In 2004, thanks to our outstanding research and engineering experts, MSA produced the Millennium® CBRN Cas Mask, the first APR to receive NIOSH certification as "compliant against CBRN."

The Millennium mask, already chosen by thousands of law enforcement officers nationwide, is a Hycar (rubber) version of the standard-issue gas mask for the U.S. Air Force and Navy. It combines high performance, exceptional fit, comfort, and cost efficiency.

Features include:

• A flexible, 1-piece polyurethane lens with wide field of vision, bonded to durable Hycar facepiece

• A dual-canister mount (NATO 40 mm thread) to allow weapon sighting from either shoulder

• A drinking tube connection for fluid ingestion during extended operations

• A fully elastic, 6-point head harness for easy on-off and adjustment, no hair pulling

• An internal nose cup with 2 check valves to deflect air from the lens and reduce fogging

• A CBRN canister containing chemical sorbents and a P-100 filter to attract and retain contaminants

• A standard mechanical speaking diaphragm, or add MSA's optional ESP®II Communications System

• An optional butyl-coated nylon hood for total head protection

The Advantage® 1000 RCA Gas Mask (Riot-Control Agent) - (left and upper left above) has a flexible, single polyurethane lens with wide field of vision, bonded to a durable Hycar rubber facepiece. A polycarbonate lens outsert, tinted or clear, can be added. A dual canister mount allows for weapon sighting from either shoulder, and a fully elastic, 6-point head harness makes on-off adjustment easy. A standard mechanical speaking diaphragm is included.

MSA's Response™ Escape Hood (center, top row above) is made of high-performance laminate material for protection, fit, and ease of use when escaping from nuclear, chemical, and biological agents.The elastomeric neck seal conforms to fit most wearers, and a nose cup reduces lens fogging and aids communication.The large lens and translu-cent hood promote good visibility and face recognition, and help reduce claustrophobia.

When protection from CBRN and riot-control substances is not needed, MSA's Advantage® Respirators (right, bottom row above) may be your best bet for comfort, light weight, stability, and low maintenance.The thermoplastic rubber facepiece seal conforms to each wearer's face, while delivering exceptional stability, so it will not collapse during wear. Multigas GME and GME-P-100 cartridges are only two of a complete line of particulate, chemical, and combination cartridges for lightweight, low-profile performance.

Powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) filter contaminants from ambient air while providing a constant air flow to a facepiece. The OptimAir® 6A PAPR (right, top row above) has a belt-mounted motor/blower with breathing hose to the full-mask facepiece and a maintenance-free lithium battery. It is used with a family of filters and cartridges for protection against particulates and/or toxic gases and vapors. Optional equipment includes a Tyvek hood (with HEPA filters only) and a rechargeable NiCd battery.

The OptimAir 6HC was designed with the needs of responders in mind by incorporating an impervious Tychem hood and canister which incorporates military grade carbon and a high efficiency particulate filter to allow extended storage and immediate deployment even after that.

No first responder should ever approach unknown or IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) atmospheres without wearing self-contained breathing apparatus (5CBA). NFPA-compliant SCBA is your best bet.

In the past, police departments have called upon fire companies to assist them with equipment needs when a response required SCBA. Recently, however, departments surveyed have identified a need for more SCBA equipment, due to terrorist threats of WMD.

Use of SCBA by law enforcement is limited to bomb squads, SWAT teams, and drug enforcement officers in municipal police departments. Traditionally, correctional facilities have been the primary users of SCBAs, during incidents of fire or when tear gas is deployed during riots. You can use an APR adapter to switch your SCBA from a positive-pressure facepiece to a negative-pressure APR when working in non-IDLH recovery and remediation atmospheres.

The BlackHawk™ Tactical Air Mask is black, sleek, and silent. It combines MSA SCBA's finest features with special modifications to eliminate reflections and audible sounds that would compromise concealment. Features include a mask-mounted regulator, sized facepieces, choice of cylinders, and air refill and air-line options.

The BlackHawk SCBA with rappel belt has been tested and recommended by members of the National Tactical Officers Association.

In cases where MSA's premier self-con­tained breathing apparatus is needed for use in fire and CBRN incidents, choose the CBRN FireHawk™ Air Mask, which embodies safety, simplicity, and reliability. Special accessory equipment allows you to replenish air supplies, adapt to an air-line capability inside confined spaces, or even unfurl a Rescue Belt to escape from dangerous heights.

One of the most significant "lessons learned" by first responders to Sept. 11 events was the crucial importance of having widespread and effective communication systems. Solve this necessity by adding one of MSA's several types of communications systems that integrate with your respiratory or head protection.

