MSA Safety Inc - Annual Report: 2012 (Form 10-K)

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UNITED STATES

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

MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Registrant’s telephone number, including area code: (724) 776-8600

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

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

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  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§ 232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes  x    No  ¨

Indicate by check mark if disclosure of delinquent filers pursuant to Item 405 of Regulation S-K (§ 229.405 of this chapter) 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.    ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one):

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

As of February 15, 2013, there were outstanding 37,010,504 shares of common stock, no par value, not including 731,922 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, 2012 was approximately $1.2 billion.

DOCUMENTS INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

Portions of the Proxy Statement for the May 7, 2013 Annual Meeting of Shareholders are incorporated by reference into Part III.

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Forward-Looking Statements

This report may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. 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 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” or other comparable words. Actual results, performance or outcomes may differ materially from those expressed or implied by 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.

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PART I

Item 1. Business

Overview—Mine Safety Appliances Company was incorporated in Pennsylvania in 1914. We are a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of products that protect people’s health and safety. Our 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 oil and gas, fire service, mining, construction and other industries, as well as the military. Our broad product offering includes self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBAs, gas masks, gas detection instruments, head protection, respirators, thermal imaging cameras and fall protection. 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 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 functional 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 to 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 eleven geographic operating segments that are aggregated into three reportable 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 and much of our business is conducted outside the U.S., 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 safety products to protect workers around the world in the oil and gas, fire service, mining, 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.

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Portable and fixed gas detection instruments. Our portable and fixed 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.

Thermal imaging cameras. Our hand-held infrared thermal imaging cameras, or TICs, are used in the global fire service market. TICs detect sources of heat in order to locate downed firefighters and other people trapped inside burning or smoke-filled structures. TICs can also be used to identify “hot spots.” Our Evolution^® 5000 series TICs are unmatched for ease of use and durability. Our Evolution^® 5800 TIC, the newest addition to our 5000 series of TICs, offers state-of-the-art imagery in a high resolution format. Our Evolution^® 5600 TIC provides high resolution and an extended high sensitivity operating range in a rugged, user-friendly and affordable design.

Head, eye and face and hearing protection. Head, eye and face and hearing protection is used in work environments where hazards present dangers such as dust, flying particles, metal fragments, chemicals, extreme glare, optical radiation and items dropped from above.

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Fall protection. Our broad line of fall protection equipment includes confined space equipment, harnesses, fall arrest equipment, lanyards and lifelines. Fall protection equipment is used by construction and plant workers and anyone working at height.

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 European and International segments, we make our sales through both indirect and direct sales channels. For the year ended December 31, 2012, no individual customer represented 10% of our sales.

Industrial and military end-users—Examples of the primary industrial and military end-users of our core products are listed below:

Sales and Distribution—Our sales and distribution team consists of distinct marketing, field sales and customer service organizations. 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 and educate them about hazards, exposure limits, safety requirements and product applications, as well as the specific performance requirements of our products. In our International segment and Eastern Europe where distributors are not as well established, our sales associates often work with and sell directly to end-users. We believe that the development of relationships with end-users is critical to increasing the overall demand for our products.

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 customer 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.

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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., Fastenal 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 European 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 distributor locations worldwide.

Our Safety Works, LLC joint venture provides a broad range of safety products and gloves to the North American do-it-yourself and independent contractor market through various channels, including distributors such as Orgill, hardware and equipment rental outlets such as United Rentals, and retail chains such as The Home Depot, TrueValue and Do-it Best.

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 $20 billion. The industry supplying this market is broad and highly fragmented with few participants offering a comprehensive line of safety products. Over the long-term, we believe global demand for safety products will be 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 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 that 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 offerings and strong brand trust and recognition.

Research and Development—To maintain our position at the forefront of safety equipment technology, we operate several sophisticated research and development facilities. We believe our dedication and commitment to innovation and research and development allow us to produce innovative safety products that are often first to market and exceed industry standards. In 2012, 2011 and 2010, on a global basis, we spent $40.9 million, $39.2 million and $32.8 million, respectively, on research and development. Our primary engineering groups are located in the United States, Germany, China and, to a lesser extent, France. 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. 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 operating 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

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pipeline and devote time and attention to anticipating a new standard’s impact on our 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 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—Many of the 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, hard hats 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.

Associates—At December 31, 2012, we had approximately 5,300 associates, approximately 3,300 of whom were employed by our European and International segments. None of our U.S. associates are subject to the provisions of a collective bargaining agreement. Some of our associates 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 associates are good.

Available Information—Our internet address is www.MSAsafety.com. We post the following filings on the Investor Relations page on our website as soon as reasonably practicable after they have been electronically filed with or furnished to 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 website is not part of this annual report on Form 10-K or our other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The annual report on Form 10-K is also available in print to any shareholder who requests it. Such requests should be sent to The Chief Financial Officer, 1000 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township, PA 16066.

