MSA Safety introduces new six-gas detector for confined spaces

MSA Safety launches ALTAIR io 6 gas detector at A+A 2025

MSA Safety has introduced the ALTAIR io 6 Multigas Detector at the 2025 A+A International Trade Fair and Congress in Düsseldorf, Germany.

The company said the six-gas detector is designed for confined space monitoring and sampling applications.

It will become part of the MSA Connected Work Platform and will be the company’s first cellular-connected gas detector to include an integrated pump.

According to MSA Safety, the ALTAIR io 6 features XCell sensors, a large and clear display, and a removable rechargeable external battery.

It can be handheld or worn, depending on site needs.

The device will join the existing ALTAIR io 4 Gas Detection Wearable on the same platform.

Integration with the MSA Connected Work Platform

The company said the io 6 and io 4 share the same interface and use MSA Grid software, which allows safety managers to integrate both models into a single monitoring network.

MSA Grid can display device locations and alerts in real time, as well as provide immediate access to data from individual units or entire fleets.

The io 6 is expected to be available for order in early 2026.

Designed for industrial and confined space applications

MSA Safety stated that the io 6 is suited for use across construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and utilities sectors.

The io 4 model supports continuous personal monitoring, while the io 6 is intended for sampling confined spaces and job sites before entry.

Dave Howells, President of MSA International, said: “Our focus is on helping to keep workers safe by developing innovative safety solutions so our customers can enhance protection, compliance, and efficiency.”

He added: “By featuring our Connected Work Platform and broad range of industrial safety solutions, we’ll give A+A attendees a hands-on experience to learn more about how MSA is using technology and data to help make it easier for workers to have the best solution for their job.”

Additional MSA products on display at A+A 2025

The company confirmed that its stand in Hall 1, Stand C42, also features a wide range of safety products.

These include V-SERIES Harnesses designed for flexibility and comfort, MSA Latchways Lifeline Systems for mobility and fall safety, and V-Gard Safety Helmets listed in the Chartered Institute of Building #PPEthatfits Directory.

Other products on display include the M1 Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, suitable for industrial, confined space and fire service use; the FL500-H2 UV/IR Flame Detector for Hydrogen; and the ULTIMA X5000 Gas Monitor, which supports dual sensing and Bluetooth connectivity for remote monitoring.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The introduction of the ALTAIR io 6 Multigas Detector could be of interest to safety officers, equipment specifiers and industrial site managers involved in confined space entry or hazardous gas monitoring.

Its cellular connectivity and integration through MSA Grid may support teams managing multiple detectors across large or complex worksites.

Fire protection contractors and facility safety engineers in industries such as oil and gas, manufacturing and utilities may find relevance in the device’s sampling capabilities and integration with existing monitoring systems.

Attendees at trade events like A+A 2025 can assess its performance alongside MSA’s broader range of fall protection, respiratory and flame detection products.