MSA's new MICH Communication System is lightweight, comfortable, easy to use, and reliable. It uses an unobtrusive microphone/sound transmission system to interface with radio transceivers and intercom systems. MICH can be worn alone or under MSA's ballistic Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) shell.

The single-communication system facilitates hands-free use of the radio.The dual-communication system allows the user to hear two radio communications or one radio and one intercom system. Both systems are compatible with various radio communication systems and have been field-tested and proven under strenuous military combat conditions.

System components:

• One high-noise headset with bone-conduction microphone and quick-disconnect communication-box connector

• One PTT (push-to-talk) communication box with connecting cable

• Protective box pocket with Velcro closure

The low-noise headset is used for environments such as long-range patrolling in which a minimal profile headset is required. The high-noise headset, for areas where weapons may be fired, provides hearing protection above 82 dB (an NRR of 22), and amplification of ambient noise below 82 dB.

Add the ClearCommand® Rl Communications System to SCBA (amplifier with or without radio interface). An internally mounted microphone and large 50mm-diameter amplifier speaker give optimal clarity and more than twice the volume of a facepiece alone. The "shared-use" feature means that individual issue is not required.

MSA's exclusive ClearCommand® HCS Helmet Communications System is a state-of-the-art radio interface device which easily snaps onto your helmet's ratchet suspension. The 5.3-oz. helmet-mounted micro-phone and ear speaker assembly connects to a lapel microphone or optional stand-alone PTT (push-to-talk) unit, which can be used under HazMat suits.

The "noise-eliminating" bone conduction voice transmitter virtually eliminates high ambient noise levels. The soft silicone bone-conduction microphone has no pressure points, and the direct-to-ear speaker can be positioned on either ear.

"/ am rapidly becoming impressed with MSAfor continuing to excel in their prod­uct research for law enforcement and the rest of the first responder profession. This is an excellent product, and I would recom­mend it to anyone who asks."-Police offi­cer who formally tested the Millennium CBRN Gas Mask with ESP II Voice Amplifier

Law enforcement agencies use Thermal Imaging Cameras (TICs) to make difficult tasks easier to solve and enhance officers'safety. Search and rescue teams, helicopter units, patrol units, and narcotic units who use TICs as "visual" tools can save hours, even days of search time.

Advanced infrared imaging technology allows you to see through dark, chaotic, or smoky environments, so you can maneuver the scene quickly and as safely as possible. TIC sensors react to infrared energy from all surrounding objects and convert the "thermal signature" to visible images of victims and suspects, heat sources, and impediments in your environment.

Because TICs measure the heat emitted by an object rather than the light reflected by it, TICs can do some things that image intensifiers cannot, with no need for supplemental illumination. TICs are not subject to image "blooming" when subjected to exposure of bright lights, in the way that image-enhancing equipment is in well-lit urban areas. (In a recent survey of police departments, 75% reported that sodium vapor lights used in the city prevent them from using night-vision systems.)

MSA's Evolution® family of thermal imaging cameras provides high-resolution, quality images for clear, crisp definition of objects in the scene. They are known for their rugged performance, outstanding durability, consistent reliability, and best-in-class technology.

MSA's Evolution® 5000 TIC, tethered to your belt, is hands-free until you need to put it into immediate action, with its one-button operation. Immediate start-up, easy integration, and ergonomic design keep the Evolution 5000 always available and ready to work when you are.

High-impact construction and an internally housed battery system protect the camera's crucial compo-nents. A wide field of view and highly functional Heat Seeker and Quick-Temp options provide the most comprehensive display of information in high- and low-temperature environments.

With input from law enforcement officers, MSA's research and engineering teams are working to develop customized TIC designs even better suited to LE use.

Every Day Uses for a TIC

While thermal imaging cameras are undoubtedly useful tools for locating unseen energy hazards in response to HazMat spills, transportation accidents, bomb threats, confined space searches, and collapsed buildings, they also can help you complete your routine assignments. Here are some suggestions.

For patrol officers and Tactical Teams (SWAT):

• Use TICs during nighttime operations, to determine the number of suspects and monitor their activities in and around targeted buildings, dark warehouse-type areas, parking lots, etc., before conducting arrest or search operations.

• Scan alleys, neighborhoods, and wooded areas without alerting suspects of your presence.

• Find vehicles with warm engines and tires in total darkness, such as large parking lots at night.

• Pursue suspects through fog and foliage in wooded areas.

• Detect fresh prints in cool night temperatures and body impressions on car seats of recently abandoned vehicles.

