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MSA Safety

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FY2005 Annual Report · MSA Safety
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Contents

The Business of MSA

Chairman’s Letter

MSA North America

MSA Europe

MSA International

A Tribute to Gene Merry

2005 Form 10-K

Principal Operations

Board of Directors

Organization

1

2

4

8

12

16

IBC

IBC

IBC

Our Mission

That men and women may work in safety and 
that they, their families and their communities 
may live in health throughout the world.

Our Vision

To be the leading innovator and provider of quality
safety and instrument products and services that 
protect and improve people’s health, safety and the
environment.

To satisfy customer needs through the efforts of
motivated, involved, highly trained employees dedi-
cated to continuous improvement in quality, service,
cost, value, technology and delivery.

About The Cover

In 2005, MSA achieved record revenue and earnings
for a fifth consecutive year. With strong performances
by each of MSA’s geographic segments – North
America, Europe and International – 2005 was indeed a
year in which the company reaffirmed its position as
the world’s leading producer of sophisticated safety
products. For MSA shareholders, 2005 was also a year
that demonstrated the value of product and market
diversity.

As always, leadership in product development 

and innovation proved to be an important performance 
driver for MSA over the past year. Shown on the cover
are just some of the safety innovations that helped
shape the MSA story in 2005. Represented are products
from each of MSA’s three geographic business
segments. Collectively, these and other product
innovations helped MSA sustain organic growth,
strengthen its brand reputation and enhance share-
holder value. Equally important, they represent the
high level of advanced safety technology customers
have come to expect – and rely upon – from MSA. 
The Safety Company.

The Business of MSA

MSA is in the business of developing, manufacturing and selling

innovative and sophisticated products that enhance the safety

and health of workers throughout the world. Critical to MSA’s mission
is a clear understanding of customer processes and safety needs.
MSA dedicates significant resources to research which allows the
company to develop an understanding of the safety equipment and
instrumentation requirements in a diverse range of industries such as
the fire service, homeland security, construction, public utilities,
mining, chemical, petroleum, transportation, hazardous materials
remediation and the military. MSA’s reach has expanded into the
home in an effort to better understand and protect the “do-it-yourself”
consumer. MSA’s principal products, each designed to serve the needs
of target markets, include respiratory protective equipment, thermal
imaging cameras, portable and permanent gas detection instruments,
as well as head, eye, face, hearing and fall protection products.

MSA was founded in 1914 by John T. Ryan and George H. Deike,

two mining engineers who had firsthand knowledge of the terrible
human loss that was occurring in underground coal mines. Their
knowledge of the mining industry provided the foundation for the
development of safety equipment to better protect underground
miners. While the range of industries served by MSA has expanded
greatly over the years, the founding philosophy of understanding
customer safety needs and designing innovative safety equipment
solutions remains unchanged. 

MSA is headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with 
operations employing 4,500 associates throughout the world. A
publicly held company, MSA’s stock is traded on the New York Stock
Exchange under the symbol MSA.

9%

16%

27%

Annual Sales by 
Product Group

Head Protection
(Helmet, Eye, Face & Hearing)

Air-Supplied Respirators
Instruments
Air-Purifying Respirators
Other

23%

25%

4% 4%

8%

21%

Annual Sales by
Region

North America
Europe
Asia & Pacific Rim
Africa
South America

63%

Financial Highlights
For The Year (thousands, except per share)
Net sales
Net income from continuing operations
Discontinued operations – after tax
Net income
Basic earnings per common share:

2003

2004

2005

Sales
(in millions)

Net Income
(in millions)

$907.9

$852.5

$81.8

$71.0

$696,473
48,924
16,343
65,267

$852,509
71,047
—
71,047

$907,912
81,783
— 
81,783

$696.5

$48.9

Continuing operations
Discontinued operations
Net income

At Year End (thousands)
Total assets
Working capital
Common shareholders’ equity
Common Stock (thousands)
Shares outstanding
Market capitalization

1.33
.45
1.78

1.91
—
1.91

2.24
—
2.24

$643,885         $734,110          $725,357
246,367
270,593
207,216
381,470
376,679
306,867

36,928
$978,715

37,341
$1,893,208

36,546
$1,323,330

03         04         05

03         04         05

1

 
To Our Shareholders

In retrospect, it was appropriate in this letter last year that I used the

quote, “It is a lot tougher to stay on top than it was to get there.” After
two years of particularly strong growth, we had experience last year in
dealing with adversity and in perseverance. Some years a team blows
away its objectives; other years in the face of difficulty a team has to
hustle, do their best to stay in contention, control the effects of adver-
sity, and work diligently either to get satisfaction at the end of the year
that they have done the best with the potential that was available or,
ideally, to put themselves in a position where late in the action they can
get on a winning streak, and then in the end, can make their goals after
all. This is how the MSA team completed a successful year in 2005.
Seventy-five percent of our global business did consistently 
well all year. In North America, MSA Safety Works – our consumer
products line – had its finest year in strongly building our business.
The company won the Vendor of the Year Award in our category from
True Value, a new customer in 2004. In our industrial market, protective
helmets generated fine growth, led by the ubiquitous MSA V-Gard®
helmet. Our Instrument operations moved up consistently throughout
the year. The Ultima-X® series of sensors for permanently installed
instruments gained, along with our consumer line, the distinction of
MSA’s Product of the Year. As homeland security funding in the U.S.
moved from protection to detection, MSA’s SAFESITE® Multi-Threat
Detection System – a wireless, flexible, modular system for monitoring
major events, buildings and congregations of people – made a strong
entry into the market and gained a major order from the State of Florida.  
The Solaris® portable instrument also has grown nicely as a market

leader in small, hand-held instruments for four-gas detection.

We are pleased to welcome the people of Microsensor Systems, Inc.

of Bowling Green, Kentucky, who joined our team after being a key
supplier for us for some time. Their particular skills are in the detection
of chemical warfare agents. 

Overall, International exports were very helpful to our North

American operations. Distributor relations in North America continued
to improve ever more strongly. Our operations in Mexico had a fine year,
and sales to the U.S. federal government maintained a high level as the
company was able to fulfill opportunities in 2005 helped by consistently
strong production levels of the Advanced Combat Helmet. Many of our
other product lines continued well. Globally, MSA operations in Europe
and International showed excellent growth on which I will comment in
more detail below. 

The challenges for the company in 2005 were in three key areas. U.S.
Government funding in the fire service did not begin until two-and-a-half
months later than the point at which it had begun in previous years.
This not only held up orders from departments that were destined to
get federal money, but the uncertainty also delayed orders in general,
including those that would be ultimately financed by local revenues.
U.S. Government funding of homeland security gas masks tailed off
as the year went on. Through mid 2005, we had a supply issue with a
key component that limited sales activities and shipping ability of our
popular new Evolution® 5200 thermal imaging cameras.  

While these challenges were limited to particular product lines, they

were fairly intense when they occurred and in the middle of the year
their negative effects on the company overall were strong. In these
circumstances it is quite possible in a short time to get so far behind
that the goal for the year would get out of reach. I commend our team
for their timely and effective actions in containing and limiting the
effects caused by these problem areas so that we could eventually
overcome them. Our factories handled especially well very volatile
changes in the incoming orders for our products, a challenge that if not

2

MSA Annual Report 2005

well managed could lead to high levels of unabsorbed factory burden.
Our organization started early and worked often in controlling our
overall operating costs to once more mitigate the impact of lower sales
in our problem areas, while at the same time maintaining customer
contacts and new product development to our desired levels. The sales
force had to be flexible and go after the business that was available.
Our entire team had to resolve certain process issues that were holding
up invoicing of the orders that we had.  

In the end, by Fall in North America, we had “stayed in the game,”
and were prepared when the U.S. federal funding for the fire service
opened up, when the orders came at a good pace in the fourth quarter,
and when the supply issue on thermal imaging cameras was fully
resolved. From a cost-containment mode, our manufacturing team had
to quickly transition to an all-out production level to fulfill the orders that
were being received.  

Meanwhile, through all of this, our associates in Europe and
International were keeping their momentum going on what would be
a fine year for us overseas. Then, at the very end, we had a great
December, finished the year strongly and were able to achieve our
corporate objectives for 2005. I commend our global team for their ability
to handle adversity, maintain our focus on the mission and accomplish
our objectives.

MSA Europe had good sales growth and a particularly strong
improvement in income, having its best year since the economic
transition in Europe began a decade-and-a-half ago. The first half of
the year was involved in setting a strategic plan for MSA Europe, giving
us an even more unified team across the continent. Our revamped
European management team and I are pictured on page 9. Efforts that
have been put forth over several years to improve our business in
Europe particularly came to fruition in 2005 and were the main cause of
our higher performance. There was particularly strong sales growth in
Eastern Europe and by our new affiliate, MSA Sordin, in Sweden. MSA
operations in Benelux, Nordic, Britain, Spain and Italy achieved their
goals and I was happy to see our German domestic business pick up
smartly in the second half of 2005. To expand our instrument business in
Central and Eastern Europe, we acquired in March the majority shares
of Trolex CZ s.r.o. As a leading engineering company in the region
specializing in permanent gas detection, this operation is now part
of MSA Europe and will function as MSA Auer Czech, s.r.o.

MSA International (our operations outside of North America and

Europe) has for some time had an aspirational goal of generating a
twenty percent annual sales increase. In this year that goal was realized
with plenty to spare. More than half of MSA’s global sales growth in
2005 was generated by MSA International. Particularly distinctive
performance was achieved by our companies in South America,
Australia, China and Singapore. The largest commercial order of the
year was for breathing apparatus sold to the government of Iraq for
their fire service in the reconstruction of their country. MSA has made
considerable investments in building our business in the International
markets because of their distinctively strong growth potential, and this
effort will continue going forward. 

In early 2006 we completed transactions in South Africa to welcome
Select Personal Protective Equipment, a successful mine-based safety
supply business, and to create a joint venture with local partners to
make MSA Africa qualified under the Black Economic Empowerment
initiative, giving us full opportunities in this market in the future. 

We continue to diligently pursue process improvements on a global
basis. Lean Sigma was our Process of the Year, and has been for some
time a major generator of improved productivity and effectiveness. The
MSA Global Manufacturing Council went into fully active status in 2005.

unfortunately, has not turned out to be that
way and extraordinary needs for military
and homeland security protection came
forth for which MSA was well prepared to
meet and fulfill. Also, enhanced federal
government support of the fire service gave
more departments the ability to obtain the
newest and best of MSA products. These
trends turbo-charged an already strong
growth path and led to the excellent results
of recent years.

As we have previously reported, our
objective is to continue strong growth in
our commercial business which is more
than 85% of our total sales. Our objective
in military business is to fulfill the defense
needs of the U.S. and allied countries to the
maximum extent possible in product lines
in which we have skills and competitive
advantage. We realize that this business
does tend to be volatile and we manage our
overall business appropriately. In this New
Year we expect to see both good growth in
our commercial business and volatility in
our military business. We had some very

MSA’s rapidly growing Consumer Products Group and MSA’s International segment
played significant roles in helping the company achieve record results in 2005. Shown
above with MSA Chairman and CEO John T. Ryan III (seated at left) and President of
MSA International Rob Cañizares (seated at right) are, from left to right, John Quinn,
Ed Philibin and John Shields – the Consumer Products leadership team – and Chris
Kairys, Peter Pickerill, Ted Novak, Ken Acer, José Cabezas, Ralph McIntyre and Joe Lee –
directors of MSA International.

Major efforts were made in a global exchange of best practices, global
purchasing and global tooling. We are adding staff to this effort, and it
will be led by our Vice President, Kerry Bove.

I am pleased by the major awards won by MSA products and ser-
vices, particularly the Evolution 5200 thermal imaging camera, the SAFE-
SITE detection system, and the MSANET.com Web site, as well as our
Safety Works® line mentioned above. We continue to do well in meeting
a major objective of having a substantial portion of our business gener-
ated by our new product development process – those products intro-
duced over the last three years.

We have noticed for several years that our Instrument and Safety
Products operations in North America were migrating closer to each
other and becoming less distinct from one another than they had been
in the past. More electronics are going into safety equipment while our
electronic products need to be designed for rugged uses. From this, we
made the conclusion that we should merge our Instrument and Safety
operations in North America. This is being done to make our organiza-
tion more effective, partially to redeploy key people on new assignments,
and there will be cost benefits for the company as a whole. Additionally,
a targeted voluntary early retirement program offered in early 2006
enabled us to reduce staffing levels on an almost completely voluntary
basis.  

I recognize our new officers, Doug McClaine and Steve Plut; our
newly promoted Director of Human Resources, Paul Uhler; and I thank
Benedict DeMaria for his fine service as a Vice President of the
company up until his recent retirement. Upon the occasion of her retire-
ment, I would also like to express my appreciation to Bonnie McGraw
for her thirty years of diligent service to the company as my administra-
tive assistant.

I lost a mentor and the company lost a great person in MSA history
in September when Eugene W. Merry, retired President and CEO of the
Company, passed away. Gene was a key leader and important contrib-
utor to MSA for almost 70 years and gave me much wise advice and
counsel. We also mourn the recent passing of Harry E. Redenbaugh,
long-retired leader of our International Division through several decades
of international growth.

From 2000 to 2005 the Company has done very well in our core busi-
nesses and in new ones such as thermal imaging cameras, fire helmets,
and the Advanced Combat Helmet. In a peaceful, stable world, MSA
would have done very nicely through these years. The world,

interesting new or early-stage military projects. The MICH communica-
tions system had generated an exceptional order in 2005; we recently
received a major contract for breathing apparatus for the United States
Air Force; and we are a major participant in the Mask 2000 project in
Germany – the country’s new standard military gas mask. There will be
some invoicing from these projects in 2006 and hopefully more in future
years. In 2005, our U.S. military business exceeded our expectations and
remained steady at a very high level, but now we expect a fairly signifi-
cant drop off in the order of $60 million in North American military sales
in 2006 due to the completion of certain contracts, the lesser levels of
certain other contracts, and the government’s decision to split evenly for
one year the shares of the Advance Combat Helmet production. We deal
with the volatility of the military business in the way we always have:
grow our commercial business strongly – particularly in fruitful markets,
be more productive in how we run our entire organization, and reduce
costs whenever possible.

We have known for some time that eventually we would have a
transition period where the military business was volatile on the down-
side and where homeland security gas mask funding tailed off. We
anticipate that the transitions in military business will be focused in
one year, 2006.

Our goal in 2006 is to work through this significant one-year adjust-
ment and still show growth in overall sales and operating earnings by
making major progress in our global commercial business to offset the
changes in military sales. There will be some one-time costs in this
transition, particularly those related to the retirement program, Project
Outlook, and restructuring costs elsewhere. Additionally, there is a
change in accounting rules that require expensing of stock compensation.
This is somewhat like a sports team continuing to have a winning
record during a “rebuilding” year, and we are diligently pursuing this
objective.

John T. Ryan III
Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

3

Innovation in new product development
continued to fuel MSA North America’s success
in 2005. Contributing to this success from left
to right, were the SAFESITE® Multi-Threat
Detection System, the Evolution® 5200 Thermal
Imaging Camera and the SkyLinkTM Stanchion.

North America

MSA North America 

Achieves Record 

Sales in 2005

4

MSA Annual Report 2005

Higher sales of head protection, instru-

ments and fall protection propelled
MSA North America’s record sales in 2005.
Overall, North American sales were strong
in most product lines, led by higher sales to
the U.S. government and growth in Canada,
Mexico and MSA Safety Works, the
company’s consumer products arm.

In 2005, MSA North America sales rose
to a record $575.9 million from $564.6 million
in 2004. Income increased 12% to $62.1
million. MSA North America generated 63%
of the company’s total revenue of $907.9
million in 2005. 

The breadth and depth of MSA’s product
portfolio proved to be particularly important
in 2005 as product diversity helped MSA
North America overcome two major chal-
lenges during the year. Delays in federal
funding for fire departments reduced sales of
self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
for the fire service, while sales of military
gas masks in the United States declined from
peak levels due to the expiration of govern-
ment contracts.

Although gas mask sales declined, federal

Maintaining its leadership in head protec-

government sales increased for the fifth
consecutive year, propelled by U.S. Army
orders for the Advanced Combat Helmet
(ACH) and a related product – the MICHTM
(Modular Integrated Communications
Headset) System.

For 2005, MSA received contracts totaling
more than $53 million to manufacture nearly
a quarter million Advanced Combat Helmets
for the U.S. Army. The company shipped
helmets to protect U.S. soldiers deployed in
Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world.
Since November 2003, MSA has secured
multiple Army contracts totaling more than
$155 million for the production of more than
550,000 Advanced Combat Helmets. 

Reflecting the success of the Advanced

Combat Helmet program for the Army,
demand for the MICH System led to more
than $22 million of shipments in 2005. The
MICH System is an innovative hands-free,
two-way radio system that integrates seam-
lessly with the Advanced Combat Helmet.

tion, MSA North America also achieved
higher sales of Cairns® Fire Helmets and
industrial hardhats, including its best-selling
V-Gard® Protective Helmet. Among the larger
head protection orders MSA received in 2005
was a $1.2 million order for Cairns Fire
Helmets from the District of Columbia
Council of Governments.  

Particularly significant in 2005 was the
sales growth of MSA instrument products,
which include a broad line of sophisticated
portable and fixed gas detection systems
used in virtually every industry MSA serves.  
In December, this portion of MSA’s busi-
ness got a significant boost and endorsement
when emergency response agencies in
Florida awarded the company a major
contract to furnish hazard detection systems
for Homeland Security purposes. The
$1.4 million contract included the largest
order to date for the SAFESITE® Multi-Threat
Detection System. The SAFESITE System
provides wireless perimeter monitoring of
potential chemical warfare agents, toxic

The Ultima® X Series Gas Monitor
provides advanced sensing technolo-
gies that monitor against the threat of
combustible and toxic gases and for
oxygen deficiency. As a key element of
MSA’s increased instrument sales in
2005, the Ultima X Series Gas Monitor
was appropriately selected as MSA’s
product of the year, a recognition it
shared with MSA Consumer Safety
Products.

In 2005 MSA shipped approximately 235,000 Advanced Combat Helmets (ACH) for
the U.S. Army. Designed to provide greater situational awareness, the ACH is light
in design, provides superior ballistic protection and has been credited with saving
many lives on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan.

5

chemicals and other hazards at public events
and in mass transit systems, shipping ports
and facilities that could become the target of
terrorist attacks. Since late 2003, the SAFE-
SITE System has been deployed and tested in
numerous high-profile venues, including the
Kentucky Derby, the annual New Year’s Eve
celebration in New York’s Times Square, the
Democratic National Convention, the 2004
Summer Olympics in Greece and, most
recently, Super Bowl XL in Detroit.

The Florida SAFESITE contract marked the
culmination of a strong year overall for sales
of MSA instrumentation. A shifting focus from
protection to detection in the Homeland
Security market, combined with several impor-
tant and innovative product advances, helped
MSA North America significantly increase
instrument sales in 2005, enhancing its repu-
tation as the technology leader in this impor-
tant product segment. Overall, almost half of
all instrument sales were from products MSA
introduced over the last three years. 

In the consumer market, MSA Safety
Works posted a 33% increase in sales as the
business signed contracts with 20 new retail
partners to add greater diversity to its distri-
bution channel. Highlights included gaining
Orgill Brothers – the nation’s largest inde-
pendent distributor of home improvement
products – as an MSA retail partner, tripling
sales to United Rentals, Inc., and being
named Vendor of the Year by True Value
Hardware.

Meeting the needs of fire service, law

enforcement and Homeland Security
customers remains a critical mission for MSA
North America. In 2005, many customers in

these key markets continued to turn to MSA
for sophisticated safety products with proven
technology that meet high standards of
safety, certification and performance.

Major contracts in 2005 included:
• An order from the Los Angeles Fire

Department for more than 100 Evolution®
5200 Thermal Imaging Cameras;

• A $4.5 million order from the New York
City Police Department for Millennium®
Gas Masks and Response® Escape Hoods;

• A $1.3 million contract from the California

Highway Patrol to supply Millennium
Gas Masks;

• A $1.1 million contract from the state of
Pennsylvania for air-purifying respirators
and thermal imaging cameras.

To enhance MSA’s capabilities in the
Homeland Security market, the company
acquired Microsensor Systems, Inc. of
Bowling Green, Kentucky in September. The
transaction quickly established MSA as the
leader in Surface Acoustic Wave-based
chemical sensing technology used to detect
chemical warfare agents.

Leading Through Innovation
As The Safety Company, one of MSA’s
greatest strengths is an unwavering focus on
developing innovative products that provide
new levels of protection, or enhancing
existing products with next-generation
technology. That commitment to improving
safety continued in 2005 with a myriad of
product introductions.

In February 2005, MSA unveiled the
Evolution 5200 Thermal Imaging Camera
(TIC), the first device to incorporate tech-
nology that provides high-quality imagery in
temperatures exceeding 300° Fahrenheit.
Thermal imaging cameras use infrared tech-
nology to enable firefighters to see through
smoke and dark conditions. 

MSA has been a leader in thermal

imaging camera technology since introducing
the first hand-held device for firefighters in
the mid-1990s. As the clear market leader in
this category, the Evolution 5200 TIC has
become the thermal imaging camera of
choice in the fire service. As evidence of this,
Fire Apparatus Magazine named the
Evolution 5200 TIC the “Best Life Safety or
Personal Protective System” of 2005 in its
annual Design and Product Achievement
Awards program.  

Another notable success was MSA’s intro-

duction of the Safe Escape™ Respirator, the
first escape respirator approved for protec-
tion against chemical, biological, radiological
and nuclear (CBRN) agents to reach the
market. The Safe Escape Respirator meets
stringent new standards established by the
National Institute for Occupational Safety
and Health (NIOSH). Developed for a wide
range of potential users, such as government
personnel, first responders, law enforcement
officers and underground transit workers, the

During a visit to MSA’s Murrysville,
Pa. facility, Col. John L. Miles, center,
expressed his gratitude to the ACH
production team for their commit-
ment in helping to save the lives of
U.S. servicemen and women.

6

MSA Annual Report 2005

MSA activated its Crisis Response Center to assist in the recovery and clean-up efforts in the disaster-stricken areas created
by Hurricane Katrina. Pictured above with MSA Safety Works’ associates Terry Royer and Rob Senko are New Orleans resi-
dents Penny Pounds (middle) and Drew Christianbery (right).

Safe Escape Respirator is a hood-style device
that features a large, one-piece bonded lens
and a translucent chemical-resistant hood
that provides a wide field of vision.

Indeed, MSA has a proven track record in

developing respiratory protection products
designed for CBRN protection. The company
was the first manufacturer to secure CBRN
approval in three different respirator cate-
gories. Earlier CBRN-approved respirators
include the company’s Millennium Gas Mask,
the Ultra Elite® CBRN Gas Mask and the
FireHawk™ CBRN NFPA 2002 Air Mask for
the fire service.  

MSA’s Safe EscapeTM Respirator was
the first respirator of its kind to be
approved for protection against
CBRN agents.

In 2005, few product introductions
captured more attention than MSA’s entrée
into the market for concealable body armor
for law enforcement officers. To provide
reliable and trusted protection for police offi-
cers facing potentially deadly gunfire, MSA
launched its first line of advanced ballistic
body armor in September 2005. The
company’s new product offerings, branded as
the ForceField™ line, include two types of
concealable vests and an over-the-uniform
tactical vest designed for SWAT applications.
The ForceField vests are made with proven
and highly reliable ballistic materials such as
DuPont Kevlar and Honeywell Goldflex
aramid products and feature designs that
enhance comfort, ease-of-use and safety.
In addition to ballistic vests, the

ForceField line also includes a commercial
version of MSA’s Advanced Combat Helmet
developed for the U.S. Army. The police ACH
is just the latest example of MSA’s experi-
ence and expertise in transferring proven
military technology to the commercial
marketplace.

As 2005 came to a close, MSA

announced a major restructuring of its North
American operations. Called Project Outlook,
the program creates a dynamic new
organizational structure focused on two
critical goals: aligning and redeploying
resources to position MSA for future growth
and achieving new levels of customer loyalty
and satisfaction.

