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CONSTRUCTION WORLD
MAY
2015
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PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
MSA Africa is the second-oldest
MSA division. The USA head office
celebrated its 100
th
anniversary
last year in recognition of the
company founder John T Ryan working
closely with world-renowned inventor
Thomas Edison to create the electric cap
lamp as a replacement for the dangerous
open flame lamp. Over the next 25 years,
mine explosions would be dramatically
reduced by 75%.
MSA Africa MD Colin Oliver notes that
the company has proactively changed with
the times, while remaining committed to
the original MSA safety philosophy that is
over a century old. “Safety can always be
improved, no matter how many advance-
ments are made.”
Oliver believes that this approach to
business has led to MSA Africa being recog-
nised as a high-quality reputable brand. “We
stand by our product and service, no matter
what. Our products are life saving devices
and as such we simply cannot compromise
on quality, brand or integrity. This has led to
the company enjoying an unrivalled degree
of customer loyalty,” he continues.
Despite the measurable success over
the years, Oliver admits that the company
has faced numerous challenges. He points
out that the international economic down-
turn and continued pressure on global
commodity prices have been particularly
difficult to overcome.
Oliver says: “Businesses in the mining
and oil and gas sectors have been signifi-
cantly impacted by the commodity pricing
cycle. Despite this, MSA Africa continues to
achieve a year-on-year improvement in busi-
ness levels through strong product brand,
marketing and the ongoing dedication of
our staff.”
According to Oliver, the commodity
pricing cycle is still at a low point. “Mining
operations will continue to drive cost optimi-
sation and control. However, maintenance
of existing infrastructure needs to continue
to ensure that operations are able to take up
the upswing of the commodity cycle when it
comes. As a result, MSA Africa will continue
to experience good business in mining and
will be ready to benefit from increased
mining activity when the commodity pricing
cycle improves.” As part of its 75
th
anniver-
sary celebrations, MSA Africa is showcasing
the following innovations:
Gravity suspension harness
A major breakthrough in fall protection
is the new gravity suspension harness,
being launched locally by MSA Africa.
The Gravity suspension harness is avail-
able in a ‘Premium’ and a ‘Light’ version,
and is suitable for use in a variety of applica-
tions that require fall protection, including;
rope access, first responder rescue, telecom-
munications, oil and gas, wind energy and
general industry.
PremAire Escape EEBD
The patented PremAire Escape is designed
to withstand high levels of industrial gas
leaks, in harsh chemical environments such
as hydrogen sulphide (H2S). The major
components of this device have undergone
critically high H2S concentration testing
by a third party. Despite concentrations
exceeding 25%, the permeation detected
remained minimal.
PremAire Combination
Airline/Escape EEBD
Another innovative EEBD being launched
locally in the near future by MSA Africa is the
PremAire Combination Airline/Escape. The
core component of the PremAire Combina-
tion is the unique combination valve design.
It combines the first stage pressure reducer,
cylinder valve and cylinder gauge within one
assembly – creating a small size and profile
less likely to snag in confined spaces.
Luminator cap lamp
Launched locally in mid-2014, the Lumi-
nator cap lamp sets itself apart from all
other cap lamps in the world, as it features
COMMITMENT
to
SAFETY
75 years in Africa
From humble beginnings in February 1940 as a small comp
any
specialising in the sale of electric cap lamps to South African mining
operations, MSA Africa is today recognised as the continent’s leading
health and safety equipment supplier in terms product quality
and sales volumes. MSA Africa currently boasts a workforce of
more than 100 administrative and manufacturing employees at its
Johannesburg-based headquarters, with a geographical footprint
that spans 45 countries in Africa.
a number of groundbreaking innovations
designed to dramatically improve visibility
and personal safety for South African under-
ground miners. A major feature is that it
enhances the miner's ability to more effec-
tively detect cracks on hanging walls, which
usually represent signs of ground falls and
roof collapse.
MSA Africa managing director, Colin Oliver.
ABOVE:
Front view of the MSA Gravity
suspension harness.
BELOW:
The MSA Africa
PremAire Escape system with hood.
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