorporates a number of optional user features, which include a protective visor, an integrated communication system, and LED lights that, because of their placement on either side of the helmet, rather than at the top of the head, significantly improve visibility without blinding others on the scene. Traditional helmet models Like all other Cairns helmet models, the XF1’s soft goods are removable, washable, and replaceable Additionally, and like all other Cairns helmet models, the XF1’s soft goods are removable, washable, and replaceable – all without requiring the use of tools – which will help firefighters comply with various cancer prevention directives published by agencies like the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). Jason Traynor, MSA’s General Manager for Global Respiratory Protection and Fire Helmets, explained that the introduction of MSA’s newest jet-style helmet is not meant to replace any of the traditional helmet models the company currently manufactures, but rather serve as another option when choosing a fire helmet. Personal protective equipment “Choosing a fire helmet is a very personal decision. It’s an icon of the profession and, for that reason, it represents a source of pride for many firefighters. And that’s why we solicited feedback from hundreds of firefighters throughout the design process. From these Voice-of Customer conversations, we knew the time was right to bring a jet-style fire helmet to the North American fire service market,” commented Mr. Traynor. “At MSA, we’re dedicated to providing firefighters with the latest technology to help protect them when lives are on the line,” Mr. Traynor continued. “The Cairns XF1 looks entirely different than the ‘traditional’ brim-style helmet that U.S. firefighters wear today. And that’s the point. The Cairns XF1 represents a new and now NFPA compliant option that wasn’t previously available. As the global leader in fire helmets, we’re excited about the opportunities this helmet will bring to the possibility of interconnected personal protective equipment.”