In addition to improving MSA’s respon-
siveness to growth opportunities, Project
Outlook will enable the company to achieve
greater operational excellence through a
heightened focus on lean manufacturing,
supply-chain management and delivery
performance. The initiative also promises to
enhance MSA’s leadership in engineering and
product development, while accelerating
efforts to reduce operating costs and
enhance future earnings.

Introduced at the 2005 International
Association of Chiefs of Police show
in Miami, the ForceFieldTM line of
body armor provides ease-of-use,
reliability, maximum protection and
a comfortable fit.

7

A stout pipeline of new product innovation fueled robust
sales in MSA Europe in 2005. Among the more than 20
new products introduced in 2005 were the ProfiCHECKTM
Test System (far left), the AirElite 4h closed-circuit
breathing apparatus (at left) and the AirMaXX SL self-
contained breathing apparatus equipped with the “alpha”
personal network that provides personal monitoring and
telemetric capabilities (above).

Europe

MSA Europe Surges in 2005,

Driven by Strong Sales &

Product Innovation

8

MSA Annual Report 2005

Higher sales in Eastern Europe, Northern

Europe, Spain and at MSA SORDIN–the

company’s center of expertise in hearing
protection–coupled with a robust pipeline of
new products, fueled MSA Europe’s growth
in sales and income in 2005. Solid demand
from the fire service was also a factor in
Europe’s improved results.

Overall, sales at MSA Europe in 2005

rose 8% to $187.2 million from $173.0
million a year earlier, and its income
increased 65% to $11.1 million from $6.7
million in 2004. MSA Europe’s sales
accounted for 21% of the company’s consoli-
dated sales of $907.9 million in 2005. 

The 2004 acquisition of SORDIN AB, the
Swedish manufacturer of passive and elec-
tronic hearing protection technology, had a
positive impact on European sales and profit
as it benefited from its role in supporting
North American contracts for the U.S.
military.

Another growth engine was the perform-

ance of MSA in the central and eastern
European regions. In these important
regions, MSA received several notable 
contracts, including a large order from the
Slovakian Ministry of Defense for chemical
protective suits; and a significant order from
TRAKT, a Russian company, for self-
contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), cylin-
ders, masks and spare parts. Ultimately,
TRAKT will provide this equipment to
Gazprom, the world’s largest gas producer.

Reflecting MSA’s global leadership in the

fire service market, MSA Britain was

awarded a significant contract to supply
respiratory protective equipment to Lothian
and Borders, a leading fire and rescue
service in the UK. In all, MSA delivered
nearly 350 AirMaXXTM eXXtreme SCBA to
Lothian and Borders in 2005, marking an
important expansion for MSA in the UK fire
service market. MSA’s leadership in SCBA
technology was also evident in Germany,
where the Berlin Fire Brigade placed an
order for more than 350 AirMaXX SL SCBAs.
Throughout Europe, the introduction of
new products highlighting MSA’s focus on
innovation and advanced technology also
helped propel sales. In all, MSA Europe
introduced more than 20 new products
in 2005.

One of the most notable achievements
was the launch of the alpha series of SCBA,
which received an enthusiastic reception
from fire service customers. Featuring a
single-line air management system and
advanced electronics, the alpha series
includes a portable wireless personal moni-
toring system that enhances firefighter
safety by integrating a motion detector and
alarm. Called the alphaSCOUT, the unit
sends and receives powerful long-range
signals that enable hazard and incident
monitoring and command from a centrally
located base station. 

Another significant product launch was
the AirElite 4h breathing apparatus – a KO2
self-contained closed-circuit device that
supplies wearers with oxygen for up to four
hours. With advanced technology and other

Designed to meet new performance
specifications, the M2000 Respiratory
Protection System for the German
military helps protect soldiers from a
wide array of NBC (nuclear, biological
and chemical) threats.

enhancements, this outstanding new product
became the second supplied-air respirator to
bear the AirElite brand name. The AirElite 4h
unit is designed for use primarily by fire-
fighters, miners and workers in the oil, gas
and petrochemical industries who need a
long-term air supply.

The MSA Europe management team, above, led efforts in 2005 that resulted in this segment achieving a remarkable 65%
increase in earnings. Seated, from left to right, are Monika Menter, Thomas Muschter, Dieter Lubkoll, Rudi Bruecklmeier,
John T. Ryan III (Chairman and CEO), Jim Baillie (President, MSA Europe), Olivier Cheron, Stefan Zloczysti, Tom Blackwood
and Lynn Jakoboski. Shown standing, from left to right, are Joakim Birgersson, Mathieu Tijskens, John Wilson, Arne Schmid,
Gary Trozzo, Dennis Jakoboski, Jeroen Heller, Frank Mak, Jan Evertse, and Giorgio Vanni.

9

In 2005, MSA Europe’s 
innovation pipeline also included:
• The F2 X-TREMTM Fire Helmet, which 
features adaptable hearing protectors 
and a quick-adjust system that enhances
multifunctional use of the helmet without
compromising comfort. Representative of
MSA’s commitment to global manufac-
turing excellence, the helmet is the first
product developed jointly by MSA GALLET
and MSA SORDIN. And the product is
already gaining acceptance. Among the
major fire service contracts awarded to
MSA Europe in 2005 was an order from
the Fire Brigade of Brussels for 1,200 F2
X-TREM Helmets.

• The F1-SF TM Fire Helmet from

MSA GALLET, the next genera-
tion of the market-leading F1
line. Designed for structural
fire fighting, the helmet meets
the highest European standards
while providing performance,
comfort and adaptability.

• An enhanced version of MSA
Europe’s S-Cap Escape Hood
that protects users from smoke
and gases generated by fires.
Featuring a light cotton neck seal, this
new product became one of the first
devices certified to newly updated
European respiratory protection standards.

• The ORIONplusTM monitor, a portable hand-
held multi-gas detection instrument that
extends the popular ORION product line
developed initially in the U.S. The
ORIONplus monitor detects and measures
combustible gases, oxygen, hydrogen
sulphide, carbon monoxide and carbon
dioxide. Its extended sensor range

10

MSA Annual Report 2005

offers 21 sensor options, increasing the
device’s functionality and making it an
ideal personal monitor and pre-entry
detection device. 

• The Tankscope® II Combustible Gas

Indicator, an upgraded successor to the
original Tankscope that detects gases in
oil and gas cargo tanks aboard marine
vessels. Introduced in May 2005, the
Tankscope II Indicator is a compact hand-
held instrument that can simultaneously
detect up to five gases.

• The ProfiCHECK Series of Testing Systems

to assess the performance of self-
contained breathing apparatus
components, chemical protective
suits and face masks. 

company specializing in permanent gas
detection in hazardous areas and mining.
This organization, which has worked closely
with MSA AUER in the past on several key
product initiatives, enhances MSA’s growth
prospects, especially in Eastern Europe.
Looking ahead, and based on its 2005
successes, MSA Europe is well positioned to
increase sales of products manufactured at
its facilities in Western Europe. The 22 inno-
vations displayed at two major exhibitions –
INTERSCHUTZ and A+A – very clearly
demonstrated MSA’s commitment to devel-
oping new solutions for customers. With the
continued financial performance gains made
over the past several years, MSA Europe is
indeed looking forward to a promising and
exciting future.

The Tankscope® II

To generate visibility and
demand for these and other
exciting products, MSA Europe
was active on the trade show
circuit in 2005. The company
successfully promoted its wares at
the 2005 INTERSCHUTZ trade fair in
Hanover, Germany, reaching thou-
sands of existing and potential
customers in the fire service, rescue
services, disaster relief, safety and
security markets. The company also partici-
pated in INTERPOLICE, an international
exhibition for police and international
security, and the biennial A+A Show in
Düsseldorf, Germany – the most important
international trade fair for personal protec-
tive equipment and occupational health in
Europe. Overall, the trade fairs attracted
almost 200,000 visitors from around the
world.

In March 2005, MSA acquired the

majority shares of Trolex CZ s.r.o. – a Czech

Designed especially for emergency
response teams, the Vautex Elite ET
Suit features flexible high-resistance
material that enhances comfort, ease-
of-movement and protection against
a broad range of chemical threats.

In Hungary, the Super V-Gard® Helmet
from MSA was the cap of choice for
dignitaries attending the dedication
of a new Olefin production facility
operated by TVK Ltd. Among those
attending was Hungarian Prime
Minister Ferenc Gyurcsány (left
center). TVK relies on MSA to furnish
a broad range of safety equipment,
including respirators, head protection
products, instrumentation and hearing
protectors from MSA SORDIN.

MSA Europe had a significant presence at the biennial A+A Show in Düsseldorf, Germany, and below at the INTERSCHUTZ
trade fair in Hanover, Germany. Overall, MSA Europe’s trade show activity in 2005 played an important part in helping the
company generate increased visibility and demand for new product offerings.

11

A heightened and more strategic focus on
meeting the safety needs on the global oil,
gas and petrochemical (OGP) market helped
MSA International generate higher sales in
2005. Among the many MSA products suited
for the OGP industry are the V-Gard Protective
Cap (above left) and the BD 96TM SCBA and
MSA Gallet fire helmet (immediate left).

International

Growth and Transformation 

Fuel MSA International’s 

Success in 2005

12

MSA Annual Report 2005

T ransformation and accelerating growth

were the keys to success for MSA
International in 2005 as it achieved higher
sales and profits in key markets including
Latin America, China, Asia-Pacific, the
Middle East and Africa.

The foundation for MSA International’s
strong performance was its strategic initia-
tive in 2004 to significantly transform sales,
distribution, marketing and operations to
better respond to current customer needs, to
reach and serve new customers, to build
market share and to establish MSA as a true
global leader in the manufacture of sophisti-
cated safety products.

The first phase of this initiative – Leading

the Transformation – concentrated on reor-
ganizing MSA International’s leadership and
global structure; opening new sales offices
in key markets with dynamic growth poten-
tial, such as China, Hong Kong, Indonesia
and Malaysia; introducing MSA products in
targeted markets; and establishing a more
integrated, focused approach to achieving
growth.

In 2005, MSA International launched the

second phase of its growth strategy –
Powering the Transformation – to focus on
improving customer coverage and distribu-
tion support by enhancing the development
of its sales associates. The goal is to
develop closer consulting relationships with
new and existing customers and a clearer
understanding of customer needs that
enables MSA to tailor safety solutions that
solve unique customer challenges. 

Overall, the transformation strengthened

MSA International’s value chain by
enhancing operations and processes,
improving connectivity with customers and
fostering greater teamwork in product devel-
opment, marketing and sales, and distribu-
tion programs. 

Reflecting the benefits of its transforma-

tion strategy, MSA International’s sales in
2005 rose 26% to a record $144.8 million
from $114.9 million a year earlier, while
income increased to $9.2 million from $8.5
million in 2004. Overall, MSA International’s
sales accounted for approximately 16% of
MSA’s net sales of $907.9 million in 2005. 

To expand the company’s brand visibility in China, MSA’s marketing activities
include participation in a number of key industry trade conferences. On display
above are MSA products targeting China’s growing fire service market.

Instrumentation assembly at MSA Wuxi was upgraded and expanded in 2005 as
part of an overall reorganization program in China. By the end of the year, MSA
increased total production space in China by 70%.

13

A leading example of transformation and

With a clear expectation of continued

growth in 2005 was MSA China, which
topped all MSA International affiliates with
record percentage sales growth, fueled by
sharply higher sales of breathing apparatus
and helmets for the fire service, and
breathing apparatus for oil, gas and petro-
chemical customers.

Major contracts in China included large
orders for self-contained breathing appa-
ratus (SCBA) that MSA manufactures at its
factory in Wuxi, and a significant order for
fire helmets. MSA instrument sales in China
rose 52% and sales to the oil, gas and petro-
chemical segment jumped 61%.

MSA China’s impressive performance

reflected the establishment of a new
management team in 2003; the successful
launch of a distributor program that
expanded its distribution network from 120
to 180; improvements to upgrade and
expand its factory, which manufactures self-
contained breathing apparatus, helmets and
instruments; and new offerings of more than
20 certified products last year. By year’s end,
MSA had increased its total manufacturing
space in China by 70%.

long-term growth in China’s industrial
economy, MSA is now better positioned to
tap into China’s growing need for safety
equipment that will protect workers in the
years to come. The company expects China
to become one of the most important
markets for MSA. 

Global Growth for MSA 
China was just one of the many success
stories for MSA International in 2005. 

In the Middle East, MSA received a $5.5
million order from the government of Iraq for
self-contained breathing apparatus. 

MSA’s business and earnings in South
America have developed substantially over
this decade, reflecting dynamic growth in
the major economies in which MSA has
operations. Major orders in Brazil included a
large contract to supply fire helmets to the
Federal Secretary of State. 

Sales also improved in South Africa, a
key market for mine safety equipment, as
MSA Africa received several major orders
for self-contained/self-rescuer breathing
devices to help protect miners in the event

Looking to expand its visibility with the
global law enforcement market, MSA
served as the primary sponsor at the
2005 International Drug Enforcement
Conference in Santiago, Chile.

14

MSA Annual Report 2005

In preparation for the 2007 Pan American games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, security personnel from many Latin American
countries attended respiratory protective training conducted by MSA.

of an emergency. These orders included
two separate contracts totaling more than
$2.3 million.

To enhance future growth and competi-
tiveness in South Africa, MSA formed a new 
holding company in January of 2006 with
Mineworkers Investment Company to ensure
compliance with government-established
Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) require-
ments. The venture marks the culmination
of a strategic opportunity identified by MSA
in 2004.

BEE is a South African government

program similar to Affirmative Action in the
United States. In short, companies that are
BEE-certified are better positioned to

Mining remains an important market
for MSA International, particularly in
South America and South Africa.
Shown at left is the MSA MineSpot®
MK3 cap lamp and V-Gard Cap worn
by miners in South Africa.

compete for public sector contracts. Through
this venture, MSA and Mineworkers
Investment Company will pursue opportuni-
ties to create a safer work environment for
South African mine workers while fully
serving customer needs as an approved BEE
supplier.

Although the mining segment generates

less than 5% of MSA’s worldwide sales,
it remains a leading market for MSA
International, accounting for more than 20%
of total sales in 2005. 

In the Asia-Pacific region, MSA Australia
had a particularly strong year, highlighted by
the receipt of a $1 million order from the
Royal Australian Navy for LifeguardTM Escape
Breathing Apparatuses.

The transformation of MSA International
has increased the company’s market share,
growth potential and brand equity in nations
around the world. Indeed, sales in each
international market (Asia Pacific, China,

Latin America, and Middle East & Africa),
exceeded MSA’s expectations for 2005.
Including 2005, MSA International has
achieved a compound annual growth rate of
approximately 25% over the past three
years. To support this growth, MSA
International has four major manufacturing
facilities – Johannesburg, South Africa;
Wuxi, China; São Paulo, Brazil; and Sydney,
Australia – representing MSA’s focus on
achieving global manufacturing excellence.
With strong results in 2005 and a solid
foundation for the future, MSA International
is well positioned for continued growth and
success in 2006 and beyond. Initiatives
planned for 2006 include further expansion
as opportunities arise and continued imple-
mentation of lean manufacturing practices to
improve efficiency and drive costs even
lower, while maintaining the high quality that
customers expect from the MSA brand – 
wherever they may work.

15

Eugene W. Merry, 1912 – 2005 

“Gene Merry had a tremen-

dous gift of wisdom and
made an indelible contribu-
tion to the success of MSA.
In my many years of knowing
and working with Gene, I
learned from him more prac-
tical things about operating
management than I did from
any other educational experi-
ence, formal or informal.
Gene will be deeply missed
by the MSA family and by the
many people whose lives he

touched.”
John T. Ryan III, MSA Chairman
and Chief Executive Officer

As documented in the pages
of this annual report, MSA
accomplished much over the
past year. Sadly, however, for
many people close to the
company, 2005 will also be remembered as the year
in which MSA lost one of its great, long-time leaders.
In September, Eugene W. Merry, former president

and chief executive officer of the company, died
peacefully at the age of 92.

Mr. Merry served MSA for nearly 70 years,

earning a reputation for his wisdom, down-to-earth
business approach, generosity and ability to build
meaningful and long-standing relationships at all 
levels within the organization. Up until his death,
Mr. Merry continued his involvement with the company,
serving as Director Emeritus, regularly attending
board meetings and providing thoughtful counsel.
During his long and dedicated service to MSA,
Mr. Merry ascended from his first entry-level position
in 1936 to become president and chief executive 
officer in 1977. He retired as president and CEO in
1978, but continued to serve MSA as a director of
the company into the 1990s. After the untimely
death of CEO M.G. Hulme, Jr., in 1985, Mr. Merry
returned to fill the gap in company leadership until 
a new CEO was named five months later.

Mr. Merry spent several formative years at MSA
working in the company’s mining business as manager
of exports. With the outbreak of World War II,

Mr. Merry became Manager of
Government Production, over-
seeing the production of
breathing apparatus, gas
masks and other safety equip-
ment used to protect U.S.
Armed Services personnel.

Following the war, Mr. Merry

was appointed Manager of
Market Research and eventu-
ally was named Manager of
Product Engineering and
Sales Planning.

In the mid 1950s, when
MSA was reorganized into
four autonomous divisions,
Mr. Merry was elected a vice
president and given responsi-
bility for MSA’s Industrial and
Instrument Divisions. He was
later elected an executive vice
president and named presi-
dent of MSA in 1963. When
John T. Ryan, Jr. retired in

1977, Mr. Merry was elected President and CEO.

At the time of his death, Mr. Merry was collabo-
rating with National Geographic, educating television
producers about the origins of an MSA underwater
breathing apparatus found on board a submerged
World War II Sherman Tank. The tank was recovered
off the coast of Salerno, Italy. Admired for his ever
sharp memory, Mr. Merry not only knew the name of
the apparatus, he recalled with great accuracy the
details of a Sunday meeting in 1944 in which he and
the late John Ryan, Jr. convened with a U.S. Army
colonel to discuss the need for such a device which
was later used on D-Day.

To those who knew him professionally and personally,

he will be remembered as a person of great integrity
who always exercised sound, fundamental judgment.
Much is written these days about the business philos-
ophy of enlightened management, which emphasizes
the importance of management and employees
working as a team. John T. Ryan III, MSA Chairman
and CEO, commented that “Gene Merry spoke about
and acted upon those principles in the 1950s. He is a 
person who touched many lives and we will miss him
immensely.”

16

MSA Annual Report 2005

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-K
ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2005

Commission File No. 1-15579

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Pennsylvania
(State or other jurisdiction of
incorporation or organization)

121 Gamma Drive
RIDC Industrial Park
O’Hara Township
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
(Address of principal executive offices)

25-0668780
(IRS Employer
Identification No.)

15238
(Zip Code)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: 412-967-3000

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act:

Title of each class

Name of each exchange on which registered

Common Stock, no par value

New York Stock Exchange

Securities registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act:

Preferred Stock Purchase Rights
(Title of Class)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the

Securities Act. Yes È No ‘

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d)

of the Act. Yes ‘ No È

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or
15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months and (2) has been subject to such
filing requirements for the past 90 days. Yes È No ‘

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K is not

contained herein, and will not be contained, to the best of registrant’s knowledge, in the definitive proxy
statement incorporated by reference in Part III of this Form 10-K or any amendment to this Form 10-K. È
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, or a

non-accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).

Non-accelerated filer ‘
Accelerated filer ‘
Large accelerated filer È
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the

Act). Yes ‘ No È

As of February 17, 2006, there were outstanding 36,545,045 shares of common stock, no par value, not

including 3,000,525 shares held by the Mine Safety Appliances Company Stock Compensation Trust. The
aggregate market value of voting stock held by non-affiliates as of June 30, 2005 was approximately $1,443
million.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the May 11, 2006 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by

reference into Part III.

Item No.

Table of Contents

Part I
1.
1A.
1B.
2.
3.
4.
Executive Officers of the Registrant

Business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Risk Factors
Unresolved Staff Comments
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Properties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Legal Proceedings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part II
5.

Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases
of Equity Securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selected Financial Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6.
7.
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations . . . . .
7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Financial Statements and Supplementary Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
8.
Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure . . . . .
9.
Controls and Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9A.
Other Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9B.

Part III
10.
11.
12.

13.
14.

Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Executive Compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder

Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Certain Relationships and Related Transactions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Principal Accountant Fees and Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Part IV
15.
Signatures

Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page

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14

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16
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60

Forward-Looking Statements

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities

Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These
statements relate to future events or our future financial performance and involve known and unknown risks,
uncertainties and other factors that may cause our or our industry’s actual results, levels of activity, performance
or achievements to be materially different from any future results, levels of activity, performance or
achievements expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. These risks and other factors include,
but are not limited to, those listed in this report under “Risk Factors,” “Management’s Discussion and Analysis
of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” and elsewhere in this report. In some cases, you can identify
forward-looking statements by words such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,”
“anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “predicts,” “potential,” “continue” or the negative of these terms or other
comparable words. These statements are only predictions and are not guarantees of future performance.
Therefore, actual events or results may differ materially from those expressed or forecast in these forward-
looking statements.

Although we believe that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, we

cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. We are under no duty to update
publicly any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this report whether as a result of new
information, future events or otherwise.

2

Item 1. Business

PART I

Overview—Mine Safety Appliances Company was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1914. We are a global

leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated products that protect people’s health and
safety. Sophisticated safety products typically integrate any combination of electronics, mechanical systems and
advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life threatening situations. Our comprehensive line of
safety products is used by workers around the world in the fire service, homeland security, construction and other
industries, as well as the military. This broad product offering includes self-contained breathing apparatus, or
SCBAs, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, respirators and thermal imaging devices. We also
provide a broad offering of consumer and contractor safety products through retail channels.

We dedicate significant resources to research and development, which allows us to produce innovative,
sophisticated safety products that are often first to market and exceed industry standards. Our global product
development teams include cross-geographic and cross-functional members from various areas throughout the
company, including research and development, marketing, sales, operations and quality management. Our
engineers and technical associates work closely with the safety industry’s leading standards-setting groups and
trade associations, such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, and the National
Fire Protection Association, or NFPA, to develop industry product requirements and standards and anticipate
their impact on our product lines.

Segments—We tailor our product offerings and distribution strategy to satisfy distinct customer preferences
that vary across geographic regions. We believe that we best serve these customer preferences by organizing our
business into the following three geographic segments: North America, Europe, and International. Segment
information is presented in the note entitled “Segment Information” in Item 8—Financial Statements and
Supplementary Data.

Because our financial statements are stated in U.S. dollars, currency fluctuations may affect our results of

operations and financial position and may affect the comparability of our results between financial periods.

Principal Products—We manufacture and sell a comprehensive line of sophisticated safety products to
protect workers around the world in the fire service, homeland security, construction and other industries, as well
as the military. We also provide a broad offering of consumer and contractor safety products through retail
channels. Our products protect people against a wide variety of hazardous or life-threatening situations. The
following is a brief description of each of our principal product categories:

Respiratory protection. Respiratory protection products are used to protect against the harmful effects of

contamination caused by dust, gases, fumes, volatile chemicals, sprays, micro-organisms, fibers and other
contaminants. We offer a broad and comprehensive line of respiratory protection products, including:

•

•

Self Contained Breathing Apparatus, or SCBAs. SCBAs are used by first responders, petrochemical
plant workers and anyone entering an environment deemed immediately dangerous to life and health.
SCBAs are also used by first responders to protect against exposure to chemical, biological, radiological
and nuclear, or CBRN, agents.

Filtering respirators. Filtering respirators cover a broad class of respirators for many hazardous
applications, including:

•

•

full face gas masks for the military and first responders exposed to known and unknown
concentrations of dangerous gases, chemicals, vapors and particulates;

half mask respirators for industrial workers, painters and construction workers exposed to known
concentrations of gases, vapors and particulates;

3

•

•

powered-air purifying respirators for industrial, hazmat and remediation workers who have longer
term exposures to hazards in their work environment; and

dust and pollen masks for maintenance workers, contractors and at-home consumers exposed to
nuisance dusts, allergens and other particulates.