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Unfavorable economic and market conditions could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

We are subject to risks arising from adverse changes in global economic conditions. Although economic conditions generally improved in 2012, the global economy remains unstable and we expect economic conditions will continue to be challenging for the foreseeable future. Adverse changes in economic conditions could result in declines in revenue, profitability and cash flow due to reduced orders, payment delays, supply chain disruptions or other factors caused by the economic challenges faced by our customers and suppliers.

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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 other government agencies is, in large part, driven by available government funding. 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 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 business 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 materially 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 and our inability to collect related insurance receivables could have a materially 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 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 materially adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and for related legal fees and record receivables for the amounts covered by insurance. Our insurance receivables totaled $130.0 million at December 31, 2012. Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of insurance receivables, including: the outcome of negotiations with insurers, legal proceedings with respect to product liability insurance coverage and the extent to which insurers may become insolvent in the future. Failure to recover amounts due from our insurance carriers could have a materially adverse effect on our business, operating results and financial condition.

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A failure of our information systems could materially and adversely affect our business, results of operations and financial condition.

The proper functioning and security of our information systems is critical to the operation of our business. Our information systems may be vulnerable to damage or disruption from natural or man-made disasters, computer viruses, power losses, or other system or network failures. In addition, hackers and cybercriminals could attempt to gain unauthorized access to our information systems with the intent of harming our company or obtaining sensitive information such as intellectual property, trade secrets, financial and business development information, and customer and vendor related information. If our information systems or security fail, our business, results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

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. Additionally, market anticipation of significant new standards can cause customers to accelerate or delay buying decisions.

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

We have business operations in over 40 foreign countries. In 2012, approximately half 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:

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.

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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 materially adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition. 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 materially 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. 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 materially 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 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:

If we are unable to integrate or successfully manage businesses that we have recently acquired or may acquire in the future, we may not realize anticipated cost savings, improved manufacturing efficiencies and increased revenue, which may result in materially 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

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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 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 acquired companies and increases in other expenses.

Because we derive a significant portion of our sales from the operations of our foreign subsidiaries, future currency 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, 2012, the operations in our European and International segments accounted for approximately half of our net sales. 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 materially 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 business 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.

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.

If we fail to meet our debt service requirements or the restrictive covenants in our debt agreements or if interest rates increase, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected.

We have a substantial amount of debt upon which we are required to make scheduled interest and principal payments and we may incur additional debt in the future. A significant portion of our debt bears interest at variable rates that may increase in the future. Our debt agreements require us to comply with certain restrictive covenants. If we are unable to generate sufficient cash to service our debt or if interest rates increase, our results of operations and financial condition could be materially and adversely affected. Additionally, a failure to comply with the restrictive covenants contained in our debt agreements could result in a default, which if not waived by our lenders, could substantially increase borrowing costs and require accelerated repayment of our debt. We were in compliance with the restrictive covenants in our debt agreements as of December 31, 2012.

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Item 1B. Unresolved Staff Comments

None.

Item 2. Properties

Our principal executive offices are located at 1000 Cranberry Woods Drive, Cranberry Township, PA 16066 in a 212,000 square-foot building owned by us. We own or lease our primary facilities 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:

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Item 3. Legal Proceedings

We categorize the product liability losses that we experience into two main categories, single incident and cumulative trauma. Single incident product liability claims are discrete incidents that are typically known to us when they occur and involve observable injuries and, therefore, more quantifiable damages. Therefore, we maintain a reserve for single incident product liability claims based on expected settlement costs for pending claims and an estimate of costs for unreported claims derived from experience, sales volumes and other relevant information. Our reserve for single incident product liability claims at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $4.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Single incident product liability expense during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $0.7 million, $1.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively. We evaluate our single incident product liability exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the reserve as new information becomes available.

Cumulative trauma product liability claims involve exposures to harmful substances (e.g., silica, asbestos and coal dust) that occurred many years ago and may have developed over long periods of time into diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. We are presently named as a defendant in 2,609 lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege to have contracted certain cumulative trauma diseases related to exposure to silica, asbestos, and/or coal dust. These lawsuits mainly involve respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. We are unable to estimate total damages sought in these lawsuits as they generally do not specify the injuries alleged or the amount of damages sought, and potentially involve multiple defendants.

Cumulative trauma product liability litigation is difficult to predict. In our experience, until late in a lawsuit, we cannot reasonably determine whether it is probable that any given cumulative trauma lawsuit will ultimately result in a liability. This uncertainty is caused by many factors, including the following: cumulative trauma complaints generally do not provide information sufficient to determine if a loss is probable; cumulative trauma litigation is inherently unpredictable and information is often insufficient to determine if a lawsuit will develop into an actively litigated case; and even when a case is actively litigated, it is often difficult to determine if the lawsuit will be dismissed or otherwise resolved until late in the lawsuit. Moreover, even once it is probable that such a lawsuit will result in a loss, it is difficult to reasonably estimate the amount of actual loss that will be incurred. These amounts are highly variable and turn on a case-by-case analysis of the relevant facts, which are often not learned until late in the lawsuit.

