MSA Africa offers latest safety technology for hazardous environments
 | MSA Africa offers latest safety technology for hazardous environments_approved | 32.5 KB | Download |
 Preview | The Latchways PRD range from MSA Africa includes a Workman Premier and Workman Utility full-body harness. | 10.78 MB | Download |
 Preview | The MSA Latchways PFL is supplied with a choice of steel or aluminium top carabiner, with a range of connectors to select from. | 5.6 MB | Download |
For example, the Latchways Personal Rescue Device (PRD) integrated harness system from MSA Africa is a lightweight, unobtrusive rescue device contained in a small backpack, attached to a full-body harness. It has been designed to be used in conjunction with a fall protection system or anchor point.
The patented components of the Latchways PRD fit neatly into the backpack, allowing workers to carry out their daily tasks unhindered. Indeed, the backpack becomes part of the daily Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) required for those working at height.
In the event of a fall, the MSA Latchways PRD suspends the worker, who is then lowered to the ground gently in a controlled descent. The device features a 20 m spool of Aramid rope, released at a controlled rate via an integral braking mechanism. The innovative design uses quality components and a limited number of moving parts so as to guarantee 100% mechanical integrity.
Unlike competitor rescue kits, the MSA Latchways PRD requires no specialist training, as it is simply worn in conjunction with a standard fully-body harness, and is activated by simply pulling the release cord. Its user-friendliness is enhanced by the fact that pre-use checks are minimal.
The Latchways PRD range from MSA Africa includes a Workman Premier and Workman Utility full-body harness. A rescue pole is also available, which can be used by a third party to activate the Latchways PRD in the event of a worker at height being incapacitated. The rescue pole is 800 mm when retracted, and 3 400 mm when extended.
MSA Africa’s harness-system offering has been enhanced further with the addition of its Latchways 3 m Personal Fall Limiter (PFL), designed specifically for environments where close anchorage is available. The lanyard uses multiple-spring radial energy-absorbing technology, believed to be a world-first.
The new design eliminates the need for an external energy absorber outside of the housing, resulting in this being the most compact PFL available on the market today. Suitable for a range of applications, the MSA Latchways PFL not only requires zero recalibration or adjustment, but a fully-rotating attachment point allows for total flexibility, including 180° and 360°. Precision engineering has resulted in a structurally-reinforced pawl mechanism.
The Self-Retracting Lifeline (SRL) is housed in a highly-durable polycarbonate casing that is transparent to allow for easy visual inspection of critical internal components. All components have been manufactured from high-grade stainless steel and engineered plastics.
The MSA Latchways PFL is supplied with a choice of steel or aluminium top carabiner, with a range of connectors to select from. These include a forged steel snaphook, an aluminium or steel scaffold hook, or a forged steel swivel snaphook.
It can withstand a temperature range from –40°C to +54°C. The high-performing, high-strength webbing has been manufactured to the most rigorous international standards, including EN360: 2002, ANSI Z359.14 – 2012, OSHA 1910.66, OSHA 1926.502, CSA Z259.2.2-98.
In terms of hearing protection, which is often under-considered when taking into account other forms of protection such as respiratory and head-and-face protection, MSA Africa’s innovations include its Left/Right WW (Wireless World) communication solutions. The solution is available in two product versions, both with a Bluetooth-enabled headset.
The ‘cut-off’ surrounding sound function on the MSA Left/Right WW Dual version means that surrounding sounds such as voices and signals are reproduced inside the ear muff, with an adjustable sound gain. This means end users are fully aware of their surroundings at all times, while being protected by passive attenuation. It also allows workers to communicate in noisy areas while keeping their hearing protection on, which improves safety and efficiency.
MSA’s Left/Right WW communications solutions feature ergonomically-shaped ear muffs that provide a better match for any head shape, as well as following the ears. This means that the left and right cups are different, with up, down, and tilt adjustment for a perfect fit for all head profiles. There are also two configurations with different headbands and helmets, with three adapters to fit various helmet models.
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Notes to the editor
To download hi-res images for this release, please visit http://media.ngage.co.za and click the MSA Africa link to view the company’s press office.
About MSA
MSA Africa has been the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality safety products since 1914. MSA products may be simple to use and maintain, they are also highly-sophisticated devices and protective gear – the result of countless R&D hours, relentless testing, and an unwavering commitment to quality that saves lives and protects thousands of men and women each and every day. Many of MSA’s most popular products integrate multiple combinations of electronics, mechanical systems, and advanced materials to ensure that users around the world remain protected in even the most hazardous of situations. MSA’s dedication to safety has been the key to its impressive year-over-year growth. In eight of the past ten years, MSA has achieved record growth numbers, with annual revenues of more than US$1 billion.
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