• Gas masks. We have supplied gas masks to the U.S. military for several decades. The latest versions of
these masks are currently in use by the U.S. military in Iraq, Afghanistan and other parts of the world.
Our commercial version of this gas mask, the Millennium, was developed based on the MCU-2/P, the
gas mask currently used by the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy.

•

Escape hoods. Our Response Escape Hood is used by law enforcement personnel, government workers,
chemical and pharmaceutical workers, and anyone needing to escape from unknown concentrations of a
chemical, biological or radiological release of toxic gases and vapors. The hood gives users head and
upper neck coverage and respiratory protection to help them escape from threatening situations quickly
and easily.

Hand-held and permanent instruments. Our hand-held and permanent instruments include gas detection

instruments and thermal imaging cameras. Our gas detection instruments are used to detect the presence or
absence of various gases in the air. These instruments can be either hand-held or permanently installed. Typical
applications of these instruments include the detection of the lack of oxygen in confined spaces or the presence of
combustible or toxic gases. Our hand-held thermal imaging cameras are used by firefighters to see downed
victims through dense smoke, or to detect the source of the fire.

•

•

Single- and multi-gas hand-held detectors. Our single- and multi-gas detectors provide portable
solutions for detecting the presence of oxygen, hydrogen sulfide, carbon monoxide and combustible
gases, either singularly or all four gases at once. Our hand held portable instruments are used by
chemical workers, oil and gas workers, utility workers entering confined spaces, or anywhere a user
needs protection to continuously monitor the quality of the atmosphere they are working in and around.

Thermal imaging cameras. Our infrared thermal imaging cameras, or TICs, are used in the global fire
service market. TICs detect sources of heat in order to locate firefighters and other people trapped inside
burning or smoke-filled structures. TICs can also be used to identify “hot spots.” Recently, we
introduced the Evolution® 5200 Thermal Imaging Camera, which combines the functionality and
durability required by the fire service with features and performance capabilities not found in other
small format TICs.

• Multi-point permanently installed gas detection systems. Our comprehensive line of gas monitoring

systems is used to continuously monitor for combustible and toxic gases and oxygen deficiency in
virtually any gas detection application where continuous monitoring is required. Our systems are used
for gas detection in the pulp and paper, refrigerant monitoring, petrochemical and general industrial
applications. Our newest line, the SafeSite Hazardous Gas Detection System, designed and developed
for homeland security applications, combines the technologies and features from our line of permanent
and portable gas detection offerings. The SafeSite System detects and communicates the presence of
toxic industrial chemicals and chemical warfare agents. With up to 16 monitoring stations, wirelessly
connected to a base station, the SafeSite System allows law enforcement officials to rapidly deploy and
set up perimeter gas sensing sentinels that continuously monitor the air for toxic gases at large public
events, in subways or at federal facilities, and continuously report their status to incident command.

•

Flame detectors and open-path infrared gas detectors. Our line of flame and combustible gas detectors
is used for plant-wide monitoring of toxic gas concentrations and for detecting the presence of flames.
These systems utilize infrared optics to detect potentially hazardous conditions across distances as far as
120 meters, making them suitable for use in such places as offshore oil rigs, storage vessels, refineries,
pipelines, and ventilation ducts. First used in the oil and gas industry, our systems currently have broad
applications in petrochemical facilities, the transportation industry and in pharmaceutical production.

4

Eye, face, hearing and head protection. Eye, face, hearing and head protection is used in work environments
where hazards present a danger to the eye, face, hearing and head, such as dust, flying particles, metal fragments,
chemicals, extreme glare, optical radiation and items dropped from above. Our basic categories of these products are:

•

•

Industrial hard hats. Our broad line of hard hats include full-brim hats and traditional hard hats,
available in custom colors and with custom logos. These hard hats are used by plant, steel and
construction workers, miners and welders.

Fire helmets. Our fire service products include leather, traditional, modern and specialty helmets
designed to satisfy the preferences of firefighters across geographic regions. Our CairnsHELMET is the
number one helmet in the North American fire service market based on 2005 sales. Similarly, our Gallet
firefighting helmet has a number one market position in Europe based on 2005 sales.

• Military helmets. The Advanced Combat Helmet is used by the military for ballistic head protection. It
was originally designed for the Special Forces of the U.S. military and has now been designated as the
“basis of issue” by the U.S. Army. The Advanced Combat Helmet earned the distinction of being named
one of the greatest inventions of 2002 by the Department of Army’s Materiel Command.

•

Eye, face and hearing protection. We manufacture and sell a broad line of hearing protection products,
non-prescription protective eyewear and face shields, used in a variety of industries.

Body protection.

•

•

Fall protection. Our broad line of fall protection equipment includes the following: confined space
equipment; harnesses/fall arrest equipment; lanyards; and lifelines.

Ballistic body armor. Our ForceField™ Body Armor line, introduced in September 2005, features two
concealable ballistic vests and one over-the-uniform tactical vest designed for SWAT applications.

Customers—Our customers generally fall into three categories: industrial and military end-users,

distributors, and retail consumers. In North America, we make nearly all of our non-military sales through our
distributors. In our Europe and International segments, we make our sales through both indirect and direct sales
channels. Our U.S. military customers, which are comprised of multiple U.S. government entities, including the
Department of Defense, represented the largest group of customers based on our 2005 net sales and accounted for
approximately 15% of sales. The year-end backlog of orders under contracts with U.S. government agencies was
$57.9 million in 2005, $80.8 million in 2004, and $83.7 million in 2003.

Industrial and military end-users—Examples of the primary industrial and military end-users of our core

products are listed below:

Products

Respiratory Protection

Gas Detection

Head, Eye and Face, and
Hearing Protection

Primary End-Users

First Responders; General Industry Workers; Military Personnel

Oil, Gas, Petrochemical and Chemical Workers; First Responders;

Hazmat and Confined Space Workers

Construction Workers and Contractors; First Responders; General

Industry Workers; Military Personnel

Thermal Imaging Cameras

First Responders

Sales and Distribution—Our sales and distribution team consists of distinct marketing, field sales and
customer service organizations for our three geographic segments: North America, Europe, and International. We
believe our sales and distribution team, totaling over 400 dedicated associates, is the largest in our industry. In
most geographic areas, our field sales organizations work jointly with select distributors to call on end-users,
educating them about hazards, exposure limits, safety requirements and product applications, as well as specific
performance requirements of our products. In our International segment and Eastern Europe where distributors
are not well established, our sales associates work with and sell directly to end-users. Our development of
relationships with end-users is critical to increasing the overall demand for our products.

5

The in-depth customer training and education provided by our sales associates to our customers are critical

to ensure proper use of many of our products, such as SCBAs and gas detection instruments. As a result of our
sales associates working closely with end-users, they gain valuable insight into customers’ preferences and
needs. To better serve our customers and to ensure that our sales associates are among the most knowledgeable
and professional in the industry, we place significant emphasis on training our sales associates with respect to
product application, industry standards and regulations, sales skills and sales force automation.

We believe our sales and distribution strategy allows us to deliver a customer value proposition that
differentiates our products and services from those of our competitors, resulting in increased customer loyalty
and demand.

In areas where we use indirect selling, we promote, distribute, and service our products to general industry
through select authorized national, regional, and local distributors. Some of our key distributors include: Airgas;
W.W. Grainger Inc.; Fisher Safety, a division of Fisher Scientific International Inc.; and Hagemeyer. In North
America, we distribute fire service products primarily through specially trained local and regional distributors
who provide advanced training and service capabilities to volunteer and paid municipal fire departments. In our
Europe and International segments, we primarily sell to and service the fire service market directly. Because of
our broad and diverse product line and our desire to reach as many markets and market segments as possible, we
have over 4,000 authorized distributors worldwide.

We market consumer products under the MSA Safety Works brand through a dedicated sales and marketing

force. We serve the retail consumer through various channels, including distributors, such as Orgill Bros.,
hardware and equipment rental outlets, such as United Rentals, and retail chains, such as The Home Depot and
TrueValue.

Competition—We believe the worldwide personal protection equipment market, including the sophisticated

safety products market in which we compete, generates annual sales in excess of $12 billion. The industry
supplying this market is broad and highly fragmented with few participants able to offer a comprehensive line of
safety products. Generally, global demand for safety products has been stable or growing because purchases of
these products are non-discretionary since they protect workers in hazardous and life-threatening work
environments and because their use is often mandated by government and industry regulations. Moreover, safety
products industry revenues reflect the need to consistently replace many safety products that have limited life
spans due to normal course wear-and-tear or because they are one-time use products by design.

The safety products market is highly competitive, with participants ranging in size from small companies

focusing on a single type of personal protection equipment to a few large multinational corporations which
manufacture and supply many types of sophisticated safety products. Our main competitors vary by region and
product. We believe that participants in this industry compete primarily on the basis of product characteristics
(such as functional performance, agency approvals, design and style), price, brand name recognition and service.

We believe we compete favorably within each of our operating segments as a result of our high quality and

cost-efficient product offering and strong brand trust and recognition.

Research and Development—To maintain our position at the forefront of protective equipment technology,

we operate three sophisticated research and development facilities. We believe our dedication and commitment
to innovation and research and development allow us to produce innovative sophisticated safety products that are
often first to market and exceed industry standards. In 2005, 2004, and 2003, on a global basis, we spent
approximately $21.9 million, $22.6 million, and $20.9 million, respectively, on research and development. Our
engineering groups operate primarily in the United States and Germany, and to a lesser extent in Australia,
France, Brazil, China, Sweden, Japan, and Italy. Our global product development teams include cross-geographic
and cross-functional members from various areas throughout the company, including research and development,
marketing, sales, operations and quality management. These teams are responsible for setting product line
strategy based on their understanding of the markets and the technologies, opportunities and challenges they
foresee in each product area. These teams present their strategies, new product development portfolios and

6

resource allocation recommendations to our global research and development alignment council, made up of
senior executives from our global operations. The council refines the recommendations and presents them to our
senior executive team, which consists of the chief executive officer, chief financial officer, and presidents of our
North America, Europe and International segments. The senior executive team then establishes resource
allocation, corporate alignment and strategic direction.

We believe our team-based, cross-geographic and cross-functional approach to new product development is
a source of competitive advantage. Our approach to the new product development process allows us to tailor our
product offerings and product line strategies to satisfy distinct customer preferences and industry regulations that
vary across our three geographic segments.

We believe another important aspect of our approach to new product development is that our engineers and

technical associates work closely with the safety industry’s leading standards-setting groups and trade
associations, such as the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, or NIOSH, and the National Fire
Protection Association, or NFPA, to develop industry product requirements and standards and anticipate their
impact on our product lines. For example, nearly every consensus standard-setting body around the world that
impacts our product lines has one of our key managers as a voting member. Key members of our management
team understand the impact that these standard-setting organizations have on our new product development
pipeline and devote time and attention to anticipating a new standard’s impact on our net sales and operating
results. Because of our technological sophistication, commitment to and membership on global standard-setting
bodies, resource dedication to research and development and unique approach to the new product development
process, we believe we are well-positioned to anticipate and adapt to the needs of changing product standards and
gain the approvals and certifications necessary to meet new government and multinational product regulations.

Patents and Intellectual Property—We own and have obtained licenses to significant intellectual property,
including a number of domestic and foreign patents, patent applications and trademarks related to our products,
processes and business. Although our intellectual property plays an important role in maintaining our competitive
position in a number of markets that we serve, no single patent, or patent application, trademark or license is, in
our opinion, of such value to us that our business would be materially affected by the expiration or termination
thereof, other than the “MSA” trademark. Our patents expire at various times in the future not exceeding 20
years. Our general policy is to apply for patents on an ongoing basis in the United States and other countries, as
appropriate, to perfect our patent development. In addition to our patents, we have also developed or acquired a
substantial body of manufacturing know-how that we believe provides a significant competitive advantage over
our competitors.

Raw Materials and Suppliers—Nearly all components of our products are formulated, machined, tooled, or
molded in-house from raw materials. For example, we rely on integrated manufacturing capabilities for breathing
apparatus, gas masks, ballistic helmets, hardhats and circuit boards. The primary raw materials that we source
from third parties include rubber, chemical filter media, eye and face protective lenses, air cylinders, certain
metals, electronic components and ballistic resistant and non-ballistic fabrics. We purchase these materials both
domestically and internationally, and we believe our supply sources are both well established and reliable. We
have close vendor relationship programs with the majority of our key raw material suppliers. Although we
generally do not have long-term supply contracts, we have not experienced any significant problems in obtaining
adequate raw materials.

Employees—As of December 31, 2005, we had approximately 4,500 employees, approximately 2,300 of

whom were employed by our Europe and International segments. None of our U.S. employees are subject to the
provisions of a collective bargaining agreement. Some of our employees outside the United States are members
of unions. We have not experienced a work stoppage in over 10 years and believe our relations with our
employees are good.

Available Information—We post the following filings on the Investor Relations page on our Web site at
www.msanet.com as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with or furnished to

7

the Securities and Exchange Commission: our annual reports on Form 10-K, our quarterly reports on Form 10-Q,
our current reports on Form 8-K, and any amendments to those reports filed or furnished pursuant to
Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. All such filings on our Investor Relations Web
page are available to be viewed on this page free of charge. Information contained on our Web site is not part of
this annual report on Form 10-K or our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

A reduction in the spending patterns of government agencies could materially and adversely affect our net
sales, earnings and cash flow.

The demand for our products sold to the fire service market, the homeland security market and to U.S.

government agencies, including the Department of Defense, is, in large part, driven by available government
funding. For example, the level of government funding in these areas increased significantly after the attacks of
September 11, 2001 and fueled the demand for many of our products such as SCBAs, gas masks and Advanced
Combat Helmets. Approximately 15% of our net sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 were made directly
to U.S. military customers. Government budgets are set annually and we cannot assure you that government
funding will be sustained at the same level in the future. A significant reduction in available government funding
in the future could materially and adversely affect our net sales, earnings and cash flow.

The markets in which we compete are highly competitive, and some of our competitors have greater
financial and other resources than we do. The competitive pressures faced by us could materially and
adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The safety products market is highly competitive, with participants ranging in size from small companies

focusing on single types of safety products, to large multinational corporations that manufacture and supply
many types of safety products. Our main competitors vary by region and product. We believe that participants in
this industry compete primarily on the basis of product characteristics (such as functional performance, agency
approvals, design and style), price, brand name trust and recognition, and customer service. Some of our
competitors have greater financial and other resources than we do and our cash flows from operations could be
adversely affected by competitors’ new product innovations, technological advances made to competing products
and pricing changes made by us in response to competition from existing or new competitors. We may not be
able to compete successfully against current and future competitors and the competitive pressures faced by us
could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

If we fail to introduce successful new products or extend our existing product lines, we may lose our
market position and our financial performance may be materially and adversely affected.

In the safety products market, there are frequent introductions of new products and product line extensions.

If we are unable to identify emerging consumer and technological trends, maintain and improve the
competitiveness of our products and introduce new products, we may lose our market position, which could have
a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and results of operations. Although we continue to
invest significant resources in research and development and market research, continued product development
and marketing efforts are subject to the risks inherent in the development of new products and product line
extensions, including development delays, the failure of new products and product line extensions to achieve
anticipated levels of market acceptance and the cost of failed product introductions.

Product liability claims could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and
financial condition.

We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims arising from the alleged failure of

our products to prevent the types of personal injury or death against which they are designed to protect. Although
we have not experienced any material uninsured losses due to product liability claims, it is possible that we could

8

experience material losses in the future. In the event any of our products prove to be defective, we could be
required to recall or redesign such products. In addition, we may voluntarily recall or redesign certain products
that could potentially be harmful to end users. A successful claim brought against us in excess of available
insurance coverage, or any claim or product recall that results in significant expense or adverse publicity against
us, could have a material adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

Our ability to market and sell our products is subject to existing regulations and standards. Changes in
such regulations and standards or our failure to comply with them could materially and adversely affect
our results of operations.

Most of our products are required to meet performance and test standards designed to protect the health and

safety of people around the world. Our inability to comply with these standards may materially and adversely
affect our results of operations. Changes in regulations could reduce the demand for our products or require us to
reengineer our products, thereby creating opportunities for our competitors. Regulatory approvals for our
products may be delayed or denied for a variety of reasons that are outside of our control.

We have significant international operations, and we are subject to the risks of doing business in foreign
countries.

We have business operations in over 30 foreign countries. In 2005, approximately 38% of our net sales were

made by operations located outside the United States. Our international operations are subject to various
political, economic and other risks and uncertainties, which could adversely affect our business. These risks
include the following:

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

unexpected changes in regulatory requirements;

currency exchange rate fluctuations;

changes in trade policy or tariff regulations;

changes in tax laws and regulations;

intellectual property protection difficulties;

difficulty in collecting accounts receivable;

complications in complying with a variety of foreign laws and regulations, some of which conflict with
U.S. laws;

trade protection measures and price controls;

trade sanctions and embargos;

nationalization and expropriation;

increased international instability or potential instability of foreign governments;

the need to take extra security precautions for our international operations; and

costs and difficulties in managing culturally and geographically diverse international operations.

Any one or more of these risks could have a negative impact on the success of our international operations and
thereby materially and adversely affect our business as a whole.

Our future results are subject to availability of, and fluctuations in the costs of, purchased components
and materials due to market demand, currency exchange risks, material shortages and other factors.

We depend on various components and materials to manufacture our products. Although we have not

experienced any difficulty in obtaining components and materials, it is possible that any of our supplier
relationships could be terminated. Any sustained interruption in our receipt of adequate supplies could have a

9

material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. While we attempt to
minimize volatility in component and material pricing primarily by negotiating longer-term supply agreements
with fixed prices or fixed price ranges and maintaining multiple sources of key materials, we cannot assure you
that we will be able to successfully manage price fluctuations due to market demand, currency risks or material
shortages, or that future price fluctuations will not have a material adverse effect on our business, results of
operations and financial condition.

If we lose any of our key personnel or are unable to attract, train and retain qualified personnel, our
ability to manage our business and continue our growth would be negatively impacted.

Our success depends in large part on the continued contributions of our key management, engineering and
sales and marketing personnel, many of whom are highly skilled and would be difficult to replace. Our success
also depends on the abilities of new personnel to function effectively, both individually and as a group. If we are
unable to attract, effectively integrate and retain management, engineering or sales and marketing personnel, then
the execution of our growth strategy and our ability to react to changing market requirements may be impeded,
and our business could suffer as a result. Competition for personnel is intense, and we cannot assure you that we
will be successful in attracting and retaining qualified personnel. In addition, we do not currently maintain key
person life insurance.

We are subject to various environmental laws and any violation of these laws could adversely affect our
results of operations.

We are subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of the
environment, including those governing discharges to air and water, handling and disposal practices for solid and
hazardous wastes, and the maintenance of a safe workplace. These laws impose penalties for noncompliance and
liability for response costs and certain damages resulting from past and current spills, disposals or other releases
of hazardous materials. We could incur substantial costs as a result of noncompliance with or liability for cleanup
pursuant to these environmental laws. We have identified several known and potential environmental liabilities,
which we do not believe are material. Environmental laws have changed rapidly in recent years, and we may be
subject to more stringent environmental laws in the future. If more stringent environmental laws are enacted,
these future laws could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations.

Our inability to successfully identify, consummate and integrate future acquisitions or to realize
anticipated cost savings and other benefits could adversely affect our business.

One of our key operating strategies is to selectively pursue acquisitions. Any future acquisitions will depend

on our ability to identify suitable acquisition candidates and successfully consummate such acquisitions.
Acquisitions involve a number of risks including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

failure of the acquired businesses to achieve the results we expect;

diversion of our management’s attention from operational matters;

our inability to retain key personnel of the acquired businesses;

risks associated with unanticipated events or liabilities;

potential disruption of our existing business; and

customer dissatisfaction or performance problems at the acquired businesses.

If we are unable to integrate or successfully manage businesses that we may acquire in the future, we may

not realize anticipated cost savings, improved manufacturing efficiencies and increased revenue, which may
result in material adverse short- and long-term effects on our operating results, financial condition and liquidity.
Even if we are able to integrate the operations of our acquired businesses into our operations, we may not realize
the full benefits of the cost savings, revenue enhancements or other benefits that we may have expected at the

10

time of acquisition. In addition, even if we achieve the expected benefits, we may not be able to achieve them
within the anticipated time frame, and such benefits may be offset by costs incurred in integrating the companies
and increases in other expenses.

Because we derive a significant portion of our sales from the operations of our foreign subsidiaries, future
exchange rate fluctuations may adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition and may
affect the comparability of our results between financial periods.

For the year ended December 31, 2005, our operations in our Europe and International segments accounted

for 21% and 16% of our net sales, respectively. The results of our foreign operations are reported in the local
currency and then translated into U.S. dollars at the applicable exchange rates for inclusion in our consolidated
financial statements. The exchange rates between some of these currencies and the U.S. dollar have fluctuated
significantly in recent years and may continue to do so in the future. In addition, because our financial statements
are stated in U.S. dollars, such fluctuations may affect our results of operations and financial position and may
affect the comparability of our results between financial periods. We cannot assure you that we will be able to
effectively manage our exchange rate risks or that any volatility in currency exchange rates will not have a
material adverse effect on our results of operations and financial condition.

Our continued success depends on our ability to protect our intellectual property. If we are unable to
protect our intellectual property, our net sales could be materially and adversely affected.

Our success depends, in part, on our ability to obtain and enforce patents, maintain trade secret protection
and operate without infringing on the proprietary rights of third parties. We have been issued patents and have
registered trademarks with respect to many of our products, but our competitors could independently develop
similar or superior products or technologies, duplicate any of our designs, trademarks, processes or other
intellectual property or design around any processes or designs on which we have or may obtain patents or
trademark protection. In addition, it is possible that third parties may have, or will acquire, licenses for patents or
trademarks that we may use or desire to use, so that we may need to acquire licenses to, or to contest the validity
of, such patents or trademarks of third parties. Such licenses may not be made available to us on acceptable
terms, if at all, and we may not prevail in contesting the validity of third party rights.

In addition to patent and trademark protection, we also protect trade secrets, know-how and other

confidential information against unauthorized use by others or disclosure by persons who have access to them,
such as our employees, through contractual arrangements. These agreements may not provide meaningful
protection for our trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information in the event of any unauthorized use,
misappropriation or disclosure of such trade secrets, know-how or other proprietary information. If we are unable
to maintain the proprietary nature of our technologies, our results of operations and financial condition could be
materially and adversely affected.

Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

11

Item 2. Properties

Our principal executive offices are located at 121 Gamma Drive, RIDC Industrial Park, O’Hara Township,

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15238 in a 93,000 square-foot building owned by us. We own or lease our primary
facilities located in seven states in the United States and in a number of other countries. We believe that all of our
facilities, including the manufacturing facilities, are in good repair and in suitable condition for the purposes for
which they are used.