• Employ your TIC when entering buildings to search for armed suspects. You'll have the advantage of entering in a stealth mode, without flashlights, remaining unseen, while seeing your suspects.

• Supplement your canine team use during solitary building entry with a TIC for added safety and stealth and the advantage of seeing the suspect first.

• Respond to burglary calls, peeping toms, assaults, disturbances, etc., and search for suspects fleeing on foot with your TIC instead of sweeping a spotlight or flashlight over the area to tip off the suspect.

• Operate your TIC during night vehicle stops, to detect heat signatures of suspects who may have fled the vehicle.

For narcotic units, drug agents, and border patrol officers:

• Conduct your nighttime surveillances in and around clandestine drug labs with a TIC to monitor actions of suspects, especially in rural areas, so you can see suspects coming outside to smoke, moving equipment, etc. (Note: a search warrant may be needed to use the TIC under these circumstances.)

• Detect the significant heat signatures of indoor marijuana-growing operations and methamphetamine clandestine labs.

• Conduct your routine and targeted surveillances of suspects at marinas, small airports, clandestine airfields, secluded or well-populated roadways, and businesses, and along the U.S/Mexican border.

• Meet suspected drug smugglers, especially at night, with your TIC aimed at aircraft, boats, vehicles, or border crossings.

For search & rescue operations, and crime scenes:

• Carry your TIC to give you time-saving and cost-effective advantages in nighttime search and rescue situations.

• Increase the efficiency of manpower and canine use with a TIC to search for suspects or children in wooded areas.

The SafeSite™ Hazardous Gas Detection System from MSA detects and communicates the presence of Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) such as nerve and blister agents, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and numerous toxic industrial chemicals such as chlorine, ammonia, hydrogen cyanide, and hydrogen chloride, within a wireless network. The system can be transported and operated in a temporary location or integrated permanently into buildings or mass transportation systems.

The SafeSite System's ability to detect chemical threats effectively helps you reduce the risk of chemical exposure and facilitate consequence management. By communicating live readings to the SafeSite's SafeCOM Command Center via wireless communication, the SafeSite System provides superior preventative- and counter-measure solutions for homeland security.

The wide coverage afforded by the SafeSite System makes it ideal for use at major national and international events, and indeed, SafeSite Systems were employed at the 2004 Kentucky Derby, NFL games, and the 2004 Summer Olympic Games. For more information, see www.ii-vi.com.

The portable Sirius PID and Multigas Detector provides outstanding multi-functional capabilities by integrating a high-performance PID (Photoionization Detector) in a 4-gas detector. Users can simultaneously monitor for volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with low vapor pressures while measuring for combustible, toxic, and oxygen-deficient atmospheres.
MSA's proprietary PID sensor design gives users excellent PID performance, with resistance to humidity, stable zero readings, and fast response and clear times, making this tool an asset during surveillance of clandestine drug labs

MSA's handheld HAZMATCAD™ and HAZ­MATCAD™ Plus Hazardous Material and Chemical Agent Detectors are ruggedly constructed, compact, lightweight, and extremely easy to use, requiring no prior training. A single key press begins automatic sampling and analysis.
They use Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) technology to detect and classify trace amounts of CWAs, including nerve and blister agents, with no false positives. The HAZMATCAD can also be configured to detect phosgene or hydrogen cyanide. The HAZMATCAD Plus combines SAW technology with electro-chemical sensors for simultaneous detection of 6 discrete threats: nerve and blister agents, hydrogen cyanide, phosgene, hydride, and halogen gases.

The Solaris™ Multigas Detector is an affordable handheld instrument that detects the presence of 0₂, H₂S, CO, and combustible gas. It withstands rough handling in harsh environments while delivering MSA's commitment to quality.

MSA's CWA (Chemical Warfare Agent) Detector Tubes detect a wide range of nerve, blister, blood, and choking agents. These and other Detector Tubes are quick and simple to use with MSA's pumps to detect dozens of harmful toxic substances and chemicals. The Kwik-Draw® Pump offers one-hand operation and consistent delivery of a sample draw volume of 100 ml.

MSA's Pulsar™ Single-Gas Detector provides maintenance-free, 24-month monitoring for detection of CO, H₂S, or 0₂. With triple alarms, it can be worn on a pocket, belt, or helmet. Water and dust-tight, it's designed to survive a 6-foot drop and meet an environmental protection rating of IP54.

Calibration kits, cylinders, accessories, and a squirt gas bump test kit can help assure you of accurate monitoring. Your MSA distributor or customer service representative will help you choose the correct equipment for your needs.