Safety products manufacturer MSA launched its newest thermal imaging camera, the Evolution 6 000, on July 1.

The waterproof and shock-resistant device is MSA’s most advanced thermal imaging camera to date, providing superior picture quality, MSA respiratory product manager Suraksha Mohun tells Mining Weekly.

“The product is equipped with an integrated laser range finder, which can be used to determine the distance between the rescuer and a person in need of assistance,” she explains.

The camera is also equipped with a compass, which can assist rescue operators in returning to a point of safety, should they become disorientated.

The Evolution 6 000 has a video transmitter, which sends a video feed of the scene to a computer off-site for remote monitoring and improved decision-making. The video is captured to be used for training pur- poses later and a built-in camera takes photos of the scene for after-action review, Mohun says.

She points out that the product’s dual- handle design allows for easy handover in emergency situations and that the camera can easily be attached to a person’s personal-protective equipment.

Further, MSA also launched its Air Elite 4h – a long-duration closed-circuit breathing apparatus, with an oxygen capacity of four hours, in November last year.

“This device is similar to a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) used by fire- fighters,” Mohun explains.

However, a SCBA provides only 45 minutes of air before the device has to be refilled, she says.

“It is an oxygen logistics-free system, which uses potassium hyperoxide to convert exhaled air into cool breathable air,” says Mohun.

This system, which weighs only 13 kg, is fully automatic and does not need to be tested before it is used, unlike the SCBAs, she adds.

In June, MSA also launched a safety cap specifically for women, MSA senior head, eye, face, hearing and communications product manager Loren Pearson tells Mining Weekly.

There has always been a gap in the market with regard to hard hats for smaller ladies, as the hats are manufactured mostly in medium or large sizes, she says.

“Therefore, MSA decided to launch a pink safety cap, fitted with a comfortable, small-size ratchet suspension specifically designed to fit the heads of women; MSA will also donate R1 to the Cansa Foundation for every pink safety cap with a pink ribbon logo on it sold,” Pearson says.