The following table sets forth a list of our primary facilities:

Location

North America
Murrysville, PA
Cranberry Twp., PA

Evans City, PA
Jacksonville, NC
Pittsburgh, PA
Pittsburgh, PA
Cranberry Twp., PA
Sparks, MD

Englewood, CO
Clifton, NJ
Englewood, CO
Newport, VT
Bowling Green, KY

Mexico City, Mexico
Toronto, Canada

Europe
Berlin, Germany

Function

Manufacturing
Office, Research and Development, and

Manufacturing

Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Office
Distribution
Research and Development
Office, Research and Development, and

Manufacturing

Manufacturing
Manufacturing
Distribution
Manufacturing
Office, Research and Development, and

Manufacturing

Distribution and Manufacturing
Distribution

Square Feet

Owned
or Leased

295,000
212,000

Owned
Owned

194,000
107,000
93,000
81,000
68,000
52,000

41,000
41,000
15,000
12,000
7,000

Leased
Owned
Owned
Leased
Owned
Leased

Leased
Owned
Leased
Leased
Leased

6,000
5,000

Leased
Leased

Office, Research and Development, Manufacturing

340,000

Leased

and Distribution

Chatillon sur Chalaronne, France

Office, Research and Development, Manufacturing

94,000

Leased

Glasgow, Scotland
Milan, Italy
Mohammedia, Morocco
Varnamo, Sweden

Glasgow, Scotland

International
Wuxi, China

and Distribution

Office and Manufacturing
Office, Research and Development and Distribution
Manufacturing
Office, Research and Development, Manufacturing

25,000
25,000
24,000
17,000

Leased
Owned
Owned
Leased

and Distribution

Distribution

6,000

Leased

Office, Research and Development, Manufacturing

92,000

Owned

and Distribution

Johannesburg, South Africa
São Paulo, Brazil

Office, Manufacturing and Distribution
Office, Research and Development, Manufacturing

89,000
60,000

Leased
Owned

and Distribution

Sydney, Australia

Office, Research and Development, Manufacturing

57,000

Owned

Lima, Peru
Santiago, Chile

and Distribution
Office and Distribution
Office, Manufacturing and Distribution

34,000
8,000

Owned
Owned

12

Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We are subject to federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances relating to the protection of the
environment, including those governing discharges to air and water, handling and disposal practices for solid and
hazardous wastes, and the maintenance of a safe workplace. There are no current or expected legal proceedings
or expenditures with respect to environmental matters that would materially affect our operations.

Various lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business are pending against us. These lawsuits

are primarily product liability claims. We are presently named as a defendant in approximately 3,000 lawsuits
primarily involving respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. Collectively, these
lawsuits represent a total of approximately 26,000 plaintiffs. Approximately 90% of these lawsuits involve
plaintiffs alleging they suffer from silicosis, with the remainder alleging they suffer from other or combined
injuries, including asbestosis. These lawsuits typically allege that these conditions resulted in part from
respirators that were negligently designed or manufactured by us. Consistent with the experience of other
companies involved in silica and asbestos-related litigation, in recent years there has been an increase in the
number of asserted claims that could potentially involve us. We cannot determine our potential maximum
liability for such claims, in part because the defendants in these lawsuits are often numerous, and the claims
generally do not specify the amount of damages sought.

With some limited exceptions, we maintain insurance against product liability claims. We also maintain a
reserve for uninsured product liability based on expected settlement charges for pending claims and an estimate
of unreported claims derived from experience, sales volumes and other relevant information. We reevaluate our
exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the reserve as appropriate. Based on information
currently available, we believe that the disposition of matters that are pending will not have a materially adverse
effect on our financial condition.

In connection with our sale of the Callery Chemical facility in Evans City, Pennsylvania, we have retained

responsibility for certain environmental costs at this site, where relatively low levels of contamination are known
to exist. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement with BASF, our maximum liability for these matters is
capped at $50.0 million. Based on environmental studies performed prior to the sale of the division, we do not
believe that our potential exposure under the terms of this agreement will materially affect our financial
condition.

13

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

During the fourth quarter of 2005, there were no matters submitted to a vote of security holders through the

solicitation of proxies or otherwise.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following sets forth the names and ages of our executive officers indicating all positions held during the

past five years:

Name

Age

Principal Occupations or
Employment During Past Five Years

John T. Ryan III . . . . . . . . . .

62 Chairman of the Board of Directors; Chief Executive Officer since October

1991.

James H. Baillie . . . . . . . . . .

59 Vice President; President, MSA Europe since March 1999.

Joseph A. Bigler . . . . . . . . . .

56 Vice President since January 1998; primarily responsible for North

American sales and distribution.

Kerry M. Bove . . . . . . . . . . .

47 Vice President since August 2000; primarily responsible for North

Rob Cañizares M. . . . . . . . . .

American manufacturing operations and materials management and the
optimization of global manufacturing operations.

56 Vice President; President, MSA International since January 2003. Prior to
that time, Mr. Cañizares was senior vice president of global sales and
service group of Trane Company.

Ronald N. Herring, Jr. . . . . . .

45 Vice President since January 2004; primarily responsible for North

American marketing, research and engineering, and quality assurance.
Prior to that time, Mr. Herring served as the general manager of the safety
products division, and as the director of marketing for the safety products
division.

William M. Lambert . . . . . . .

47 Vice President; President, MSA North America since January 2003. Prior

to that time, Mr. Lambert was vice president and general manager of the
safety products division.

Douglas K. McClaine . . . . . .

48 Vice President, Secretary and General Counsel since May 2005; and

served as secretary and general counsel since July 2002. Prior to that time,
Mr. McClaine was associate general counsel.

Stephen C. Plut . . . . . . . . . . .

46 Vice President, Chief Information Officer since May 2005. Prior to that

time, Mr. Plut was chief information officer.

Dennis L. Zeitler . . . . . . . . . .

57 Vice President; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer since November

2000.

14

PART II

Item 5. Market for the Registrant’s Common Equity, Related Stockholder Matters and Issuer Purchases

of Equity Securities

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MSA.” Stock price

ranges and dividends declared and paid were as follows:

Year ended December 31, 2004
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Quarter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year ended December 31, 2005
First Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Second Quarter
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Third Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fourth Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Price Range of Our
Common Stock

High

Low

Dividends

$31.92
36.75
44.00
52.50

$53.00
47.29
50.18
42.60

$21.37
25.10
31.50
35.00

$36.25
33.89
38.13
35.18

$.07
.10
.10
.10

$.10
.14
.14
.14

On February 17, 2006, there were 405 registered holders of our shares of common stock.

The information appearing in Part III below regarding common stock issuable under our equity compensation

plans is incorporated herein by reference.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

Period

October 1 - October 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
November 1 - November 30, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . .
December 1 - December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . .

Total
Number of
Shares
Purchased

—
731
100,000

Average
Price Paid
per Share

—
$36.99
36.69

Total Number
of Shares
Purchased as
Part of
Publicly
Announced
Plans or
Programs

—
731
100,000

Maximum
Number of
Shares that
May Yet Be
Purchased
Under the
Plans or
Programs

116,466
2,692,391
2,777,403

On October 26, 2004, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to 200,000 shares of common

stock from time to time in private transactions and on the open market. The share purchase program has no
expiration date.

On November 2, 2005, the Board of Directors authorized the purchase of up to $100 million of common

stock from time to time in private transactions and on the open market. The share purchase program has no
expiration date. The maximum shares that may yet be purchased are calculated based on the dollars remaining
under the program and the respective month-end closing share price.

We do not have any other share repurchase programs.

15

Item 6. Selected Financial Data

The following selected financial data should be read in conjunction with our consolidated financial

statements, including the respective notes thereto, as well as the section entitled “Management’s Discussion and
Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations,” included elsewhere in this annual report on
Form 10-K.

Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cost of products sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency exchange losses (gains)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of discontinued operations—after tax . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Earnings per Share Data:
Basic per common share continuing operations (in

2005

2004

2003

2002

2001

(In thousands, except as noted)

$907,912
4,058
552,472
207,816
21,928
5,484
474
42,013
81,783
—
—
81,783

$852,509
5,004
512,089
204,799
22,648
3,845
264
42,821
71,047
—
—
71,047

$696,473
1,724
422,273
180,060
20,897
4,564
(3,356)
24,835
48,924
2,685
13,658
65,267

$564,426
2,271
344,847
149,730
19,459
4,769
(191)
16,870
31,213
3,864
—
35,077

$509,736
2,776
306,759
139,861
15,742
5,349
1,197
17,753
25,851
5,780
—
31,631

dollars) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

2.24

$

1.91

$

1.33

$

.85

$

Diluted per common share continuing operations (in

dollars) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . .

Dividends paid per common share (in dollars)
Weighted average common shares

2.19
.52

1.86
.37

1.31
.26

.85
.22

.72

.71
.18

outstanding—basic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36,560

37,111

36,730

36,512

35,729

Balance Sheet Data:
Working capital
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Working capital ratio . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity per common share (in dollars) . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Note:
Cost of products sold, selling, general and

administrative expenses, and research and
development expenses include noncash pension
income.

$246,367
2.9
116,209
725,357
45,834
381,470
10.44

$270,593
3.1
123,716
734,110
54,463
376,679
10.09

$207,216
2.8
120,560
643,885
59,915
306,867
8.31

$138,182
2.4
130,407
579,765
64,350
288,009
7.86

$135,186
2.6
156,413
520,698
67,381
252,451
6.95

Noncash pension income, pre-tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

6,104

$

7,188

$

8,845

$ 13,125

$ 14,962

Working capital at December 31, 2003 and 2002 excludes assets held for sale.

Item 7. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the historical financial statements

and other financial information included elsewhere in this annual report on Form 10-K. This discussion may
contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. The forward-looking statements are not
historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our

16

industry, business and future financial results. Our actual results could differ materially from the results
contemplated by these forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including those discussed in the
sections of this annual report entitled “Forward-Looking Statements” and “Risk Factors.”

BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We are a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of sophisticated products that protect

people’s health and safety. Sophisticated safety products typically integrate any combination of electronics,
mechanical systems and advanced materials to protect users against hazardous or life threatening situations. Our
comprehensive lines of safety products are used by workers around the world in the fire service, homeland
security, construction and other industries, as well as the military.

In recent years, we have concentrated on specific initiatives intended to help improve our competitive

position and profitability, including:

•

•

•

•

•

•

identifying and developing promising new markets;

focusing on innovation and new product introductions;

further strengthening relationships with major distributors;

optimizing factory performance and driving operational excellence;

positioning international business to capture significant growth opportunities; and

pursuing strategic acquisitions.

We tailor our product offerings and distribution strategy to satisfy distinct customer preferences that vary

across geographic regions. We believe that we best serve these customer preferences by organizing our business
into three geographic segments: North America, Europe, and International. Each segment includes a number of
operating companies. In 2005, approximately 63%, 21% and 16% of our net sales were made by our North
America, Europe and International segments, respectively.

North America. Our largest manufacturing and research and development facilities are located in the United

States. We serve our North American markets with sales and distribution functions in the U.S., Canada, and
Mexico.

Europe. Our Europe segment includes well-established companies in most Western European countries and

more recently established operations in a number of Eastern European locations. Our largest European
companies, based in Germany and France, develop, manufacture, and sell a wide variety of products. Operations
in other European countries focus primarily on sales and distribution in their respective home country markets.
While some of these companies may perform limited production, most of their sales are of products that are
manufactured in our plants in Germany, France, and the U.S., or are purchased from third party vendors.

International. Our International segment includes operating entities located in Abu Dhabi, Argentina,
Australia, Brazil, Chile, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Peru, Singapore, South Africa and
Zimbabwe, some of which are in developing regions of the world. Principal manufacturing operations are located
in Australia, Brazil, South Africa, and China. These companies develop and manufacture products that are sold
primarily in each company’s home country and regional markets. The other companies in the International
segment focus primarily on sales and distribution in their respective home country markets. While some of these
companies may perform limited production, most of their sales are of products that are manufactured in our
plants in the U.S., Germany and France, or are purchased from third party vendors.

In 2005, we achieved record sales and net income from continuing operations for the fifth consecutive year.

We believe that this performance and our improving financial performance in recent years are the result of
initiatives that have allowed us to anticipate and respond quickly to market requirements, particularly in the fire

17

service, homeland security, construction and general industries, as well as the military. We believe that this sales
growth reflects our ability to quickly bring to market products that comply with changing industry standards and
to create new market demand with innovative products. For example, we have successfully responded to
increased homeland security and military market demand for products such as the Advanced Combat Helmet and
related communication system and the Millennium Chemical-Biological and the MCU-2/P gas masks that
occurred after the September 11th attacks and during the ongoing war on terrorism.

Our results in Europe improved nicely in 2005 and have shown resiliency despite the generally poor
economic climate in most of Western Europe. Our acquisition of CGF Gallet in 2002, now MSA Gallet, added
the leading line of European firefighter head protection to our product line and has helped improve our overall
performance in Europe. In 2004, we improved our market position and expertise in hearing protection by
acquiring Sordin AB, which is headquartered in Varnamo, Sweden. In other international markets, 2005 sales
were generally higher in most markets. These improvements reflect focused efforts to effectively reach
customers and, particularly in Latin America, improvements in general economic conditions.

ACQUISITIONS

On September 1, 2005, we acquired Microsensor Systems, Inc. of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Microsensor
Systems is a world leader in surface acoustic wave based chemical sensing technology used to detect chemical
warfare agents. We believe the acquisition of Microsensor Systems significantly strengthens our position as a
premier provider of leading edge detection technology, while expanding our product offerings in the homeland
security, emergency responder, law enforcement, military and industrial markets. The initial purchase price was
$12.8 million. Additional consideration of up to $2.3 million could be paid based on sales of certain Microsensor
Systems products through August 31, 2010.

On June 30, 2004, we acquired Sordin AB of Varnamo, Sweden, a leading manufacturer of passive and
electronic hearing protection designed for the industrial, law enforcement and military markets. We believe the
acquisition of Sordin enhances our position as a provider of modern, leading-edge hearing protective devices.
Many of Sordin’s products are compatible with our other safety products, including our flagship V-Gard® Hard
Hat. Sordin also developed the modular integrated communications system currently being used with the
Advanced Combat Helmet that we manufacture for the U.S. Army. The initial purchase price was approximately
$4.3 million. The acquisition agreement provided for additional consideration of up to $5.4 million to be paid to
the former owners based on Sordin’s earnings performance during the five year period from July 1, 2004 through
June 30, 2009. In October 2005, the acquisition agreement was amended to satisfy our additional consideration
obligation to 60% of the former shareholders with a lump sum payment of $2.2 million, which was charged to
goodwill. The additional consideration due to the remaining 40% of the former shareholders, who comprise the
current Sordin management team, is being recognized as compensation expense over the five year earn out
period, as specified in the acquisition agreement.

DISCONTINUED OPERATIONS

In September 2003, we sold our Callery Chemical Division to BASF Corporation. In accordance with

accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, the operating results of the Callery
Chemical Division for all periods presented through the date of sale and the gain on the sale to BASF
Corporation during the year ended December 31, 2003 have been reported as discontinued operations in the
consolidated statements of income. The sale of the Callery Chemical Division to BASF Corporation resulted in
an after-tax gain of $13.7 million.

The after-tax proceeds of $53.8 million received from the sale of the Callery Chemical Division and the

subsequent liquidation of net assets retained by us were distributed to shareholders on November 24, 2003 and
charged to retained earnings as a capital distribution.

18

RESULTS OF CONTINUING OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2005 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2004

Net sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2005 were $907.9 million, an increase of $55.4
million, or 6%, from $852.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Our net sales increased in all
segments as follows:

2005

2004

Dollar
Increase

Percent
Increase

(In millions)

North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$575.9
187.2
144.8

$564.6
173.0
114.9

$11.3
14.2
29.9

2%
8%
26%

Net sales of the North American segment were $575.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, an
increase of $11.3 million, or 2%, compared to $564.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The sales
increase in the year ended December 31, 2005 reflects higher shipments of Advanced Combat Helmets and
related communication systems, head protection, and instruments, partially offset by lower shipments of SCBAs
and gas masks. Our shipments of Advanced Combat Helmets and communications systems to the military
improved during the current year by approximately $8.3 million and $11.5 million, respectively, reflecting
continued government funding to support the war on terrorism. Our sales of head protection, instruments and fall
protection were up approximately $10.7 million, $6.5 million, and $3.4 million, respectively, on increased
demand in construction and industrial markets. In the fire service market, our SCBA sales were down
approximately $13.3 million compared to the prior year. We believe that the decrease in SCBA sales was
primarily due to delays in 2005 federal funding to local fire departments under the Assistance to Firefighters
Grant Program. Our 2005 SCBA sales rebounded late in the year after this funding was released to local fire
departments. Gas mask sales were approximately $17.1 million lower than in 2004. The decrease in gas mask
sales in 2005 reflects lower shipments of military masks, as well as commercial masks to the homeland security
market, following very strong demand in 2004. During 2003 and 2004, we saw significant demand for gas masks
in the homeland security market. Although we have seen significant interest and demand for the recently-
introduced Evolution 5200 thermal imaging camera, sales of TICs have been flat year-to-year due to production
delays earlier this year caused by a parts supply issue with a key vendor. The parts availability issue was largely
resolved during the third quarter.

Net sales by European operations were $187.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, an increase of
$14.2 million, or 8%, from $173.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Approximately $6.1 million of
the sales increase related to hearing protection sales by MSA Sordin, which we acquired on June 30, 2004. Local
currency sales by other companies throughout Europe improved approximately $5.1 million during 2005,
including shipments of several large breathing apparatus orders for the fire service and police markets.
Approximately $3.0 million of the European segment sales increase was due to favorable exchange rate effects
on the translation of local currency sales to U.S. dollars.

Net sales by International operations were $144.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2005 compared

to $114.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $29.9 million, or 26%. Local currency
sales were up approximately $6.0 million in our South American companies, reflecting improved economic
conditions and focused sales initiatives. Our sales in the Middle East were approximately $5.8 million higher
during the current year, primarily due to a large breathing apparatus order. Operations in China and Australia
reported sales increases of approximately $5.4 million and $4.5 million, respectively, for the year.
Approximately $5.5 million of the increase in International segment sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, was
related to the favorable effect of stronger international currencies, particularly the Brazilian real, Australian
dollar and South African rand.

Cost of products sold. Cost of products sold was $552.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2005, an

increase of $40.4 million, or 8%, from $512.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The increase
relates primarily to higher sales.

19

Cost of products sold and operating expenses include net periodic pension benefit costs and credits. Pension

credits, combined with pension costs, resulted in net pension credits for the year ended December 31, 2005 of
$6.1 million, of which approximately $3.7 million was included in cost of products sold, $2.2 million in selling
general and administrative expenses, and $0.2 million in research and development expenses. Net pension credits
for the year ended December 31, 2004 were $7.2 million, of which approximately $4.4 million was included in
cost of products sold, $2.5 million in selling, general and administrative expenses, and $0.3 million in research
and development expenses. The recognition of pension income in the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004
is primarily the result of the exceptional investment performance of the MSA Non-Contributory Pension Plan for
the Employees, or the MSA Pension Plan, over the past ten years. During that period, the investment
performance of the MSA Pension Plan has ranked among the top 1% of all U.S. pension funds according to a
comparison of fund performance made by our investment consultant. Future net pension credits can be volatile
depending on the future performance of plan assets, changes in actuarial assumptions regarding such factors as
the selection of discount rates and rates of return on plan assets, changes in the amortization levels of actuarial
gains and losses, plan amendments affecting benefit pay-out levels, and profile changes in the participant
populations being valued. Changes in any of these factors could cause net pension credits to change. To the
extent net pension credits decline in the future, our net income would be adversely affected.

Gross profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $355.4 million, an increase of $15.0

million, or 4%, from $340.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The ratio of gross profit to sales
decreased to 39.1% in 2005 compared to 39.9% in 2004. The lower gross profit ratio in 2005 was primarily due
to sales mix changes in North America, on proportionately lower sales of higher margin SCBAs and gas masks
and proportionately higher sales of Advanced Combat Helmets and communication systems to the U.S. military
at gross margins that are generally lower than our margins on commercial sales.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year

ended December 31, 2005 were $207.8 million, an increase of $3.0 million, or 1%, from $204.8 million for the
year ended December 31, 2004. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 22.9% of sales in 2005
compared to 24.0% of sales in 2004. Current year selling, general and administrative expenses in the North
American segment were approximately $3.4 million lower than in 2004, reflecting the favorable effect of cost
control efforts. Exchange effects related to the strengthening of international currencies, particularly the euro,
Brazilian real, and Australian dollar, increased selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended
December 31, 2005 by approximately $2.8 million. The remainder of the increase reflects higher local currency
expenses in the European and International segments, on higher sales volumes, and includes an increase of
approximately $1.3 million at MSA Sordin, which was acquired on June 30, 2004.

Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses were $21.9 million for the year

ended December 31, 2005, a decrease of $0.7 million, or 3%, from $22.6 million for the year ended
December 31, 2004. The decrease occurred primarily in North America and reflects the favorable effects of the
previously-mentioned cost control efforts.

Depreciation and amortization expense. Depreciation and amortization expense, which is reported in cost

of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses, was $24.3 million
for the year ended December 31, 2005, a decrease of $1.2 million, or 5%, from $25.5 million for the year ended
December 31, 2004. The decrease was primarily due to lower depreciation on Advanced Combat Helmet
production equipment and our enterprise-wide system software.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $5.5 million, an increase of

$1.7 million, or 43%, from $3.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. Interest expense in 2004 was
favorably affected by a realized gain of $0.7 million on an interest rate swap transaction that we terminated. The
remainder of the increase was primarily related to higher short term borrowings during the year ended
December 31, 2005.

20

Currency exchange adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2005, we recorded currency

exchange losses of $0.5 million compared to losses of $0.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
Currency exchange losses in 2005 were primarily related to euro-denominated assets held by us, and reflect a
weakening of that currency since December 31, 2004. The currency exchange loss during 2004 was primarily
due to losses on forward exchange contracts that we entered into to hedge our exposure to movements in euro
exchange rates, partially offset by some strengthening of the euro.

Other income. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $4.1 million, a decrease of $0.9

million from $5.0 million in 2004. During the current year, we recognized a gain of approximately $0.7 million
on the sale of idle production equipment in Germany and estimated interest income of approximately $0.5
million related to settled issues in the IRS audits of tax years 1995 through 2001. In 2004, we recognized
approximately $1.1 million of estimated interest income with respect to settled issues in the audits of tax years
1995 through 2001.

Income tax provision. Our effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2005 was 33.9%
compared to 37.6% for the year ended December 31, 2004. In June 2005, we received communication from the
Internal Revenue Service indicating that their audits of our federal income tax returns for the years 1995 through
2001 were substantially complete, with no adverse adjustments to research and development credits that we
claimed during the period covered by the examinations. On the basis of this communication, our provision for
income taxes for the year ended December 31, 2005 includes a one-time benefit of approximately $2.0 million,
primarily related to the release of previously-established reserves taken on research and development credits
claimed in those years. In 2004, we made unfavorable adjustments to prior years’ taxes at approximately $1.1
million.

No deferred U.S. income taxes have been provided on undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries, which

amounted to $114.2 million as of December 31, 2005. These earnings are considered to be reinvested for an
indefinite period of time. It is not practicable to determine the deferred tax liability on these undistributed earnings.

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 provided a limited opportunity through 2005 to repatriate the
undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries at a U.S. tax cost that could be lower than the normal tax cost on
such distributions. During 2005, we repatriated $29.7 million of dividends, $22.0 million of which qualified
under these provisions. The resulting impact of these dividends on our income tax expense was not material.

The determination of annual income tax expense takes into consideration amounts which may be needed to
cover exposures for open tax years. We have resolved all matters with the IRS related to our federal income tax
returns through 2002 and are awaiting the final clearance on the 1995 through 2001 examination from the Joint
Committee on Taxation. We believe that we have made adequate provision for income taxes and interest which
may become payable or receivable for years not yet settled. We do not expect any material adverse impact on
earnings to result from the resolution of matters related to open tax years.

Net income. Net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $81.8

million, an increase of $10.8 million, or 15%, over net income from continuing operations for the year ended
December 31, 2004 of $71.0 million. Continuing operations earnings per basic share of common stock improved
to $2.24 in 2005 compared to $1.91 in 2004.

North America segment net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 was

$62.1 million, an increase of $6.5 million, or 12%, from $55.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004.
The improvement in North American net income was primarily due to the previously-discussed sales growth,
cost controls and lower effective income tax rate.

Europe segment net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 was $11.1

million, an increase of $4.4 million, or 65%, from $6.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The
increase includes approximately $1.1 million of income related to Sordin which was acquired on June 30, 2004.
The remainder of the improvement was primarily related to the previously-discussed sales improvement.

21

International segment net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2005 was
$9.2 million, an increase of $0.7 million, or 9%, from $8.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2004. The
improvement in International segment net income was primarily related to the previously-discussed sales growth.

