Dear Valued Customer:

We recently communicated information regarding delays in the approval process for NFPA 1981 and 1982 2013 Edition SCBA.  On November 21, 2013, NIOSH informed MSA that CBRN Respirator Approval Testing, which was conducted between July 2012 and October 2013, was invalid. Concentrations of the chemical agents used in testing were less than that required by NIOSH test procedures.  

Due to these errors, the FireHawk® M7XT Air Mask CBRN approval has been invalidated.  It is important to note that this affects every SCBA manufacturer who is pursuing approval to the 2013 Edition of NFPA 1981.  In simple terms, every SCBA manufacturer will have to retest.  Testing is expected to resume with an expedited schedule by January 2014 and be completed by April 1, 2014.

Understanding the complexities that surround this process, we have prepared a detailed summary - please click on the attached.  In addition, we have included a list of frequently asked Questions and Answers to hopefully satisfy any uncertainty.

Customer satisfaction remains top of mind at MSA. Should you have any questions, comments or concerns, please don't hesitate to contact me.

We thank you for your continued support!

Ben Mauti,

Fire Service Market Manager

Dennis Capizzi, Outbound Product Line Manager

Respiratory Protection & Thermal Imaging Cameras