MSA Safety Announces G1 XR Breathing Apparatus Certified to 2025 NFPA Standard

MSA Safety's G1 XR Breathing Apparatus: Setting New Standards in Firefighter Safety

MSA Safety, a prominent player in the global safety equipment industry, has recently announced an important milestone for its innovative breathing apparatus, the MSA® G1™ XR 2025 Edition SCBA. This new edition has been certified by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and recognized by the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) as compliant with the latest 2025 Edition of the National Fire Protection Association's (NFPA) performance standards, specifically NFPA 1970. With this certification, the G1 XR becomes available for immediate orders by fire departments, with production beginning soon at the MSA manufacturing facility in Murrysville, near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

Unveiled at the Fire Department Instructor's Conference earlier this year in Indianapolis, the G1 XR 2025 Edition represents the latest advancement in MSA's G1 SCBA platform. Driven by over a decade of innovation and input from firefighters, the recent enhancements aim to bolster safety and usability. The 2025 NFPA performance standard consolidates multiple past standards, demanding significant upgrades, three of which are now embedded in the G1 XR:

1. End-of-service Time Indicator: Crucial for ensuring safety during operations, the G1 XR now sounds an alarm when the air supply in a cylinder drops to 31% for a 4500 PSI system, an improvement from the previous 35% requirement.

2. Enhanced Soft Goods: All components, including straps and emergency breathing pouches, are designed to be removable by firefighters, allowing for easier cleaning and maintenance—critical features for high-demand roles in hazardous environments.

3. Bluetooth Connection Indicators: Newly introduced indicators confirm the Bluetooth connectivity between the SCBA and the firefighter's communication devices, placed appropriately on the control module or heads-up display, depending on the radio type in use.

CEO Steve Blanco emphasized MSA's commitment to evolving with the fire service's needs. The enhancements to the G1 SCBA underline the company's dedication to advancing worker safety and health. MSA’s innovations appear to be driven not only by compliance but also a genuine concern for firefighter well-being in hazardous situations.

The G1 SCBA incorporates 15 patented technologies focused on safety, comfort, and operational efficiency. Among these features are a voice amplification system, a rechargeable battery powering advanced electronics, and integrated telemetry, all aimed at improving situational awareness and communication during emergencies.

MSA Safety has a long-standing history since its beginnings in 1914, standing as a leader in safety products and solutions across various markets. With a reported revenue of $1.8 billion in 2024, the company operates from Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, employing over 5,000 individuals globally.

For organizations committed to maintaining the highest safety standards, the introduction of the G1 XR 2025 Edition SCBA represents not just compliance but a leap forward in firefighting technology and safety protocols. As the industry adapts to new challenges, MSA Safety remains at the forefront of designing and implementing solutions that safeguard the lives of those who protect us.