Year Ended December 31, 2004 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2003

Net sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2004 were $852.5 million, an increase of $156.0
million, or 22%, from $696.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Our net sales increased in all
segments as follows:

2004

2003

Dollar
Increase

Percent
Increase

(In millions)

North America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Europe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
International . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$564.6
173.0
114.9

$452.6
146.2
97.7

$112.0
26.8
17.2

25%
18%
18%

Net sales of the North American segment were $564.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, an

increase of $112.0 million, or 25%, compared to $452.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. We
believe that our 2004 sales growth in North America was the direct result of our focus on key markets, including
fire service, homeland security, and the military. Our sales of Advanced Combat Helmets, and related
communications systems, to the military increased approximately $58.6 million during 2004, reflecting increased
government funding to support the war on terrorism. In 2004, our sales of self-contained breathing apparatus, or
SCBAs, and thermal imaging cameras, or TICs, to the fire service market increased approximately $33.0 million
and $7.7 million, respectively. Throughout 2004, we saw strong demand for our latest generation SCBAs, which,
in 2003, were the first to be approved under the 2002 NFPA performance standards and the NIOSH Chemical,
Biological, Radiological and Nuclear, or CBRN, standard to protect first responders against possible terrorist
attacks. Higher thermal imaging camera sales in 2004 reflect strong demand for our Evolution® 5000 TIC, which
combines the functionality and durability required by the fire service with features and performance not found on
other small format cameras. Sales of instrument products were approximately $10.6 million higher in 2004, on
strong demand for our latest generation portable instruments.

During 2003, we changed our standard shipping terms to U.S. distributors from FOB Shipping Point to FOB

Destination. We made this change to improve customer service by obtaining greater control and flexibility over
carrier selection and delivery schedules and by reducing customer exposure to in-transit loss and damage. The effect
of this change, which delayed revenue recognition on affected shipments until the goods reach their destination,
reduced sales and gross margins in 2003 by approximately $4.7 million and $2.7 million, respectively.

Net sales by European operations were $173.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of

$26.8 million, or 18%, from $146.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. Approximately half of the
increase was due to the favorable effect of the stronger euro on net sales when stated in U.S. dollars. Sales by
Sordin, which we acquired on June 30, 2004, accounted for approximately $4.5 million of the increase. The
remainder of the improvement was primarily related to strong late year shipments of breathing apparatus by our
German company to customers in Eastern Europe. Local currency sales at our other European affiliates were
generally flat year-to-year, reflecting continued sluggishness in the Western European industrial sector.

Net sales by International operations were $114.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2004 compared

to $97.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2003, an increase of $17.2 million, or 18%. Approximately half
of the increase in International segment sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, was related to the favorable effect of
stronger international currencies, particularly the Australian dollar and the South African rand. The remainder of
the sales improvement was in Latin America, reflecting generally improved economic conditions.

Cost of products sold. Cost of products sold was $512.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2004, an

increase of $89.8 million, or 21%, from $422.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The increase
related primarily to higher sales.

22

Cost of products sold and selling, general and administrative expenses in 2003 were favorably affected by a

change in the vacation vesting policy for U.S. employees. Under the vacation vesting policy adopted in 2003,
employees earn their vacation entitlement during the current year. Previously, vacation was vested on the last day
of the prior year. The policy change resulted in favorable adjustments to cost of products sold and selling, general
and administrative expenses during 2003 of approximately $3.6 million and $1.8 million, respectively. The
vacation policy was changed to align the year the benefit is earned with the year it is received.

Cost of products sold and operating expenses include net periodic pension benefit costs and credits. Pension

credits, combined with pension costs, resulted in net pension credits for the year ended December 31, 2004 of
$7.2 million, of which approximately $4.4 million was included in cost of products sold, $2.5 million in selling
general and administrative expenses, and $0.3 million in research and development expenses. Net pension credits
for the year ended December 31, 2003 were $8.8 million, of which approximately $5.4 million was included in
cost of products sold, $3.1 million in selling, general and administrative expenses, and $0.3 million in research
and development expenses. In 2003, an additional pension credit of $2.0 million relating to a curtailment gain
from the sale of the Callery Chemical Division was included in net income from discontinued operations.

Gross profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $340.4 million, an increase of $66.2

million, or 24%, from $274.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The ratio of gross profit to sales
increased to 39.9% in 2004 compared to 39.4% in 2003. The improved gross profit ratio in 2004 was primarily
due to production efficiencies associated with higher North American sales, partially offset by proportionately
higher sales of Advanced Combat Helmets to the government at gross margins that are generally lower than our
margins on commercial sales. Our European operations also reported improved gross profits primarily related to
a product mix shift away from lower margin military helmets in 2003 to higher margin fire helmets in 2004.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year
ended December 31, 2004 were $204.8 million, an increase of $24.7 million, or 14%, from $180.1 million for the
year ended December 31, 2003. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 24.0% of sales in 2004
compared to 25.9% of sales in 2003. Our selling, general and administrative expenses in North America
increased approximately $15.5 million, primarily related to additional marketing and selling expenses associated
with generating and supporting the higher sales volumes. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the
year ended December 31, 2003 included a favorable adjustment of approximately $1.8 million related to the
previously-discussed change in the vacation vesting policy for our U.S. employees. The strengthening of
international currencies (particularly the euro, the Australian dollar, and the South African rand) increased
selling, general and administrative expenses when stated in U.S. dollars by approximately $6.9 million for the
year ended December 31, 2004. The remainder of the increase was primarily due to the acquisition of Sordin and
higher rent expense in Germany associated with the leaseback of property that was sold in September 2003.
Approximately $1.7 million of deferred gain related to the sale of the German property was recognized in other
income during the year ended December 31, 2004.

Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses were $22.6 million for the year

ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $1.7 million, or 8%, from $20.9 million for the year ended
December 31, 2003. The increase reflects an increased focus on new product development, particularly in
instruments and other electronic products.

Depreciation and amortization expense. Depreciation and amortization expense, which is reported in cost

of sales, selling, general and administrative expenses, and research and development expenses, was $25.5 million
for the year ended December 31, 2004, an increase of $2.3 million, or 10%, from $23.2 million for the year
ended December 31, 2003. The increase was primarily due to new asset additions in the United States to support
higher Advanced Combat Helmet production volumes.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $3.8 million, a decrease of

$0.8 million, or 16%, from $4.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2003. The decrease was related to
reductions in long term debt and short term borrowings and the discontinuance of our accounts receivable
securitization arrangement in August 2004.

23

Currency exchange adjustments. During the year ended December 31, 2004, we recorded currency
exchange losses of $0.3 million compared to gains of $3.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Currency exchange gains in 2003 were primarily related to euro and Canadian dollar denominated assets held by
us, and reflect a significant strengthening of those currencies during the year. Less favorable currency exchange
adjustments during 2004 reflect a less significant strengthening of the euro and the Canadian dollar, as well as
the offsetting effect of forward exchange contracts that we entered into to hedge our exposure to movements in
euro exchange rates.

Other income. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $5.0 million, an increase of $3.3

million from $1.7 million in 2003. During 2004, we recognized approximately $1.1 million of estimated interest
income with respect to settled issues in the federal income audits of tax years 1995 through 2001. As previously
mentioned, approximately $1.7 million of deferred gain related to the sale of our German property was
recognized as a gain on disposition of assets during 2004.

Income tax provision. Our effective income tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2004 was 37.6%
compared to 33.7% for the year ended December 31, 2003. The higher effective tax rate in 2004 was primarily
related to less favorable adjustments to previously-established valuation allowances on foreign tax credit carry
forwards and adjustments to prior years’ taxes. In 2004, we released approximately $0.6 million of valuation
allowances and made unfavorable adjustments to prior year’s taxes of approximately $1.1 million. In 2003, we
released approximately $1.2 million of valuation allowances and made favorable adjustments to prior year’s
taxes of approximately $0.8 million. The valuation allowances were released based on tax planning strategies
that we implemented and an improved outlook for foreign source income.

Net income. Net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $71.0

million, an increase of $22.1 million, or 45%, over net income from continuing operations for the year ended
December 31, 2003 of $48.9 million. Continuing operations earnings per basic share of common stock improved
to $1.91 in 2004 compared to $1.33 in 2003.

North America segment net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 was
$55.6 million, an increase of $16.5 million, or 42%, from $39.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.
The improvement in North American net income was primarily due to the previously-discussed sales growth.

Europe segment net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 was $6.7

million, an increase of $3.9 million, or 141%, from $2.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Approximately $0.4 million of the increase was due to the favorable currency translation effects of a stronger
euro. Local currency net income improvement occurred primarily in Germany, where income was up
approximately $2.4 million on improved sales and lower operating costs. Europe segment net income for 2004
also included approximately $0.6 million of income from the mid-year acquisition of Sordin AB.

International segment net income from continuing operations for the year ended December 31, 2004 was

$8.5 million, an increase of $2.2 million, or 34%, from $6.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2003.
Approximately $1.1 million of the income improvement occurred in Latin America, reflecting improved
economic conditions. Favorable currency translation effects, primarily related to the strengthening of the
Australian dollar and the South African rand, increased International segment income when stated in U.S. dollars
by approximately $0.7 million.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our main sources of liquidity are cash generated from operations and borrowing capacity. Our principal

liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures, and principal and interest payments on
outstanding indebtedness.

24

Cash and cash equivalents decreased $31.7 million during 2005 compared to increasing $3.3 million during

2004. The decrease in cash during the current period was primarily due to net company stock purchases for
treasury of $53.3 million, partially offset by a $34.2 million improvement in cash flow from continuing
operations.

Continuing operations provided cash of $86.0 million in 2005 compared to providing $51.8 million in 2004.

Better cash flow from operations during 2005 reflects improved net income from continuing operations and
non-cash items and lower use of cash for working capital, particularly inventory. Trade receivables were $169.4
million at December 31, 2005 and $157.8 million at December 31, 2004. The increase in trade receivables during
2005 was primarily related to higher sales levels. Trade receivables expressed in number of days sales
outstanding were 68 days at both December 31, 2005 and December 31, 2004. LIFO inventories were $119.7
million at December 31, 2005 and $124.8 million at December 31, 2004. On a FIFO basis, inventories measured
against cost of products sold turned 3.4 times in 2005 and 3.1 times in 2004. Cash flow from continuing
operations in 2004 was $19.3 million higher than in 2003, reflecting improved net income and non-cash items.

Discontinued operations provided $2.1 million of cash in 2004, primarily through collection of trade
receivables that were reported as assets held for sale at December 31, 2003. In 2003, discontinued operations
provided cash of $8.0 million, reflecting operating results through the date of the sale of the division and the
liquidation of trade receivables.

Our investing activities used cash of $37.3 million in 2005, compared with using $32.8 million in 2004.
During 2005 and 2004, we used cash of approximately $21.7 million and $27.3 million, respectively, for property
additions, primarily production equipment in the U.S. Acquisitions and other investing activities during 2005 and
2004 used cash of $17.0 million and $6.4 million, respectively. In 2005, we used net cash of approximately $12.8
million for the acquisition of Microsensor Systems Inc. and $2.2 million for additional consideration on the
Sordin acquisition. In 2004, we used net cash of approximately $4.3 million for the acquisition of Sordin. In
2003, the sale of the Callery Chemical Division and property in Germany provided cash of $63.0 million and
$22.9 million, respectively.

Financing activities used cash of $78.0 million in 2005 compared to using $19.4 million in 2004. During

2005 and 2004, we used cash of $58.0 million and $6.1 million, respectively, to purchase treasury shares. In the
current year, we made dividend payments of $19.1 million, compared to $13.8 million in 2004. During 2003, in
addition to regular dividend payments of $9.5 million, we made a special distribution to common shareholders of
$53.8 million, representing the after-tax proceeds from the sale of the Callery Chemical Division and the
subsequent liquidation of net assets retained by us. Dividends paid on our common stock during 2005 (our 88th
consecutive year of dividend payment) were $0.52 per share. Dividends paid on our common stock in 2004 and
2003 were $0.37 and $0.26, per share, respectively.

In April 2004, we entered into an eight year interest rate swap agreement. Under the terms of the agreement,
we receive a fixed interest rate of 8.39% and pay a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. The notional amount of
the swap is initially $20.0 million and declines $4.0 million per year beginning in 2008. The interest rate swap
has been designated as a fair value hedge of a portion of our fixed rate 8.39% Senior Notes.

The fair value of the interest rate swap at December 31, 2005, has been recorded as a liability of $0.9
million that is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with an offsetting reduction in the carrying value of the
long-term debt.

As a result of entering into the interest rate swap, we have increased our exposure to interest rate

fluctuations. Differences between the fixed rate amounts received and the variable rate amount paid are
recognized in interest expense on an ongoing basis. This rate difference resulted in a reduction in interest expense
of approximately $0.1 million and $0.3 million during the years ended December 31, 2005 and 2004,
respectively.

25

Long-term debt, including the current portion at December 31, 2005 was $54.0 million, or 12.4% of total
capital. For purposes of this calculation, total capital is defined as long-term debt plus the current portion of long-
term debt and shareholders’ equity.

The following table sets forth our long-term debt obligations:

2005

2004

(In thousands)

U.S.

Industrial development debt issues payable through 2022, 2.39% . . . . . . . .
Series B Senior Notes payable through 2006, 7.69% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Senior Notes payable through 2012, 8.39% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$10,750
4,000
39,070
50

$10,750
8,000
39,585
100

International

Various notes payable through 2006, 9.63% to 19.0% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts due within one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Long-term debt

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

98

53,968
8,134

45,834

524

58,959
4,496

54,463

Approximate maturities of these obligations are $8.1 million in 2006, $8.0 million in 2008, $8.8 million in
2009, $10.0 million in 2010, and $19.1 million thereafter. Some debt agreements require us to maintain certain
financial ratios and minimum net worth and contain restrictions on the total amount of debt. We were in
compliance with our debt covenants as of December 31, 2005.

Short-term bank lines of credit amounted to $59.0 million of which $58.3 million was unused at
December 31, 2005. Generally, these short-term lines of credit are renewable annually, and there are no
significant commitment fees or compensating balance requirements. Short-term borrowings with banks, which
exclude the current portion of long-term debt, were $0.7 million and $1.9 million at December 31, 2005 and
2004, respectively. The average month-end balance of total short-term borrowings during 2005 was $23.9
million. The maximum month-end balance of $32.9 million occurred at June 30, 2005. The weighted average
interest rates of short-term borrowings at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were 6% and 7%, respectively.

We believe our sources of liquidity currently available from our cash reserves on hand, cash flow from
operations and borrowing capacity are sufficient to meet our principal liquidity requirements for at least the next
12 months.

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE SECURITIZATION

In August 2004, we terminated our securitization arrangement with a financial institution under which Mine
Safety Funding Corporation, a consolidated wholly-owned bankruptcy remote subsidiary of the company, could
sell up to $30.0 million of eligible accounts receivable to a multi-seller asset-backed commercial paper issuer.
We terminated this arrangement because we no longer required the source of funding that the securitization
provided.

CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENTS

The year-end position of the U.S. dollar relative to international currencies resulted in a translation loss of

$11.1 million being charged to the cumulative translation adjustments shareholders’ equity account in 2005,
compared to gains of $8.9 million in 2004 and $14.7 million in 2003. Translation losses in 2005 occurred
primarily in Europe and reflect a weakening of the euro. Translation gains in 2004 were primarily due to the
strengthening of the euro, Australian dollar, and South African rand. Translation gains in 2003 reflect the
strengthening of most currencies against the U.S. dollar, primarily the euro and Australian dollar.

26

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

We are obligated to make future payments under various contracts, including debt and lease agreements.

Our significant cash obligations as of December 31, 2005 were as follows:

Total

2006

2007

2008

2009

2010

Thereafter

(In millions)

Long-term debt* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Operating leases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Take or pay supply contract
Totals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$54.0
27.6
4.0
85.6

$ 8.1
7.0
1.5
16.6

* Future interest payments are not included in the table above.

$ 8.8
3.7

$— $ 8.0
4.0
1.0 —
13.0

5.1
1.5
6.6

12.5

$10.0
3.8
—
13.8

$19.1
4.0
—
23.1

We expect to make net contributions of $1.7 million to our pension plans in 2006.

We have purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services, and property, plant and equipment as part

of our ordinary conduct of business.

During 2003, we sold our real property in Berlin, Germany for approximately $25.7 million, resulting in a

gain of approximately $13.6 million. At the same time, we entered into an eight year agreement to lease back the
portion of the property that we occupy. Under sale-leaseback accounting, $12.1 million of gain was deferred and
is being amortized over the term of the lease.

In 2003, we entered into a lease agreement with BASF pertaining to that portion of the Callery Chemical
site that is occupied by our Evans City, Pennsylvania manufacturing operations. The initial term of the lease was
one year, with a renewal option for five successive one year periods. In September 2005, we exercised our
second one year renewal option.

Various lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business are pending against us. These lawsuits

are primarily product liability claims. We are presently named as a defendant in approximately 3,000 lawsuits
primarily involving respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. Collectively, these
lawsuits represent a total of approximately 26,000 plaintiffs. Approximately 90% of these lawsuits involve
plaintiffs alleging they suffer from silicosis, with the remainder alleging they suffer from other or combined
injuries, including asbestosis. These lawsuits typically allege that these conditions resulted in part from
respirators that were negligently designed or manufactured by us. Consistent with the experience of other
companies involved in silica and asbestos-related litigation, in recent years there has been an increase in the
number of asserted claims that could potentially involve us. We cannot determine our potential maximum
liability for such claims, in part because the defendants in these lawsuits are often numerous, and the claims
generally do not specify the amount of damages sought.

With some limited exceptions, we maintain insurance against product liability claims. We also maintain a
reserve for uninsured product liability based on expected settlement charges for pending claims and an estimate
of unreported claims derived from experience, sales volumes and other relevant information. We reevaluate our
exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the reserve as appropriate. Based on information
currently available, we believe that the disposition of matters that are pending will not have a materially adverse
effect on our financial condition.

In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and related legal fees
that are covered by insurance. We record receivables for the portion of these payments that we expect to recover
from insurance carriers. At December 31, 2005, the net balance of receivables from insurance carriers was $5.0
million. We evaluate the collectibility of these receivables on an ongoing basis and make adjustments as
appropriate.

27

In connection with our sale of Callery Chemical facility in Evans City, Pennsylvania, we have retained
responsibility for certain environmental costs at this site, where relatively low levels of contamination are known
to exist. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement with BASF, our maximum liability for these matters is
capped at $50.0 million. Based on environmental studies performed prior to the sale of the division, we do not
believe that our potential exposure under the terms of this agreement will materially affect our financial
condition.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally

accepted in the United States of America. The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make
estimates and judgments that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, and the
related disclosures. We evaluate these estimates and judgments on an on-going basis based on historical
experience and various assumptions that we believe to be reasonable under the circumstances. However, different
amounts could be reported if we had used different assumptions and in light of different facts and circumstances.
Actual amounts could differ from the estimates and judgments reflected in our financial statements.

We believe that the following are the more critical judgments and estimates used in preparation of our

financial statements.

Accounting for contingencies. We accrue for contingencies in accordance with FAS No. 5, Accounting for
Contingencies, when we believe that it is probable that a liability or loss has been incurred and the amount can be
reasonably estimated. Contingencies relate to uncertainties that require our judgment both in assessing whether
or not a liability or loss has been incurred and in estimating the amount of the probable loss. Significant
contingencies affecting our financial statements include pending or threatened litigation, including product
liability claims, and product warranties.

Product liability. We face an inherent business risk of exposure to product liability claims arising from the
alleged failure of our products to prevent the types of personal injury or death against which they are designed to
protect. We accrue for our estimates of the probable costs to be incurred in the resolution of product liability
claims. These estimates are based on actuarial valuations, past experience, and our judgments regarding the
probable outcome of pending and threatened claims. Due to uncertainty as to the ultimate outcome of pending
and threatened claims, as well as the incidence of future claims, it is possible that future results could be
materially affected by changes in our assumptions and estimates related to product liability matters. Our product
liability expense averaged less than 1% of net sales from continuing operations during the three years ended
December 31, 2005.

Product warranties. We accrue for the estimated probable cost of product warranties at the time that sales
are recognized. Our estimates are principally based on historical experience. We also accrue for our estimates of
the probable costs of corrective action when significant product quality issues are identified. These estimates are
principally based on our assumptions regarding the cost of corrective action and the probable number of units to
be repaired or replaced. Our product warranty obligation is affected by product failure rates, material usage, and
service delivery costs incurred in correcting a product failure. Due to the uncertainty and potential volatility of
these factors, it is possible that future results could be materially affected by changes in our assumptions or the
effectiveness of our strategies related to these matters. Our product warranty expense averaged less than 2% of
net sales during the three years ended December 31, 2005.

Income taxes. We account for income taxes in accordance with FAS No. 109, Accounting for Income
Taxes, which requires that deferred tax assets and liabilities be recognized using enacted tax rates for the effect
of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. FAS No. 109 also
requires that deferred tax assets be reduced by valuation allowances if it is more likely than not that some portion
of the deferred tax asset will not be realized.

28

We record valuation allowances to reduce deferred tax assets to the amounts that we estimate are probable
to be realized. When assessing the need for valuation allowances, we consider projected future taxable income
and prudent and feasible tax planning strategies. Should a change in circumstances lead to a change in our
judgments about the realizability of deferred tax assets in future years, we would adjust the related valuation
allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs, along with a corresponding charge or credit to
income. There were no valuation allowances as of December 31, 2005.

We record an estimated income tax liability based on our best judgment of the amounts likely to be paid in

the various tax jurisdictions in which we operate. The tax liabilities ultimately paid are dependent on a number of
factors, including the resolution of tax audits, and may differ from the amounts recorded. Tax liabilities are
adjusted through income when it becomes probable that the actual liability differs from the amount recorded.

Pensions and other postretirement benefits. We account for our pension and postretirement benefit plans as
required under FAS No. 87, Employers’ Accounting for Pensions, and FAS No. 106, Employers’ Accounting for
Postretirement Benefits Other than Pensions. Accounting for the net periodic benefit costs and credits for these
plans requires us to estimate the cost of benefits to be provided well into the future and to attribute these costs
over the expected work life of the employees participating in these plans. These estimates require our judgment
about discount rates used to determine these obligations, expected returns on plan assets, rates of future
compensation increases, rates of increase in future health care costs, participant withdrawal and mortality rates,
and participant retirement ages. Differences between our estimates and actual results may significantly affect the
cost of our obligations under these plans and could cause net periodic benefit costs and credits to change
materially from year-to-year. The discount rate assumptions used in determining projected benefit obligations are
based on published long-term bond indices. We reduced the assumed discount rates in 2005, reflecting a decline
in long-term bond rates.

Goodwill. As required by FAS No. 142, Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, each year we evaluate for

goodwill impairment by comparing the fair value of each of our reporting units with its carrying value. If
carrying value exceeds fair value, then a possible impairment of goodwill exists and requires further evaluation.
We estimate the fair value of our reporting units using a combination of discounted cash flow analysis and
market capitalization based on historical and projected financial information. We apply our best judgment in
assessing the reasonableness of the financial projections and other estimates used to determine the fair value of
each reporting unit.

RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS No. 151, Inventory
Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. FAS No. 151 requires the exclusion of certain costs from
inventories and the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventories to be based on the normal capacity of
the production facilities. The provisions of this Statement are effective for costs incurred after December 31,
2005. We expect that our adoption of this statement effective January 1, 2006 will not have a material effect on
our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FAS
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. FAS No. 123R establishes standards for
accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also
addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the
fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.
FAS No. 123R requires an entity to recognize the cost of employee services received in share-based payment
transactions, thereby reflecting the economic consequences of those transactions in the financial statements. This
Statement applies to all awards granted on or after January 1, 2006, and to awards modified, repurchased, or
cancelled after that date. We expect that adopting this Statement will reduce our net income in 2006 by
approximately $1.6 million.

29

Item 7A. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk represents the risk of adverse changes in the value of a financial instrument caused by changes
in currency exchange rates, interest rates, and equity prices. We are exposed to market risks related to currency
exchange rates and interest rates.

