MSA Develops 'Safety Guidelines' to Assist Returning Gulf Coast Flood Victims in Clean-Up Efforts


Mold Among the Most Prevalent Health Hazard

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- MSA Safety Works, the consumer products arm of global safety company MSA, (NYSE:MSA), today said it has developed a six-page safety equipment usage guide to help returning Gulf Coast homeowners identify and select appropriate safety equipment, including respiratory protective devices, recommended for dealing with many clean-up hazards. The guide is available online at www.msasafetyworks.com. Copies are also available at select Gulf Coast Home Depot stores, including several locations throughout the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Gulfport, Miss. and Biloxi, Miss. areas.

Broad in scope, the guide includes critical information on respirator selection for dealing with many of the airborne hazards generated as a result of the hurricanes, including potentially harmful dusts, such as common molds, or even toxic dusts, such as "black mold" (Stachybotrys chartarum or Stachybotrys atra), asbestos, or lead. The guide also covers respirator recommendations for protection from odors generated by organic matter decay (spoiled food), as well as from ammonia or chlorine vapors, which are common in clean-up situations. Other safety areas addressed include head, eye and face protection (for sawing downed trees or breaking glass windows), hearing protection, fall protection (for work on roofs) and first aid.

Respirators help protect responders and residents involved in flood clean- up from exposure to harmful dusts, mold and sewage odors generated from the hurricane and flood water. If not properly protected, these substances can result in serious health effects. Symptoms may include eye irritation, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, nasal and sinus congestion, coughing, wheezing, breathing difficulty, rhinitis, asthmatic episodes, headaches and fatigue.

During clean up efforts, many flood victims are susceptible to respiratory ailments. Proper clean-up is important as the irritants from hazards such as mold are particularly problematic for infants, children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. When faced with harmful dusts and mold, MSA recommends using rubber gloves, goggles and a respirator during cleaning efforts. Additionally, especially in areas where medical services are compromised, a first aid kit is recommended to treat minor injuries and to help keep potentially infectious contaminants out of wounds.

For more information on safe practices for flood clean-up, residents should consult their local health department or, if possible, visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site for guidelines on cleaning up safely after a hurricane. Information on a variety of safety practices, including respirator usage, can be found at www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/cleanup.asp. To obtain respirators and other safety equipment, or to request a copy of the MSA Safety Equipment Usage Guide, residents should contact MSA Safety Works at 1-888-MSA-HOW2 (1-888-672-4692).

To view the MSA Safety Equipment Usage Guide, please click on the following link: http://media.msanet.com/PDFs/SafetyWorks/5555-271_KatrinaSG_CPG.pdf

Established in 1914, MSA is a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated safety products that protect people's health and safety. The company's comprehensive line of products is used by workers around the world in the fire service, homeland security, construction and other industries, as well as the military. Principal products include self-contained breathing apparatus, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, respirators and thermal imaging cameras. The company also provides a broad range of consumer and contractor safety products through retail channels. These products are marketed and sold under the MSA Safety Works brand. MSA has annual sales of more than $850 million, manufacturing operations throughout the United States and Europe, and more than 30 international locations. Additional information is available on the company's Web site at www.msanet.com.

MSA Safety Specialist John Quinn is available to answer questions about respiratory protection and other safety practices recommended for disaster clean-up. Mr. Quinn has spent significant time in the New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Gulfport and Biloxi areas and has experienced first-hand the concerns homeowners and business persons will face in the weeks ahead. To get in touch with Mr. Quinn, please contact Mark Deasy, MSA Communications Director, at 412-967-3357 or by cell phone at 412-559-8154.

Source: MSA

CONTACT: Mark Deasy of MSA, +1-412-967-3357

Web site: www.msasafetyworks.com/
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/hurricanes/cleanup.asp
http://media.msanet.com/PDFs/SafetyWorks/5555-271_KatrinaSG_CPG.pdf
http://www.msanet.com/

All Topics