PITTSBURGH, April 10, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As the only manufacturer to offer a true thermal imaging camera (TIC) integrated directly into a firefighter's self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), MSA Safety Incorporated (NYSE: MSA) is moving full speed to deploy this game changing technology to fire departments around the world. Today, the company announced that it plans to equip 60 well-deserving firefighters with their G1 Integrated Thermal Imaging Camera (G1 iTIC), free of charge, at the annual Fire Department Instructor's Conference (FDIC) in Indianapolis, Ind., scheduled for later this month.
According to Steve Blanco, Vice President and General Manager for MSA's business in the U.S. and Canada, the iTIC giveaway at FDIC is just the first of several steps the company is planning to showcase the benefits of the G1 iTIC for the fire service. "Having received NFPA approval in February of this year, we're looking forward to the FDIC show as the best stage to illustrate – in a very real manner – our commitment to continually innovate on behalf of firefighters across the globe. It also gives us the ability to demonstrate how the G1 iTIC has the potential to literally save lives."
In addition to the product giveaway, Mr. Blanco noted that the company will be offering a fully immersive virtual reality experience for show attendees to better see and appreciate the features of the G1 iTIC firsthand.
The G1 iTIC gives fire departments the opportunity to cost-effectively equip every firefighter with a thermal imaging camera, thereby helping firefighters improve their operational effectiveness. Incorporating this technology directly into the SCBA provides multiple advantages, such as an auto-on feature that activates the camera once the SCBA is pressurized. In addition, this design also eliminates the need to carry an additional piece of equipment. It is also driven by the G1 SCBA's single integrated power source, which eliminates the need for additional batteries.
Compatible with any G1 SCBA, including the more than 60,000 units in use at fire departments around the world, this new innovative accessory features a patent-pending design and takes advantage of the only full-color display control module available on the market today. Additionally, it can be installed at the factory or via a simple, 10-minute field upgrade.
"The G1 SCBA is more than a product. It's really a technology platform that was developed with a vision of being adaptable to provide firefighters with the latest technology as soon as it becomes available," continued Mr. Blanco. "Our Integrated TIC is a great example of how MSA's innovation can quickly be brought to market, providing firefighters with new tools to help save more lives in ways never before possible."
Interested parties not in attendance at FDIC in Indianapolis can keep up-to-date with the latest happenings from the exhibition hall by visiting MSA's Facebook page.
About MSA
Established in 1914, MSA Safety Incorporated is the global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of safety products that protect people and facility infrastructures. Many MSA products integrate a combination of electronics, mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life-threatening situations. The company's comprehensive product line is used by workers around the world in a broad range of markets, including the oil, gas and petrochemical industry, the fire service, the construction industry, mining and the military. MSA's core products include self-contained breathing apparatus, fixed gas and flame detection systems, portable gas detection instruments, industrial head protection products, fire and rescue helmets, and fall protection devices. With 2016 revenues of $1.15 billion, MSA employs approximately 4,30