Currency exchange rate sensitivity. We are subject to the effects of fluctuations in currency exchange rates

on various transactions and on the translation of the reported financial position and operating results of our
non-U.S. companies from local currencies to U.S. dollars. A hypothetical 10% strengthening or weakening of the
U.S. dollar would increase or decrease our reported sales and net income for the year ended December 31, 2005
by approximately $33.2 million and $2.0 million, respectively. When appropriate, we may attempt to limit our
transactional exposure to changes in currency exchange rates through contracts or other actions intended to
reduce existing exposures by creating offsetting currency exposures. At December 31, 2005, contracts for the
purpose of hedging cash flows were not significant.

Interest Rate Sensitivity. We are exposed to changes in interest rates primarily as a result of borrowing and

investing activities used to maintain liquidity and fund business operations. Because of the relatively short
maturities of temporary investments and the variable rate nature of industrial development debt, these financial
instruments are reported at carrying values which approximate fair values.

We hold one interest rate swap agreement, which is used to hedge the fair market value on a portion of our

8.39% fixed rate long-term debt. At December 31, 2005, the swap agreement had a notional amount of $20.0
million and a fair market value in favor of the bank of $0.9 million. The swap will expire in 2012. The notional
amount of the swap declines $4.0 million per year beginning in 2008. A hypothetical increase of 10% in market
interest rates would result in a decrease of approximately $0.4 million in the fair value of the interest rate swap.

We have $44.0 million of fixed rate debt which matures at various dates through 2012. The incremental
increase in the fair value of fixed rate long-term debt resulting from a hypothetical 10% decrease in interest rates
would be approximately $0.8 million, excluding the impact of outstanding hedge instruments. However, our
sensitivity to interest rate declines and the corresponding increase in the fair value of our debt portfolio would
unfavorably affect earnings and cash flows only to the extent that we elected to repurchase or retire all or a
portion of our fixed rate debt portfolio at prices above carrying values.

30

Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

Management’s Reports

Management’s Report on Responsibility for Financial Reporting

Management of Mine Safety Appliances Company (the Company) is responsible for the preparation of the

financial statements included in this annual report. The financial statements were prepared in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include amounts that are based on
the best estimates and judgments of management. The other financial information contained in this annual report
is consistent with the financial statements.

Management’s Report on Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

Management is responsible for establishing and maintaining adequate internal control over financial
reporting. The Company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable
assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external
purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.

The Company’s internal control over financial reporting includes policies and procedures that (1) pertain to
the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail, accurately and fairly reflect transactions and dispositions of
assets; (2) provide reasonable assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of
financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and
expenditures are being made only in accordance with authorizations of management and the directors of the
Company; and (3) provide reasonable assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized
acquisition, use or disposition of the Company’s assets that could have a material effect on our financial
statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

Management assessed the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of
December 31, 2005. In making this assessment, management used the criteria set forth by the Committee of
Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) in Internal Control-Integrated Framework.
Based on our assessment and those criteria, management has concluded that the Company maintained effective
internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005.

Our management’s assessment of the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial

reporting as of December 31, 2005 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered
public accounting firm, as stated in their report which appears herein.

/s/

JOHN T. RYAN III
John T. Ryan III
Chairman of the Board
Chief Executive Officer

/s/ DENNIS L. ZEITLER

Dennis L. Zeitler
Vice President and Treasurer
Chief Financial Officer

March 6, 2006

31

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

To the Shareholders and Board of Directors of Mine Safety Appliances Company:

We have completed integrated audits of Mine Safety Appliances Company’s 2005 and 2004 consolidated

financial statements and of its internal control over financial reporting as of 2005, and an audit of its 2003
consolidated financial statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight
Board (United States). Our opinions, based on our audits, are presented below.

Consolidated financial statements

In our opinion, the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and the related consolidated statements of

income, cash flows, and changes in retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive income present
fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mine Safety Appliances Company and its subsidiaries at
December 31, 2005 and 2004, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years
in the period ended December 31, 2005 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the
United States of America. These financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our
responsibility is to express an opinion on these financial statements based on our audits. We conducted our audits
of these statements in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United
States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether
the financial statements are free of material misstatement. An audit of financial statements includes examining,
on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

Internal control over financial reporting

Also, in our opinion, management’s assessment, included in the accompanying Management’s Report on
Internal Control Over Financial Reporting, that the Company maintained effective internal control over financial
reporting as of December 31, 2005 based on criteria established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework
issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO), is fairly stated, in
all material respects, based on those criteria. Furthermore, in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all
material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2005, based on criteria
established in Internal Control—Integrated Framework issued by the COSO. The Company’s management is
responsible for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the
effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting. Our responsibility is to express opinions on
management’s assessment and on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting
based on our audit. We conducted our audit of internal control over financial reporting in accordance with the
standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we
plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether effective internal control over financial
reporting was maintained in all material respects. An audit of internal control over financial reporting includes
obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, evaluating management’s assessment,
testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control, and performing such other
procedures as we consider necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audit provides a reasonable basis
for our opinions.

A company’s internal control over financial reporting is a process designed to provide reasonable assurance
regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in
accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. A company’s internal control over financial reporting
includes those policies and procedures that (i) pertain to the maintenance of records that, in reasonable detail,
accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of the assets of the company; (ii) provide reasonable
assurance that transactions are recorded as necessary to permit preparation of financial statements in accordance

32

with generally accepted accounting principles, and that receipts and expenditures of the company are being made
only in accordance with authorizations of management and directors of the company; and (iii) provide reasonable
assurance regarding prevention or timely detection of unauthorized acquisition, use, or disposition of the
company’s assets that could have a material effect on the financial statements.

Because of its inherent limitations, internal control over financial reporting may not prevent or detect
misstatements. Also, projections of any evaluation of effectiveness to future periods are subject to the risk that
controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or that the degree of compliance with the
policies or procedures may deteriorate.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 6, 2006

33

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME
(In thousands, except per share amounts)

Year Ended December 31

2005

2004

2003

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$907,912
4,058

$852,509
5,004

$696,473
1,724

911,970

857,513

698,197

Costs and expenses

Cost of products sold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Selling, general and administrative . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency exchange losses (gains)

552,472
207,816
21,928
5,484
474

512,089
204,799
22,648
3,845
264

422,273
180,060
20,897
4,564
(3,356)

788,174

743,645

624,438

Income from continuing operations before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

123,796
42,013

113,868
42,821

Net income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of discontinued operations—after tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

81,783
—
—

71,047
—
—

73,759
24,835

48,924
2,685
13,658

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 81,783

$ 71,047

$ 65,267

Basic earnings per common share:

Continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings per common share:

Continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

$

$

2.24
—

2.24

2.19
—

2.19

$

$

$

$

1.91
—

1.91

1.86
—

1.86

$

$

$

$

1.33
0.45

1.78

1.31
0.44

1.75

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

34

December 31
Assets
Current Assets

Property

Other Assets

Liabilities
Current Liabilities

Long-Term Debt
Other Liabilities

Shareholders’ Equity

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
(In thousands, except share amounts)

Cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Trade receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts of

$6,041 and $7,548 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid expenses and other current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Machinery and equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Construction in progress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total
Less accumulated depreciation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prepaid pension cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other noncurrent assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total

2005

2004

$ 44,797

$ 76,545

169,436
119,731
17,868
25,394
377,226
4,815
83,929
268,167
4,686
361,597
(245,388)
116,209
140,575
19,364
55,654
16,329
$ 725,357

157,824
124,846
19,377
19,068
397,660
5,122
83,530
279,607
6,182
374,441
(250,725)
123,716
131,496
21,513
49,495
10,230
$ 734,110

Notes payable and current portion of long-term debt . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employees’ compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Insurance and product liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taxes on income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

Pensions and other employee benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other noncurrent liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total other liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

8,808
40,935
18,483
13,807
7,063
41,763
130,859
45,834
80,656
75,511
10,100
166,267

$

6,378
40,705
19,284
14,926
3,790
41,984
127,067
54,463
83,628
76,704
14,637
174,969

Preferred stock, 4 1⁄ 2% cumulative, $50 par value (callable at

$52.50) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3,569

3,569

Common stock, no par value (shares outstanding:

2005—36,545,984 2004—37,341,386) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock compensation trust
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury shares, at cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred stock compensation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Earnings retained in the business . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total shareholders’ equity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total

50,887
(15,667)
(201,312)
(2,218)
(9,571)
556,709
382,397
$ 725,357

39,248
(16,436)
(143,295)
(1,247)
1,793
493,979
377,611
$ 734,110

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

35

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
(In thousands)

Year Ended December 31

Operating Activities

2005

2004

2003

Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Gain on the sale of discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 81,783
—
—

$ 71,047
—
—

$ 65,267
(2,685)
(13,658)

Net income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pensions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net gain on sale of investments and assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Deferred income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Receivables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other assets and liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit related to stock plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other—including currency exchange adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash flow from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash flow from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Cash Flow From Operating Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

81,783
24,345
(6,104)
(408)
2,294
(17,080)
(1,348)
5,057
(7,864)
5,361
(32)

86,004
—

86,004

71,047
25,496
(7,188)
63
7,106
(23,519)
(27,422)
5,070
(5,549)
4,946
1,731

51,781
2,061

53,842

48,924
23,208
(8,845)
(2,332)
4,922
(27,039)
(3,162)
1,253
(1,864)
893
(3,447)

32,511
8,029

40,540

Investing Activities

Property additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property disposals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Proceeds from sale of discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired and other investing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(21,664)
1,320
—
(16,955)

(27,330)
883
—
(6,391)

(19,628)
23,521
63,042
(279)

Cash Flow From Investing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(37,299)

(32,838)

66,656

Financing Activities

Additions to long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reductions of long-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Changes in notes payable and short-term debt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash dividends and special distributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Company stock purchases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Company stock sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

15
(4,135)
(1,473)
(19,053)
(58,012)
4,707

19
(5,042)
566
(13,758)
(6,122)
4,910

245
(4,902)
(9,146)
(63,270)
(2,309)
3,036

Cash Flow From Financing Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(77,951)

(19,427)

(76,346)

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(2,502)

1,724

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Beginning cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(31,748)
76,545

3,301
73,244

5,917

36,767
36,477

Ending cash and cash equivalents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 44,797

$ 76,545

$ 73,244

Supplemental cash flow information:

Interest payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax payments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 5,315
34,060

$ 4,632 $ 5,025
35,743

37,329

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

36

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CHANGES IN RETAINED EARNINGS AND ACCUMULATED
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
(In thousands)

Balances January 1, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum pension liability adjustments (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Accumulated
Other
Comprehensive
Income

$(20,501)

—
14,699
(235)

Retained
Earnings

$434,693
65,267
—
—

Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

Special distribution to common shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Common dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preferred dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balances December 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum pension liability adjustments (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(53,799)
(9,425)
(46)

436,690
71,047
—
—

Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

Common dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preferred dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(13,714)
(44)

Balances December 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cumulative translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum pension liability adjustments (a) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

493,979
81,783
—
—

Comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

—

Common dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preferred dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(19,011)
(42)

—

—
—
—

(6,037)
—
8,904
(1,074)

—

—
—

1,793
—
(11,070)
(294)

—

—
—

Balances December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$556,709

$ (9,571)

Comprehensive
Income

$ 65,267
14,699
(235)

$ 79,731

$ 71,047
8,904
(1,074)

$ 78,877

$ 81,783
(11,070)
(294)

$ 70,419

(a) —Charges to minimum pension liability adjustments in 2005, 2004, and 2003 are net of tax benefits of

$189, $383, and $157, respectively.

Components of accumulated other comprehensive income are as follows:

Cumulative translation adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum pension liability adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$(7,060)
(2,511)

Accumulated other comprehensive income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(9,571)

$ 4,010
(2,217)

1,793

$(4,894)
(1,143)

(6,037)

2005

2004

2003

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

37

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

Note 1—Significant Accounting Policies

Use of Estimates—The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles

generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that
affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date
of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.
Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Principles of Consolidation—The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the company

and all subsidiaries. Intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated. Certain prior year amounts have
been reclassified to conform with the current year presentation.

Currency Translation—The functional currency of all significant non-U.S. subsidiaries is the local
currency. Assets and liabilities of those operations are translated at year-end exchange rates. Income statement
accounts are translated using the average exchange rates for the reporting period. Translation adjustments for
these companies are reported as a component of shareholders’ equity and are not included in income. Foreign
currency transaction gains and losses are included in net income for the reporting period.

Cash Equivalents—Cash equivalents include temporary deposits with financial institutions and highly

liquid investments with original maturities of 90 days or less.

Inventories—Inventories are stated at the lower of cost or market. Most U.S. inventories are valued on the

last-in, first-out (LIFO) cost method. Other inventories are valued on the average cost method or at standard costs
which approximate actual costs.

Property and Depreciation—Property is recorded at cost. Depreciation is computed using straight-line and

accelerated methods over the estimated useful lives of the assets. Expenditures for significant renewals and
improvements are capitalized. Ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred. Gains or losses on
property dispositions are included in income and the cost and related depreciation are removed from the
accounts.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets—Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are not

amortized, but are subject to impairment write-down tests. We test the goodwill of each of our reporting units for
impairment at least annually. For this purpose, we consider our reportable business segments to be our reporting
units. Fair value is estimated using discounted cash flow methodologies and market comparable information.
Other intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives.

Revenue Recognition—Revenue from the sale of products is recognized when title, ownership, and the risk

of loss have transferred to the customer, which generally occurs either when product is shipped to the customer
or, in the case of most U.S. distributor customers, when product is delivered to the customer’s delivery site. We
establish our shipping terms according to local practice and market characteristics. We do not ship product unless
we have an order or other documentation authorizing shipment to our customers. We make appropriate
provisions for uncollectible accounts receivable and product returns, both of which have historically been
insignificant in relation to our net sales. Certain distributor customers receive price rebates based on their level of
purchases and other performance criteria that are documented in established distributor programs. These rebates
are accrued as a reduction of net sales as they are earned by the customer.

Shipping and Handling—Shipping and handling expenses for products sold to customers are charged to cost

of products sold as incurred. Amounts billed to customers for shipping and handling are included in net sales.

38

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Product Warranties—Estimated expenses related to product warranties and additional service actions are

charged to cost of products sold in the period in which the related revenue is recognized or when significant
product quality issues are identified.

Research and Development—Research and development costs are expensed as incurred.

Income Taxes—Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between financial and tax
reporting. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates in effect for the year in which
those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. If it is more likely than not that some portion
or all of a deferred tax asset will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recognized. No provision is made for
possible U.S. taxes on the undistributed earnings of foreign subsidiaries that are considered to be reinvested
indefinitely.

Stock-Based Compensation Plans—We apply the intrinsic value-based method in accordance with

Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. Accordingly, no
compensation cost is recognized for stock option grants. Compensation cost for restricted stock awards is
measured at the market value of the shares when awarded. Unearned stock compensation is reported in
shareholders’ equity and is charged to income over the restriction period.

If we had elected to recognize compensation cost based on the fair value of the options at the grant date as
prescribed by FAS 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, net income and earnings per share would
have been reduced to the pro forma amounts shown below:

Net income as reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fair value of stock options granted, net of tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005

2004

2003

$81,783
(2,565)

(In thousands)
$71,047
(1,781)

$65,267
(1,374)

Pro forma net income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

79,218

69,266

63,893

Basic earnings per share:

As reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro forma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings per share:

As reported . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pro forma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$

$

2.24
2.17

2.19
2.12

$

$

1.91
1.87

1.86
1.82

$

$

1.78
1.74

1.75
1.71

The fair value of the options granted was estimated at the grant dates using the Black-Scholes option pricing

model and the following weighted average assumptions for options granted in 2005, 2004, and 2003,
respectively; risk-free interest rate of 4.3%, 4.1%, and 4.0%; dividend yield of 2.0%, 2.0%, and 2.1%; expected
option life of 9.9 years, 9.9 years, and 9.9 years; and expected volatility factor of 34%, 29%, and 23%.

On December 14, 2005, we accelerated the vesting of 194,786 unvested stock options that were granted in

2005. The accelerated options have a weighted average exercise price of $45.68, and represent approximately
13% of the options outstanding. The decision to accelerate the vesting of the 2005 options was made primarily to
avoid recognizing the related stock compensation expense in future financial statements as required by FAS
123R, Share-Based Payment, which we will adopt January 1, 2006. The accelerated vesting of the 2005 stock
options will reduce our after tax stock compensation expense in 2006, 2007, and 2008 by approximately $0.7
million, $0.7 million, and $0.1 million, respectively.

Derivative Instruments—We use derivative instruments to dampen the effects of changes in currency
exchange rates and to achieve a targeted mix of fixed and floating interest rates on outstanding debt. We do not

39

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

enter into derivative transactions for speculative purposes and do not hold derivative instruments for trading
purposes. Changes in the fair value of derivative instruments designated as fair value hedges are recorded in the
balance sheet as adjustments to the underlying hedged asset or liability. Changes in the fair value of derivative
instruments that do not qualify for hedge accounting treatment are recognized in the income statement in the
current period.

Note 2—Subsequent Events

In December 2005, we announced Project Outlook, a strategic restructuring plan designed to ensure that our

North American management teams, employees, product design processes, and operational functions are fully
aligned with our strategic goals and the needs of our customers. The plan includes a reorganization of business
and support functions in our North American operations that will result in cost reductions and a higher degree of
collaboration, focus and efficiency. A significant portion of the Project Outlook cost reduction effort is being
realized through a focused voluntary retirement incentive program (VRIP). In January 2006, approximately 60
employees elected to retire under the terms of the VRIP. The cost of special termination benefits payable to
employees who elected to retire and other Project Outlook expenses which were recorded in January 2006 totaled
approximately $3.2 million after tax. We expect to incur additional Project Outlook expenses of approximately
$1.8 million after-tax primarily through the second quarter of 2006. Project Outlook is expected to deliver annual
after-tax cost savings of at least $4.0 million.

Note 3—Inventories

Finished products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Work in process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Raw materials and supplies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total LIFO inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Excess of FIFO costs over LIFO costs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total FIFO inventories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2005

2004

(In thousands)

$ 49,073
24,096
46,562

119,731
41,604

161,335

$ 50,728
28,049
46,069

124,846
38,653

163,499

Inventories stated on the LIFO basis represent 36% and 44% of the total inventories at December 31, 2005

and 2004, respectively.

Reductions in certain inventory quantities during 2005 and 2004 resulted in liquidations of LIFO inventories

carried at lower costs prevailing in prior years. The effect of these liquidations on cost of sales and net income
was not significant in either year.

Note 4—Capital Stock

• Common stock, no par value—180,000,000 shares authorized.

•

•

Second cumulative preferred voting stock, $10 par value—1,000,000 shares authorized; none issued.

4 1⁄ 2% cumulative preferred nonvoting stock, $50 par value—100,000 shares authorized; 71,373 shares issued
and 52,841 shares ($1.8 million) held in treasury; treasury share purchases in 2005, 2004 and 2003 of 105
shares, $5; 1,182 shares, $56, and 1,241 shares, $61, respectively (share purchase dollars in thousands).

40

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Treasury
Cost

$(133,198)

—

(37)
—

Common stock activity is summarized as follows:

Shares

Stock
Compensation
Trust

Shares
Issued

Dollars (In thousands)

Shares in
Treasury

Shares
Issued

Stock
Compensation
Trust

Balances January 1, 2003 . . . . . . . . 20,580,109
Restricted stock awards . . . . . . . . .
—
Restricted stock awards

(1,384,629)
27,235

(6,988,451) $28,626
517

—

$(21,697)
427

forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit related to stock

—
—

—
120,317

(1,000)
—

—
1,151

—
1,885

plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury shares purchased . . . . . . .
Balances December 31, 2003 . . . . . 20,580,109
3-for-1 stock split

—
—

—
—

—
(44,253)

893
—

(1,237,077)

(7,033,704) 31,187

—
—
(19,385)

—
(2,248)
(135,483)

(January 2004) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,160,218

(2,474,154)

(14,067,408)

—

—

—

Adjusted balances December 31,

2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61,740,327
—
—

Restricted stock awards . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit related to stock

plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury shares purchased . . . . . . .
Balances December 31, 2004 . . . . . 61,740,327
Restricted stock awards . . . . . . . . .
42,440
Restricted stock awards

—
—

(3,711,231)
45,098
519,911

(21,101,112) 31,187
918
2,197

—
—

—
—

—

(151,607)

4,946
—

(3,146,222)
10,438

(21,252,719) 39,248
2,286

—

(19,385)
236
2,713

—
—
(16,436)
54

forfeited . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options exercised . . . . . . . . .
Tax benefit related to stock

—
298,624

—

134,659

(161)
—

—
3,992

—
715

(135,483)

—
—

—
(6,066)
(141,549)

—

(6)

—

plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Treasury shares purchased . . . . . . .
Balances December 31, 2005 . . . . . 62,081,391

—
—

—
—

(3,001,125)

—

5,361
—

(1,281,402)
(22,534,282) 50,887

—
—
(15,667)

—
(58,007)
(199,562)

The Mine Safety Appliances Company Stock Compensation Trust was established to fund certain benefit

plans, including employee and non-employee directors stock options and awards. Shares held by the Stock
Compensation Trust, and the corresponding cost of those shares, are reported as a reduction of common shares
issued. Differences between the cost of the shares held by the Stock Compensation Trust and the market value of
shares released for stock-related benefits are reflected in shares issued.

We have a Shareholder Rights Plan under which each outstanding share of common stock is granted one-ninth

of a preferred share purchase right. The rights are exercisable for a fraction of a share of preferred stock, only if a
person or group acquires or commences a tender offer for 15% or more of our common stock. In the event a person
or group acquires 15% or more of the outstanding common stock, each right not owned by that person or group will
entitle the holder to purchase that number of shares of common stock having a value equal to twice the $225
exercise price. The Board of Directors may redeem the rights for $.01 per right at any time until ten days after the
announcement that a 15% position has been acquired. The rights expire on February 21, 2007.

On January 28, 2004, a three-for-one stock split of both the issued and authorized common stock was
distributed to shareholders of record on January 16, 2004. Share and per share information in this report has been
adjusted to reflect the split.

41

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 5—Segment Information

We are organized into three geographic operating segments: North America, Europe, and International. We

are engaged in the manufacture and sale of safety equipment, including respiratory protective equipment, head
protection, eye and face protection, hearing protection, safety clothing, industrial emergency care products,
mining safety equipment, thermal imaging cameras, and monitoring instruments. Reportable segment
information is presented in the following table:

2005

Sales to external customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intercompany sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncash items:

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension income (expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2004

Sales to external customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intercompany sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncash items:

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension income (expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2003

Sales to external customers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intercompany sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . .
Net income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . .
Gain on sale of discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . .
Total assets continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Assets held for sale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noncash items:

Depreciation and amortization . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension income (expense) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Equity in earnings of affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Income tax provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Investments in affiliates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property additions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

North
America

Europe

International

Reconciling
Items

Consolidated
Totals

(In thousands)

$575,854
39,083
62,050
492,964
1,067
5,295

$187,237
70,099
11,132
200,611
301
74

$144,821
4,831
9,211
87,513
526
115

$

—

(114,013)
(610)
(55,731)
566
—

$907,912
—
81,783
725,357
2,460
5,484

5,286
(3,762)
—
7,138
—
5,924
20,464

173,012
57,453
6,747
221,447
187
61

5,212
(4,002 )
—
4,937
—
6,440
23,505

146,162
49,499
2,795
—
—
190,179
—
115
123

4,972
(3,847)
—
2,069
—
3,976
19,918

17,138
10,542
(210)
30,578
344
12,764
85,236

564,568
29,654
55,616
469,555
1,613
3,622

18,682
11,687
—
33,910
366
16,238
90,121

452,567
24,215
39,131
2,685
13,658
419,472
2,311
576
4,357

17,071
14,999
—
18,930
366
13,221
93,296

42

1,921
(676)
78
4,663
301
2,976
10,509

114,929
3,883
8,485
80,574
387
162

1,602
(529 )
56
3,689
209
4,652
10,090

97,744
3,061
6,349
—
—
68,611
—
278
84

1,144
(307)
(5)
2,985
153
2,423
7,319

—
—
—
(366)
—
—
—

—
(90,990)
199
(37,466)
527
—

—
32
—
285
—
—
—

—
(76,775)
649
—
—
(36,688)
—
102
—

21
—
—
851
—

8
27

24,345
6,104
(132)
42,013
645
21,664
116,209

852,509
—
71,047
734,110
2,714
3,845

25,496
7,188
56
42,821
575
27,330
123,716

696,473
—
48,924
2,685
13,658
641,574
2,311
1,071
4,564

23,208
10,845
(5)
24,835
519
19,628
120,560

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Reconciling items consist primarily of intercompany eliminations and items reported at the corporate level.

Geographic information for sales to external customers, based on country of origin:

United States . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$560,107
73,903
273,902

(In thousands)
$544,707
70,281
237,521

$438,939
57,973
199,561

Total

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

907,912

852,509

696,473

2005

2004

2003

Note 6—Earnings per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during

the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the effect of the weighted average stock options outstanding
during the period, using the treasury stock method. Antidilutive options are not considered in computing diluted
earnings per share.

Net income from continuing operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Preferred stock dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$81,783
(42)

(In thousands)
$71,047
(44)

$48,924
(46)

Income available to common shareholders . . . . . . . . . . . .

81,741

71,003

48,878

2005

2004

2003

Basic shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Diluted shares outstanding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Antidilutive stock options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

36,560
741

37,301

195

37,111
1,019

38,130

—

36,730
534

37,264

—

43

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 7—Income Taxes

The U.S. and non-U.S. components of income before income taxes and provisions for income taxes are

summarized as follows:

2005

2004

2003

(In thousands)

Income From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes
U.S. income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-U.S. income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency translation gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Eliminations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$112,731
40,764
106
(29,805)

$ 84,896
28,229
647
96

$64,289
15,180
28
(5,738)

Income Before Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

123,796

113,868

73,759

Provision For Income Taxes
Current

Federal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total current provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Deferred

Federal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Non-U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Total deferred provision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

23,259
6,352
10,108

39,719

461
219
1,614

2,294

24,016
4,566
7,133

35,715

3,403
1,025
2,678

7,106

9,608
2,526
7,779

19,913

5,251
937
(1,266)

4,922

Provision For Income Taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

42,013

42,821

24,835

The following is a reconciliation of the U.S. Federal income tax rates to the effective tax rate for continuing

operations:

2005

2004

2003

U.S. federal income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
State income taxes—U.S. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Taxes on non-U.S. income . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Research and development credits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment of prior years income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Valuation allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . —
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

35.0% 35.0% 35.0%
3.3
3.4
(.1)
(1.0)
(.9)
(.9)
1.0
(1.6)
(.5)
(.2)

3.0
—
(1.1)
(1.1)
(1.6)
(.5)

(1.0)

Effective income tax rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

33.9% 37.6% 33.7%

44

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

2005

2004

(In thousands)

Deferred tax assets

Postretirement benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Inventory reserves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Vacation allowances . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Net operating losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Post employment benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Foreign tax credit carryforwards (expiring between 2010 and 2015) . . . .
Liability insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Basis of capital assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warranties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 6,684
6,424
1,272
3,803
1,950
1,736
3,522
4,383
1,138
2,593
4,178

$ 5,871
5,814
986
5,568
2,246
1,321
3,579
5,745
1,248
2,637
5,925

Total deferred tax assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

37,683

40,940

Deferred tax liabilities

Property, plant and equipment
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pension . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(18,647)
(52,647)
(5,134)

(21,074)
(49,481)
(6,199)

Total deferred tax liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(76,428)

(76,754)

Net deferred taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(38,745)

(35,814)

During 2004 and 2003, we released $0.6 million and $1.2 million, respectively, of foreign tax credit carry
forward valuation allowances based on the implementation of various tax planning strategies and an improved
outlook for utilization of these credits in future years.

Net operating loss carryforwards of approximately $10.1 million, all in non-U.S. tax jurisdictions, have no

expiration date.

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, provides a deduction for income from qualified domestic
production activities, which is being phased in from 2005 through 2010. The act also provides for a two-year
phase-out of the existing extra-territorial income exclusion for foreign sales that was viewed to be inconsistent
with international trade protocols by the European Union. The net effect of the phase-out of the extra-territorial
income exclusion and the phase-in of the new deduction resulted in a decrease in our effective tax rate for 2005
of approximately 0.8 percentage points.

No deferred U.S. income taxes have been provided on undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries,
which amounted to $114.2 million as of December 31, 2005. These earnings are considered to be reinvested for
an indefinite period of time. It is not practicable to determine the deferred tax liability on these undistributed
earnings.

The American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 provided a limited opportunity through 2005 to repatriate the
undistributed earnings of non-U.S. subsidiaries at a U.S. tax cost that could be lower than the normal tax cost on
such distributions. During 2005, we repatriated $29.5 million of dividends, $22.0 million of which qualified
under these provisions. The resulting impact of these dividends on our income tax expense was not material.

The determination of annual income tax expense takes into consideration amounts which may be needed to
cover exposures for open years and releases those amounts when the exposures no longer exist. The audits of the

45

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

federal income tax returns for the years 1995 through 2001 were concluded at the examination level in 2005 with
the resolution of an issue related to the calculation of the research and development tax credits. The examination
results are currently under review by the Joint Committee on Taxation. We expect the review to be completed in
2006 or early 2007. We do not expect that this review will change the results of the examination. As a result, in
2005, we recognized a tax benefit for the release of $1.7 million in previously-established research and
development credit tax reserves. We do not expect any material adverse impact on earnings to result from the
resolution of matters related to open tax years.

Note 8—Stock Plans

The 1998 Management Share Incentive Plan provides for grants of restricted stock awards and stock options

to eligible key employees through March 2008. The 1990 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan, as
amended April 1, 2001, provides for annual grants of stock options and restricted stock awards to eligible
directors. As of December 31, 2005, there were 1,126,180 shares and 130,829 shares, respectively, reserved for
future grants under these plans.

Restricted stock awards are granted without payment to the company in consideration of services to be
performed in the ensuing three years. Restricted stock awards of 52,878 shares (fair value of $2.3 million),
45,098 shares (fair value of $1.2 million), and 81,705 shares (fair value of $0.9 million) were granted in 2005,
2004, and 2003, respectively. Restricted stock awards expense charged to operations was approximately $1.4
million in 2005, $0.9 million in 2004, and $0.7 million in 2003.

Stock options are generally granted at market value option prices and expire after ten years (limited
instances of option prices in excess of market value and expiration after five years). Stock options granted in
2005 were exercisable beginning three years after the grant date. In December 2005, we accelerated the vesting
of stock options granted in 2005. Under the amended terms, these options were exercisable on or after
December 14, 2005. Stock options granted in 2004 and 2003 were exercisable beginning one year after the grant
date. Options granted prior to 2003 were exercisable six months after the grant date.

The weighted average fair value of options granted was $16.31 per share in 2005, $8.63 per share in 2004,

and $3.33 per share in 2003.

During November 2003, we made a special distribution of $1.46 per common share to shareholders of
record on November 14, 2003. For options outstanding as of November 12, 2003, the ex-distribution date, option
shares and exercise prices were adjusted to reflect the change in intrinsic value that resulted from the special
distribution. The adjustments were based on the ratio of the change in the market price of common stock that
occurred as a result of the special distribution.

46

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

For various exercise price ranges, characteristics of outstanding and exercisable stock options at

December 31, 2005 were as follows:

Range of Exercise Prices

Shares

Exercise Price

Remaining Life

Weighted-Average

$ 5.88 - $ 9.03
$10.65 - $13.57
$25.07 - $28.06
$44.36 - $50.25

$ 5.88 - $50.25

372,802
709,431
277,188
194,786

1,554,207

$ 7.49
11.30
25.17
45.68

17.17

4.8 years
6.7
8.2
9.0

6.8

A summary of option activity under the two plans follows:

Outstanding January 1, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised before adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Adjustment for special distribution . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised after adjustment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding December 31, 2003 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Outstanding December 31, 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Granted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Exercised . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Shares

1,478,814
744,630
(259,752)
153,057
(101,199)

2,015,550
297,065
(519,911)

1,792,704
194,786
(433,283)

Outstanding December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,554,207

Weighted
Average
Exercise Price

Exercisable at
Year-end

$ 9.69
11.58
8.16
(0.77)
9.06

9.88
25.21
9.45

12.55
45.68
10.86

17.17

1,270,920

1,495,639

1,554,207

Note 9—Accounts Receivable Securitization

In August 2004, we terminated our securitization arrangement with a financial institution under which Mine
Safety Funding Corporation, a consolidated wholly-owned bankruptcy remote subsidiary of the company, could
sell up to $30.0 million of eligible accounts receivable to a multi-seller asset-backed commercial paper issuer.
We terminated this arrangement because we no longer required the source of funding that the securitization
provided.

47

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 10—Long-Term Debt

U.S.

2005

2004

(In thousands)

Industrial development debt issues payable through 2022, 2.39% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Series B Senior Notes payable through 2006, 7.69% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Senior Notes payable through 2012, 8.39% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$10,750
4,000
39,070
50

$10,750
8,000
39,585
100

International

Various notes payable through 2006, 9.63% to 19.0% . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

98

524

Total
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amounts due within one year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

53,968
8,134

58,959
4,496

Long-term debt

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

45,834

54,463

Approximate maturities of these obligations are $8.1 million in 2006, $8.0 million in 2008, $8.8 million in
2009, $10.0 million in 2010, and $19.1 million thereafter. Some debt agreements require us to maintain certain
financial ratios and minimum net worth and contain restrictions on the total amount of debt. We were in
compliance with our debt covenants as of December 31, 2005.

Note 11—Pensions and Other Postretirement Benefits

We maintain various defined benefit and defined contribution plans covering the majority of our employees.
The principal U.S. plan is funded in compliance with the Employee Retirement Income Security Act (ERISA). It
is the general policy to fund current costs for the international plans except in Germany and Mexico, where it is
common practice and permissible under tax laws to accrue book reserves.

A minimum liability is recognized for unfunded defined benefit plans for which the accumulated benefit

obligation exceeds accrued pension costs. The amount of the minimum liability in excess of unrecognized prior
service cost, net of tax benefit, is recorded as a reduction in shareholders’ equity. Non-contributory plan benefits
are generally based on years of service and employees’ compensation during the last years of employment.
Benefits are paid from funds previously provided to trustees or are paid by the company and charged to the book
reserves.

We provide health care benefits and limited life insurance for certain retired employees who are covered by

our principal U.S. defined benefit pension plan until they become Medicare-eligible.

48

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

We use a January 1 measurement date for our plans. Information pertaining to defined benefit pension plans

and other postretirement benefits plans is provided in the following table.

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

2005

2004

2005

2004

(In thousands)

Change in Benefit Obligations

Benefit obligations at January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Plan amendments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actuarial losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency translation effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$270,045
7,843
14,985
554
44
14,515
(13,716)
—
(8,176)

$244,340
7,383
14,661
698
68
11,675
(13,701)
(568)
5,489

$ 26,387
543
1,609
—
—
1,949
(1,970)
—
—

$ 22,873
513
1,505
—
—
3,589
(2,093)
—
—

Benefit obligations at December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

286,094

270,045

28,518

26,387

Change in Plan Assets

Fair value of plan assets at January 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Actual return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employer contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Employee contributions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Benefits paid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Section 420 transfer to retiree medical plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reimbursement of German benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency translation effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

383,195
25,162
4,029
554
(13,716)
(1,500)
(1,868)
(565)

356,477
38,570
3,865
698
(13,701)
(1,950)
(1,881)
1,117

—
—
470
—
(1,970)
1,500
—
—

—
—
143
—
(2,093)
1,950
—
—

Fair value of plan assets at December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

395,291

383,195

—

—

Funded Status

Funded status at December 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrecognized transition gains . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrecognized prior service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unrecognized net actuarial (gains) losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

109,197
300
888
(26,527)

113,150
325
1,103
(44,093)

(28,518)
—
(1,444)
12,401

(26,387)
—
(1,682)
11,447

Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

83,858

70,485

(17,561)

(16,622)

Amounts Recognized in the Balance Sheet

Prepaid benefit cost
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Accrued benefit liability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangible asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Minimum pension liability adjustments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

140,575
(60,447)
334
3,396

131,496
(64,659)
412
3,236

—
(17,561)
—
—

—
(16,622)
—
—

Prepaid (accrued) benefit cost

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

83,858

70,485

(17,561)

(16,622)

Accumulated Benefit Obligations for all Defined

Benefit Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

233,337

222,297

—

—

49

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

2005

2004

2003

2005

2004

2003

(In thousands)

Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost
(Credit)

Service cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest cost . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization of transition amounts . . . . . . . .
Amortization of prior service cost . . . . . . . . . .
Recognized net actuarial losses (gains) . . . . . .
Settlement loss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Curtailment gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$ 7,843
14,985
(30,001)
43
270
496
260
—

$ 543
$ 7,383 $ 6,802
14,036
1,609
(27,785) —
(509) —
310
(1,677)
—

14,661
(29,123)
28
299
(661)
225
—

(227)
984
—
(2,022) —

$ 513
1,505
—
—
(228)
828
—
—

$ 423
1,395
—
—
(228)
590
—
—

Net periodic benefit (credit) cost . . . . . . . . . . .

(6,104)

(7,188)

(10,845)

2,909

2,618

2,180

Pension Benefits

Other Benefits

2005

2004

2005

2004

Assumptions used to determine benefit obligations

Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.5% 5.8% 5.8% 6.0%
3.4% 3.4% —

—

Assumptions used to determine net periodic benefit cost

Discount rate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Expected return on plan assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rate of compensation increases . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.7% 6.1% 6.0% 6.3%
8.4% 8.5% —
3.4% 3.5% —

—
—

The expected return on assets for the 2005 net periodic pension cost was determined by multiplying the
expected returns of each asset class (based on historical returns) by the expected percentage of the total portfolio
invested in that asset class. A total return was determined by summing the expected returns over all asset classes.

Plan Assets at
December 31

2005

2004

Asset Category

Equity securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Debt securities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Real estate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Cash/other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

76.8% 75.5%
19.5% 22.0%
0.2%
0.2%
2.3%
3.5%

Total

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

100.0% 100.0%

Investment policies are determined by the Plan’s Investment Committee and set forth in the Plan’s
Investment Policy. Asset managers are granted discretion for determining sector mix, selecting securities and
timing transactions, subject to the guidelines of the Investment Policy. An aggressive, flexible management of
the portfolio is permitted. No target asset allocations are set forth in the Investment Policy.

We expect to make net contributions of $1.7 million to our pension plans in 2006.

For measurement purposes, a 7.0% increase in the costs of covered health care benefits was assumed for the

year 2005, decreasing by 0.5% for each successive year to 4.0% in 2011 and thereafter. A one-percentage-point

50

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have increased or decreased the other postretirement benefit
obligations and current year plan expense by approximately $2.0 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Expense for defined contribution pension plans was $3.9 million in 2005, $3.8 million in 2004, and $3.4

million in 2003.

On December 31, 2003, the U.S. defined benefit pension plan owned 2,533,500 shares (market value $67.1
million) of our common stock. During 2004, the pension plan sold all shares of our common stock. During 2004
and 2003, the pension plan received dividends of approximately $0.2 million and $4.5 million, respectively, on
those shares.

The estimated pension benefits to be paid under our defined benefit pension plans during the next five years

are $13.0 million in 2006, $13.4 million in 2007, $14.0 million in 2008, $14.7 million in 2009, $15.3 million in
2010, and are expected to aggregate $89.5 million for the five years thereafter. The estimated other
postretirement benefits to be paid during the next five years are $2.0 million in 2006, $2.0 million in 2007, $2.0
million in 2008, $2.1 million in 2009, $2.2 million in 2010, and are expected to aggregate $11.9 million for the
five years thereafter.

Note 12—Other Income

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Interest
Rent
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dividends . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dispositions of assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Other, net

2005

2004

2003

$2,460
—
—
1,604
(6)

(In thousands)
$2,714
—
610
1,008
672

$1,071
532
1,048
(826)
(101)

Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4,058

5,004

1,724

Note 13—Leases

We lease office space, manufacturing and warehouse facilities, automobiles and other equipment under
operating lease arrangements. Rent expense was $10.9 million in 2005, $9.9 million in 2004, and $9.1 million in
2003. Minimum rental commitments under noncancelable leases are $7.0 million in 2006, $5.1 million in 2007,
$4.0 million in 2008, $3.7 million in 2009, $3.8 million in 2010, and $4.0 million thereafter.

Note 14—Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Changes in goodwill and intangible assets, net of accumulated amortization, during the year ended

December 31, 2005 were as follows:

Goodwill

Intangibles

(In thousands)

Net balances at January 1, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangibles acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Amortization expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Currency translation and other . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

$49,495
8,012
—
—
(1,853)

$2,605
—
7,493
(745)
—

Net balances at December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

55,654

9,353

51

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

At December 31, 2005, goodwill of approximately $40.8 million and $14.9 million related to the North
American and European operating segments, respectively. Approximately $5.6 million of the goodwill acquired
during 2005 related to the Microsensor Systems, Inc. acquisition; the remainder related primarily to additional
consideration paid on previous acquisitions.

Intangible assets include patents, license agreements, copyrights, and trademarks. These items are included

in other noncurrent assets. At December 31, 2005, intangible assets totaled $9.4 million, net of accumulated
amortization of $4.4 million. Intangible asset amortization expense over the next five years is expected to be
approximately $0.9 million in 2006, $1.3 million in 2007, $1.3 million in 2008, $0.6 million in 2009, and $0.6
million in 2010.

Note 15—Short-Term Debt

Short-term bank lines of credit amounted to $59.0 million of which $58.3 million was unused at
December 31, 2005. Generally, these short-term lines of credit are renewable annually, and there are no
significant commitment fees or compensating balance requirements. Short-term borrowings with banks, which
exclude the current portion of long-term debt, were $0.7 million and $1.9 million at December 31, 2005 and
2004, respectively. The average month-end balance of total short-term borrowings during 2005 was $23.9 million.
The maximum month-end balance of $32.9 million occurred at June 30, 2005. The weighted average interest
rates on short-term borrowings at December 31, 2005 and 2004 were 6% and 7%, respectively.

Note 16—Derivative Financial Instruments

On April 6, 2004, we entered into an eight year interest rate swap agreement. Under the terms of the
agreement, we receive a fixed interest rate of 8.39% and pay a floating interest rate based on LIBOR. The
notional amount of the swap is initially $20.0 million and declines $4.0 million per year beginning in 2008. The
interest rate swap has been designated as a fair value hedge of a portion of our fixed rate 8.39% Senior Notes.

In order to account for these derivatives as hedges, the interest rate swap must be highly effective at
offsetting changes in the fair value of the hedged debt. We have assumed that there is no ineffectiveness in the
hedge, since all of the critical terms of the hedge match the underlying terms of the hedged debt.

The fair value of the interest rate swap at December 31, 2005, has been recorded as a liability of $0.9
million that is included in other noncurrent liabilities, with an offsetting reduction in the carrying value of the
long-term debt.

As a result of entering into the interest rate swap, we have increased our exposure to interest rate

fluctuations. Differences between the fixed rate amounts received and the variable rate amount paid are
recognized in interest expense on an ongoing basis. This rate difference resulted in reductions in interest expense
of approximately $0.1 million during 2005 and $0.3 million during 2004.

On March 5, 2004, we terminated an interest rate swap agreement which we had entered into on

December 2, 2003. The termination of this agreement resulted in a realized gain of approximately $0.7 million,
which was reported as a reduction of interest expense during 2004.

Note 17—Acquisitions

On September 1, 2005, we acquired Microsensor Systems, Inc. of Bowling Green, Kentucky. Microsensor
Systems is a world leader in surface acoustic wave based chemical sensing technology used to detect chemical
warfare agents. We believe the acquisition of Microsensor Systems significantly strengthens our position as a

52

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

premier provider of leading edge detection technology, while expanding our product offerings in the homeland
security, emergency responder, law enforcement, military and industrial markets.

The initial purchase price of $12.8 million in cash includes amounts paid to the previous owners and other
direct external costs associated with the acquisition. The acquisition was recorded using the purchase method of
accounting and, accordingly, the purchase price was allocated to assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on
their estimated fair values at the acquisition date.

The following table summarizes the estimated fair value of the Microsensor Systems assets acquired and

liabilities assumed at the date of acquisition:

Current assets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Property . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Intangibles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Goodwill

Total assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Current liabilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net assets acquired . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

September 1,
2005

(In thousands)
$ 2,238
222
5,179
5,643

13,282
455

12,827

Goodwill related to the Microsensor Systems acquisition, which is included in the North American segment,

is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.

The acquisition agreement provides for additional consideration of up to $2.3 million to be paid to the

former owners based on sales of certain Microsensor Systems products during the five year period from
September 1, 2005 through August 31, 2010. Additional consideration will be charged to goodwill.

On June 30, 2004, we acquired Sordin AB of Varnamo, Sweden, a leading manufacturer of passive and
electronic hearing protection designed for the industrial, law enforcement and military markets. The acquisition
was recorded using the purchase method of accounting. The $4.3 million initial purchase price was allocated to
assets acquired and liabilities assumed based on estimated fair values and included $2.9 million of goodwill,
which is included in the European segment. The acquisition agreement provided for additional consideration of
up to $5.4 million to be paid to the former owners based on Sordin’s earnings performance during the five year
period from July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2009. In October 2005, the acquisition agreement was amended to
satisfy our additional consideration obligation to 60% of the former shareholders with a lump sum payment of
$2.2 million, which was charged to goodwill. The additional consideration due to the remaining 40% of the
former shareholders, who comprise the current Sordin management team, is being recognized as compensation
expense over the five year earn out period, as specified in the acquisition agreement.

Microsensor Systems and Sordin operating results have been included in our consolidated financial
statements from their respective acquisition dates. Pro forma consolidated results, as if the acquisitions had
occurred at the beginning of 2003, would not be materially different from the results reported.

53

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

Note 18—Discontinued Operations

On September 12, 2003, we sold certain assets of the Callery Chemical Division to BASF Corporation for
$64.6 million. The operating results of the Callery Chemical Division and the gain on the sale of the division, as
summarized below, have been classified as discontinued operations.

Net sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Income before income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Net income from discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gain on sale of discontinued operations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Provision for income taxes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Gain on sale of discontinued operations—after tax . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Year ended
December 31,
2003

(In thousands)
$21,345

4,210
1,525

2,685

22,390
8,732

13,658

Note 19—Contingencies

Various lawsuits and claims arising in the normal course of business are pending against us. These lawsuits

are primarily product liability claims. We are presently named as a defendant in approximately 3,000 lawsuits
primarily involving respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. Collectively, these
lawsuits represent a total of approximately 26,000 plaintiffs. Approximately 90% of these lawsuits involve
plaintiffs alleging they suffer from silicosis, with the remainder alleging they suffer from other or combined
injuries, including asbestosis. These lawsuits typically allege that these conditions resulted in part from
respirators that were negligently designed or manufactured by us. Consistent with the experience of other
companies involved in silica and asbestos-related litigation, in recent years there has been an increase in the
number of asserted claims that could potentially involve us. We cannot determine our potential maximum
liability for such claims, in part because the defendants in these lawsuits are often numerous, and the claims
generally do not specify the amount of damages sought.

With some limited exceptions, we maintain insurance against product liability claims. We also maintain a
reserve for uninsured product liability based on expected settlement charges for pending claims and an estimate
of unreported claims derived from experience, sales volumes, and other relevant information. We reevaluate our
exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the reserve as appropriate. Based on information
currently available, we believe that the disposition of matters that are pending will not have a materially adverse
effect on our financial condition.

In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and related legal fees
that are covered by insurance. We record receivables for the portion of these payments that we expect to recover
from insurance carriers. At December 31, 2005, the net balance of receivables from insurance carriers was $5.0
million. We evaluate the collectibility of these receivables on an ongoing basis and make adjustments as
appropriate.

In connection with our sale of the Callery Chemical facility in Evans City, Pennsylvania, we have retained

responsibility for certain environmental costs at this site, where relatively low levels of contamination are known
to exist. Under the terms of the asset purchase agreement with BASF, our maximum liability for these matters is

54

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS—(Continued)

capped at $50.0 million. Based on environmental studies performed prior to the sale of the division, we do not
believe that our potential exposure under the terms of this agreement will materially affect our financial
condition.

Note 20—Recently Issued Accounting Standards

In November 2004, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued FAS No. 151, Inventory
Costs, an Amendment of ARB No. 43, Chapter 4. FAS No. 151 requires the exclusion of certain costs from
inventories and the allocation of fixed production overheads to inventories to be based on the normal capacity of
the production facilities. The provisions of this Statement are effective for costs incurred after December 31,
2005. We expect that our adoption of this statement effective January 1, 2006 will not have a material effect on
our consolidated results of operations or financial condition.

In December 2004, the FASB issued FAS No. 123R, Share-Based Payment, which is a revision of FAS
No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock
Issued to Employees, and its related implementation guidance. FAS No. 123R establishes standards for
accounting for transactions in which an entity exchanges its equity instruments for goods or services. It also
addresses transactions in which an entity incurs liabilities in exchange for goods or services that are based on the
fair value of the entity’s equity instruments or that may be settled by the issuance of those equity instruments.
FAS No. 123R requires an entity to recognize the cost of employee services received in share-based payment
transactions, thereby reflecting the economic consequences of those transactions in the financial statements. This
Statement applies to all awards granted on or after January 1, 2006, and to awards modified, repurchased, or
cancelled after that date. We expect that adopting this Statement will reduce our net income in 2006 by
approximately $1.6 million.

Note 21—Quarterly Financial Information (Unaudited)

2005

Quarters

2004

Quarters

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Year

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Year

(In thousands, except earnings per share)

Net sales . . . . . . . $228,048 $220,124 $217,879 $241,861 $907,912 $194,490 $213,114 $219,962 $224,943 $852,509
340,420
Gross profit . . . . .
71,047
Net income . . . . .

355,440
81,783

93,450
24,177

88,374
19,111

93,368
21,353

84,931
18,118

81,182
17,052

87,440
19,201

85,312
17,680

81,803
16,138

Basic earnings per
share . . . . . . . . .

Diluted earnings

per share . . . . .

.58

.57

.53

.52

.47

.46

.66

.65

2.24

2.19

.44

.43

.49

.48

.51

.50

.47

.46

1.91

1.86

55

Item 9. Changes in and Disagreements with Accountants on Accounting and Financial Disclosure

None.

Item 9A. Controls and Procedures

(a) Evaluation of disclosure controls and procedures. Based on their evaluation as of the end of the period

covered by this Form 10-K, the Company’s principal executive officer and principal financial officer have
concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)
under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (the “Exchange Act”)) are effective to ensure that information
required to be disclosed by the Company in reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is recorded,
processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in Securities and Exchange Commission
rules and forms.

(b) Changes in internal control. There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial

reporting that occurred during the Company’s most recent fiscal quarter that have materially affected, or are
reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

See Item 8. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data—“Management’s Report on Internal Control

Over Financial Reporting” and “Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.”

Item 9B. Other Information

None.

56

Item 10. Directors and Executive Officers of the Registrant

PART III

Item 11. Executive Compensation

Item 12. Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management and Related Stockholder

Matters

Item 13. Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

Item 14. Principal Accountant Fees and Services

Incorporated by reference herein pursuant to Rule 12b—23 are (1) “Election of Directors,” (2) “Other

Information Concerning Directors and Officers” (except as excluded below), (3) “Stock Ownership,” and
(4) “Selection of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm,” appearing in the Proxy Statement filed
pursuant to Regulation 14A in connection with the registrant’s Annual Meeting of Shareholders to be held on
May 11, 2006. The information appearing in such Proxy Statement under the captions “Compensation
Committee Report on Executive Compensation,” “Audit Committee Report” and the other information appearing
in such Proxy Statement and not specifically incorporated by reference herein is not incorporated herein. The
Company has adopted a Code of Ethics applicable to its principal executive officer, principal financial officer
and principal accounting officer and other Company officials. The text of the Code of Ethics is available on the
Company’s Internet site at www.MSANet.com. Any amendment to, or waiver of, a required provision of the Code
of Ethics that applies to the Company’s principal executive, financial or accounting officer will also be posted on
the Company’s Internet site at that address.

The following table sets forth information as of December 31, 2005 concerning common stock issuable

under the Company’s equity compensation plans.

Plan Category

Number of securities
to be issued upon
exercise of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(a)

Weighted average
exercise price of
outstanding options,
warrants and rights
(b)

Number of securities
remaining available
for future issuance
under equity
compensation plans
(excluding securities
reflected in column (a))
(c)

Equity compensation plans approved by security

holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,554,207

Equity compensation plans not approved by

security holders . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Total . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

None
1,554,207

$17.17

—
$17.17

1,257,009

None
1,257,009

* Includes 1,126,180 shares available for issuance under the Company’s 1998 Management Share Incentive Plan
(MSIP) and 130,829 shares available for issuance under the Company’s 1990 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock
Option Plan (DSOP). In addition to stock options, the DSOP authorizes the issuance of restricted stock awards,
and the MSIP authorizes the issuance of stock appreciation rights, restricted stock, performance awards and
other stock and stock-based awards.

57

PART IV

Item 15. Exhibits and Financial Statement Schedules

(a) 1. Financial Statements and Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm (see Part II,

Item 8 of this Form 10-K).

The following information is filed as part of this Form 10-K.

Management’s Report on Responsibility for Financial Reporting and Management’s Report on

Internal Control Over Financial Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statement of Income—three years ended December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Balance Sheet—December 31, 2005 and 2004 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows—three years ended December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Retained Earnings and Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Income—three years ended December 31, 2005 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page

31

32

34

35

36

37

38

(a) 2. The following additional financial information for the three years ended December 31, 2005 is filed

with the report and should be read in conjunction with the above financial statements:

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on Financial Statement Schedule

Schedule II—Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

All other schedules are omitted because they are not applicable, not material or the required information is

shown in the consolidated financial statements and consolidated notes to the financial statements listed above.

(a) 3. Exhibits

(3)(i)

(3)(ii)

(4)

Restated Articles of Incorporation as amended to January 16, 2004, filed as Exhibit 3(i) to Form
10-K on March 15, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.

By-laws of the registrant, as amended on October 26, 2004, filed as Exhibit 3.1 to Form 8-K on
October 27, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.

Rights Agreement dated as of February 10, 1997 between the registrant and Norwest Bank
Minnesota, N.A., as Rights Agent, filed as Exhibit (4) to Form 10-K on March 27, 2002, is
incorporated herein by reference.

(10)(a)*

1998 Management Share Incentive Plan, filed as Exhibit 10(b) to Form 10-K on March 28, 2003, is
incorporated herein by reference.

(10)(b)* Retirement Plan for Directors, as amended effective April 1, 2001, filed as Exhibit 10(c) to

Form 10-K on March 27, 2001, is incorporated herein by reference.

(10)(c)*

(10)(d)*

Supplemental Pension Plan as of May 5, 1998, filed as Exhibit 10(d) to Form 10-Q on August 12,
2003, is incorporated herein by reference.

1990 Non-Employee Directors’ Stock Option Plan as amended effective April 29, 2004, filed as
Exhibit 10(d) to Form 10-K on March 14, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.

58

(10)(e)*

(10)(f)*

(10)(g)*

(10)(h)*

(10)(i)*

(10)(j)

Executive Insurance Program as Amended and Restated as of January 1, 2001, filed as Exhibit
10(g) to Form 10-K on March 27, 2001, is incorporated herein by reference.

Annual Incentive Bonus Plan as of May 5, 1998, filed as Exhibit 10(g) to Form 10-Q on August 12,
2003, is incorporated herein by reference.

Form of Severance Agreement as of May 20, 1998 between the registrant and John T. Ryan III,
filed as Exhibit 10(h) to Form 10-Q on August 12, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.

Form of Severance Agreement between the registrant and the other executive officers filed as
Exhibit 10(i) to Form 10-Q on August 12, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.

First Amendment to the 1998 Management Share Incentive Plan as of March 10, 1999, filed as
Exhibit 10(i) to Form 10-Q on August 6, 2004, is incorporated herein by reference.

Trust Agreement as of June 1, 1996 between the registrant and PNC Bank, N.A. re the Mine Safety
Appliances Company Stock Compensation Trust filed as Exhibit 10(k) to Form 10-K on March 28,
2003, is incorporated herein by reference.

(10)(k)* MSA Supplemental Savings Plan, as amended and restated effective January 1, 2003, filed as
Exhibit 10(l) to Form 10-K on March 28, 2003, is incorporated herein by reference.

(10)(l)*

CEO Annual Incentive Award Plan filed as Appendix A to the registrant’s definitive proxy
statement dated March 29, 2005, is incorporated herein by reference.

(21)

(23)

Affiliates of the registrant is filed herewith.

Consent of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, independent registered public accounting firm is filed
herewith.

(31)(1)

Certification of J. T. Ryan III pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) is filed herewith.

(31)(2)

Certification of D. L. Zeitler pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a) is filed herewith.

(32)

Certification of Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C.(S)1350
is filed herewith.

* The exhibits marked by an asterisk are management contracts or compensatory plans or arrangements.

The registrant agrees to furnish to the Commission upon request copies of all instruments with respect to
long-term debt referred to in Note 10 of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements filed as part of Item 8 of
this annual report which have not been previously filed or are not filed herewith.

59

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant

has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

March 6, 2006

(Date)

By

/s/

JOHN T. RYAN III

John T. Ryan III
Chairman of the Board and
Chief Executive Officer

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, this report has been signed below by

the following persons on behalf of the registrant and in the capacities and on the dates indicated.

Signature

Title

Date

/s/

JOHN T. RYAN III
John T. Ryan III

Director; Chairman of the Board and

March 6, 2006

Chief Executive Officer

/s/ DENNIS L. ZEITLER

Dennis L. Zeitler

Vice President—Finance; Principal
Financial and Accounting Officer

March 6, 2006

/s/ CALVIN A. CAMPBELL, JR.

Director

March 6, 2006

Calvin A. Campbell, Jr.

/s/

JAMES A. CEDERNA
James A. Cederna

Director

March 6, 2006

/s/ THOMAS B. HOTOPP

Director

March 6, 2006

Thomas B. Hotopp

/s/ DIANE M. PEARSE

Director

March 6, 2006

Diane M. Pearse

/s/ L. EDWARD SHAW, JR.

Director

March 6, 2006

L. Edward Shaw, Jr.

/s/

JOHN C. UNKOVIC
John C. Unkovic

Director

March 6, 2006

/s/ THOMAS H. WITMER

Director

March 6, 2006

Thomas H. Witmer

60

Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm on
Financial Statement Schedule

To the Board of Directors
of Mine Safety Appliances Company:

Our audits of the consolidated financial statements, of management’s assessment of the effectiveness of

internal control over financial reporting and of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting
referred to in our report dated March 6, 2006 appearing in the 2005 Annual Report to Shareholders of Mine
Safety Appliances Company (which report, consolidated financial statements and assessment are included in this
Annual Report on Form 10-K) also included an audit of the financial statement schedule listed in Item 15(a)(2) of
this Form 10-K. In our opinion, this financial statement schedule presents fairly, in all material respects, the
information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements.

/s/ PRICEWATERHOUSECOOPERS LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 6, 2006

F-1

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY AND AFFILIATES
VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
THREE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2005
(IN THOUSANDS)

SCHEDULE II

Allowance for doubtful accounts:
Balance at beginning of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Additions—

2005

2004

2003

$7,548

$6,418

$4,134

Charged to costs and expenses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

474

1,703

2,718

Deductions—

Deductions from reserves (1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Balance at end of year . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1,981

6,041

573

434

7,548

6,418

(1) Bad debts written off, net of recoveries.

F-2

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY  

The registrant’s present affiliates include the following:  

Name 
Compañia MSA de Argentina S.A. 
MSA (Aust.) Pty. Limited 
MSA-Auer Sicherheitstechnik Vertriebs GmbH 
MSA Belgium NV 
MSA do Brasil Ltda. 
MSA Canada 
MSA de Chile Ltda. 

Wuxi-MSA Safety Equipment Co. Ltd.
MSA International, Inc. 
Microsensor Systems, Inc. 
MSA Gallet 
MSA Auer 
MSA Europe 

MSA-Auer Hungaria Safety Technology
MSA Italiana S.p.A. 
MSA Japan Ltd. 
MSA Safety Malaysia Snd Bhd 
MSA de Mexico, S.A. de C.V. 
MSA Nederland, B.V. 
MSA del Peru S.A.C. 
MSA-Auer Polska Sp. z o.o. 
MSA (Britain) Limited 
MSA S.E. Asia Pte. Ltd. 
MSA Africa (Pty.) Ltd. 

MSA Española S.A. 
MSA Nordic 
Sordin AB 
Aritron Instrument A.G. 
MSA Zimbabwe (Pvt.) Limited 

EXHIBIT 21 

State or Other
Jurisdiction of
Incorporation

   Argentina

   Australia

   Austria

   Belgium

   Brazil

   Canada

   Chile

   China

   Delaware

   Kentucky

France

   Germany

   Germany

   Hungary

Italy

Japan

   Malaysia

   Mexico

   Netherlands

Peru

Poland

Scotland

Singapore

South 
Africa

Spain

Sweden

Sweden

Switzerland

Zimbabwe

The above-mentioned affiliated companies are included in the consolidated financial statements of the registrant filed as part of 
this annual report. The names of certain other affiliates, which considered in the aggregate as a single affiliate would not constitute a 
significant affiliate, have been omitted. 

  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM  

We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-8 (No. 33-22284, No. 33-43696, No. 
333-51983, and No. 333-121196) of Mine Safety Appliances Company of our reports dated March 6, 2006 relating to the financial 
statements, financial statement schedule, management’s assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting 
and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, which appear in this Form 10-K.  

Exhibit 23 

/s/ PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
March 6, 2006

  
EXHIBIT 31.1 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)  
I, John T. Ryan III, certify that:  
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Mine Safety Appliances Company;  

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with 
respect to the period covered by this report;  

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all 
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in 
this report;  

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange 
Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:  

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under 
our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made 
known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;  
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be 
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;  
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions 
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on 
such evaluation; and  
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and  

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial 
reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the 
equivalent functions):  

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 
information; and  
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

March 6, 2006  

/s/ John T. Ryan III 
John T. Ryan III
Chief Executive Officer

  
EXHIBIT 31.2 

CERTIFICATION OF CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)  
I, Dennis L. Zeitler, certify that:  
1. I have reviewed this annual report on Form 10-K of Mine Safety Appliances Company;  

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact 
necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with 
respect to the period covered by this report;  

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all 
material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in 
this report;  

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures 
(as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a–15(e) and 15d–15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange 
Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:  

(a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under 
our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made 
known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;  
(b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be 
designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the 
preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;  
(c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions 
about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on 
such evaluation; and  
(d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the 
registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially 
affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and  

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial 
reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the 
equivalent functions):  

(a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting 
which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial 
information; and  
(b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the 
registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.  

March 6, 2006  

/s/ Dennis L. Zeitler 
Dennis L. Zeitler
Chief Financial Officer

  
CERTIFICATION  

EXHIBIT 32 

Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. (S) 1350, the undersigned officers of Mine Safety Appliances Company (the “Company”), hereby certify, 

to the best of their knowledge, that the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2005 (the 
“Report”) fully complies with the requirements of Section 13 (a) or 15 (d), as applicable, of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and 
that the information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of 
the Company.  

March 6, 2006

  /s/ John T. Ryan III

Name: John T. Ryan III
  Title:   Chief Executive Officer

  /s/ Dennis L. Zeitler

  Name:  Dennis L. Zeitler
  Title:   Chief Financial Officer

  
 
 
PRINCIPAL OPERATIONS
North America
Mine Safety Appliances Company

Corporate Headquarters – Pittsburgh, Pa.
Manufacturing – Bowling Green, Ky; Clifton, N.J.;

Cranberry Twp., Pa.; Englewood, Co.; Evans City, Pa.; 
Jacksonville, N.C.; Murrysville, Pa.; Newport, Vt.; Sparks, Md.

Research – John T. Ryan Memorial Laboratory,

Cranberry Twp., Pa.

MSA Canada, Toronto; MSA Gallet, Quebec
MSA de Mexico, S.A. de C.V., Mexico City

Europe
MSA Europe (Headquarters), Berlin, Germany
Aritron Instrument A.G., Forch, Switzerland
MSA-Auer Almay, Almaty, Kazakhstan (Service Center/Office)
MSA-Auer, Berlin, Germany
MSA-Auer, Czech, s.r.o., Ostrava, Czech
MSA-Auer GmbH, Czech o.z., Praha, Czech (Service Center)
MSA-Auer Polska Sp. z o.o., Warsaw, Poland
MSA-Auer Poznan, Poznan, Poland (Service Center)
MSA-Auer Hungaria Safety Technology, Budapest, Hungary
MSA-Auer Kiev, Kyiv, Ukraine (Representative Office)
MSA-Auer Miskolc, Tiszaujvaros, Hungary (Service Center)
MSA-Auer GmbH Romania, o.z., Bucuresti, Romania (Branch)
MSA-Auer Petrosani, Petrosani, Romania (Service Center)
MSA-Auer Moscow, Moscow, Russia (Representative Office)
MSA-Auer Sicherheitstechnik Vertriebs GmbH,

Absdorf, Austria

MSA-Auer GmbH, Slovakia o.z., Pezinok, Slovakia 

(Service Center)

MSA-Auer Szczecin, Szczecin, Poland (Service Center)
MSA Belgium, N.V., Lier
MSA (Britain) Limited, Glasgow
MSA Española, S.A., Barcelona
MSA de France, Paris
MSA Gallet, Chatillon sur Chalaronne, France;

Mohammedia, Morocco
MSA Italiana S.p.A., Milan
MSA Nederland, B.V., Hoorn
MSA Nordic, Malmo, Sweden
MSA SORDIN AB, Varnamo, Sweden

International
MSA Africa (Pty.) Ltd., Johannesburg
MSA de Argentina S.A., Buenos Aires
MSA (Aust.) Pty. Limited, Sydney
MSA (Australia), Auckland, New Zealand (Branch Office)
MSA do Brasil Ltda., São Paulo
MSA de Chile Ltda., Santiago
MSA Hong Kong Limited, Hong Kong
MSA (India) Limited, Calcutta
MSA Indonesia, Jakarta
MSA Japan Ltd., Tokyo
MSA Safety Malaysia Snd Bhd, Kuala Lumpur
MSA Middle East, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
MSA del Peru S.A.C., Lima
MSA S.E. Asia Pte. Ltd., Singapore
MSA Zimbabwe (Pvt.) Limited, Harare
Wuxi-MSA Safety Equipment Co., Ltd., Wuxi, China

MSA Annual Report 2005

DIRECTORS & CORPORATE OFFICERS
Board of Directors
John T. Ryan III (1)

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
of the Company

Calvin A. Campbell, Jr. (2) (3) (4)

Retired (2003); formerly Chairman, President and Chief 
Executive Officer, Goodman Equipment Corporation 
(manufactured underground mining and tunneling
locomotives and parts and services for plastics injection
molding machinery)

James A. Cederna (2) (3) (4)

Owner and President, Cederna International, Inc. 
(executive coaching)

Thomas B. Hotopp (1)

Retired (2003); formerly President of the Company

Diane M. Pearse (2)

Chief Financial Officer, Crate and Barrel
(home furnishings retailer)

L. Edward Shaw, Jr. 

Senior Managing Director, Richard C. Breeden & Co.
(multi-disciplinary professional services firm)
Director, HealthSouth Corporation

John C. Unkovic (3) (4)

Partner and General Counsel, Reed Smith LLP
(full service law firm)
Thomas H. Witmer (1) (2) (3)

Retired (1998); formerly President and Chief Executive 
Officer, Medrad, Inc. (manufacturer of medical devices)

(1) Member of Executive Committee
(2) Member of Audit Committee
(3) Member of Compensation Committee
(4) Member of Nominating and Corporate

Governance Committee

Officers
John T. Ryan III

Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer

James H. Baillie

Vice President; President, MSA Europe

Joseph A. Bigler
Vice President

Kerry M. Bove

Vice President
Rob Cañizares M.

Vice President; President, MSA International

Ronald N. Herring, Jr.
Vice President
William M. Lambert

Vice President; President, MSA North America

Douglas K. McClaine

Vice President; Secretary and General Counsel

Stephen C. Plut

Vice President
Dennis L. Zeitler

Vice President; Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Douglas K. McClaine

Stephen C. Plut

Paul R. Uhler

ORGANIZATION

In 2005, MSA continued to add breadth and depth to its executive management team
and gave appropriate recognition to several senior executives.

Douglas K. McClaine, a 21-year veteran of MSA, was elected a Vice President of
the company. Possessing a broad knowledge of the law and strong leadership skills,
Doug has established himself as an important contributor to MSA’s management
team. In addition to solidifying MSA’s ethics policy, Doug most recently played an
integral role in managing the legal issues associated with MSA’s transition from the
American Stock Exchange to the New York Stock Exchange. Doug will maintain his
current responsibilities as Secretary and General Counsel, a position to which he
was promoted in 2002.

Also elected Vice President in 2005 was Stephen C. Plut. With more than 25 years 
of IT experience, Steve joined the company in 1998 as Director of Information
Technology and has helped develop MSA’s IT department into a world class practice.
The successful completion of the significant SAP upgrade and the creation of an
innovative “early warning” system that helps ensure efficient and timely processing
of customer orders are two recent examples of Steve’s IT leadership at MSA. Based
on these and other accomplishments, Steve was recognized in 2005 by IDG’s
Computerworld Magazineas one of the business world’s Premier 100 IT Leaders. 

To more closely align MSA’s Human Resources function with the company’s strategic
and long-term business goals, MSA completed a major transformation of its HR team
in 2005. Leading this important initiative was Paul R. Uhler who, in 2005, was
promoted to Director, Human Resources and Corporate Communications. A veteran
of MSA, Paul brings 21 years of operations expertise and HR experience to this new
position. He succeeds Benedict DeMaria, who retired from the company in 2005 after
24 years of service.

MSA wishes to thank and recognize Ben for the many contributions he made to 
the company over his many years of service. Developing the early framework for
MSA’s HR transformation was one of Ben’s most important contributions to MSA. 
His commitment to maintaining MSA’s longstanding employee-oriented culture
remains evident today as many HR programs created under Ben’s leadership 
continue to be benchmarks in our region.

Section 302 Certifications and NYSE CEO Certification

In June 2005, the Company’s Chief Executive Officer submitted to the New York Stock
Exchange the annual certification as to compliance with the Exchange’s Corporate
Governance Listing Standards required by Section 303A.12(a) of the Exchange’s
Listed Company Manual. The certification was unqualified. 

The Company’s reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission during the
past year, including the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31,
2005, have contained the certifications of the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and
Chief Financial Officer regarding the quality of the Company’s public disclosure
required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

Shareholders’ Inquiries

Additional copies of the company’s 2005 Annual Report, including Form 10-K, as filed
with the Securities and Exchange Commission, may be obtained by shareholders
after April 1, 2006. Printed and electronic versions are available. Requests should be
directed to the Vice President-Finance, who can be reached at one of the following:

Phone:
Fax:
Internet:
U.S. Mail: MSA

412-967-3046
412-967-3367
MSAnet.com

Vice President-Finance
P. O. Box 426
Pittsburgh, PA 15230

T he  Safety  Company

Mine Safety Appliances Company

121 Gamma Drive

RIDC Industrial Park

O’Hara Township

Pittsburgh, PA 15238

412-967-3000

www.MSAnet.com