Because of these factors, we cannot reliably determine our potential liability for such claims until late in the lawsuit. We, therefore, do not record cumulative trauma product liability losses when a lawsuit is filed, but rather, when we learn sufficient information to determine that it is probable that we will incur a loss and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We record expenses for defense costs associated with open cumulative trauma product liability lawsuits as incurred.

We cannot estimate any amount or range of possible losses related to resolving pending and future cumulative trauma product liability claims that we may face because of the factors described above. As new information about cumulative trauma product liability cases and future developments becomes available, we reassess our potential exposures.

A summary of cumulative trauma product liability claims activity follows:

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With some common contract exclusions, we maintain insurance for cumulative trauma product liability claims. We have purchased insurance policies from over 20 different insurance carriers that provide coverage for cumulative trauma product liability losses and related defense costs. In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and for related defense costs. We record receivables for the amounts that are covered by insurance. The available limits of these policies are many times our recorded insurance receivable balance.

Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of our insurance receivables, including the outcome of negotiations with insurers, legal proceedings with respect to product liability insurance coverage and the extent to which insurers may become insolvent in the future.

Our insurance receivables at December 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $130.0 million and $112.1 million, respectively, all of which is reported in other non-current assets.

A summary of insurance receivable balances and activity related to cumulative trauma product liability losses follows:

Additions to insurance receivables in the above table represent insured cumulative trauma product liability losses and related defense costs. Uninsured cumulative trauma product liability losses during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $2.1 million, $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Our aggregate cumulative trauma product liability losses and administrative and defense costs for the three years ended December 31, 2012, totaled approximately $99.7 million, substantially all of which was insured.

We believe that the increase in the insurance receivable balance that we have experienced since 2005 is primarily due to disagreements among our insurance carriers, and consequently with us, as to when their individual obligations to pay us are triggered and the amount of each insurer’s obligation, as compared to other insurers. We believe that our insurers do not contest that they have issued policies to us or that these policies cover cumulative trauma product liability claims. We believe that our ability to successfully resolve our insurance litigation with various insurance carriers in recent years demonstrates that we have strong legal positions concerning our rights to coverage.

We regularly evaluate the collectability of the insurance receivables and record the amounts that we conclude are probable of collection. Our conclusions are based on our analysis of the terms of the underlying insurance policies, our experience in successfully recovering cumulative trauma product liability claims from our insurers under other policies, the financial ability of our insurance carriers to pay the claims, our understanding and interpretation of the relevant facts and applicable law and the advice of legal counsel, who believe that our insurers are required to provide coverage based on the terms of the policies.

Although the outcome of cumulative trauma product liability matters cannot be predicted with certainty and unfavorable resolutions could materially affect our results of operations on a quarter-to-quarter basis, based on information currently available and the amounts of insurance coverage available to us, we believe that the disposition of cumulative trauma product liability lawsuits that are pending against us will not have a materially adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

We are currently involved in insurance coverage litigations with various of our insurance carriers.

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In 2009, we sued The North River Insurance Company (North River) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging that North River breached one of its insurance policies by failing to pay amounts owed to us and that it engaged in bad-faith claims handling. We believe that North River’s refusal to indemnify us under the policy for product liability losses and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all due amounts. Discovery is concluding and motions for summary judgment on certain issues will be submitted to the court in the first quarter of 2013. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In 2010, North River sued us in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania seeking a declaratory judgment concerning their responsibilities under three additional policies shared with Allstate Insurance Company (as successor in interest to policies issued by the Northbrook Excess and Surplus Insurance Company). We asserted claims against North River and Allstate for breaches of contract for failures to pay amounts owed to us. We also alleged that North River engaged in bad-faith claims handling. We believe that North River’s and Allstate’s refusals to indemnify us under these policies for product liability losses and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all due amounts. Discovery is concluding and motions for summary judgment on certain issues will be submitted to the court in the first quarter of 2013. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In July 2010, we filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware seeking declaratory and other relief from the majority of our excess insurance carriers concerning the future rights and obligations of MSA and our excess insurance carriers under various insurance policies. The reason for this insurance coverage action is to secure a comprehensive resolution of our rights under the insurance policies issued by our insurers. The case is currently in discovery. We have resolved our claims against certain of our insurance carriers on some of their policies through negotiated settlements. When settlement is reached, we dismiss the settling carrier from this action in Delaware.

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Item 4. Mine Safety Disclosures

Not applicable.

Executive Officers of the Registrant

The following sets forth the names and ages of our executive officers as of February 20, 2013, indicating all positions held during the past five years:

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PART II

Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “MSA”. Stock price ranges and dividends declared were as follows:

On February 5, 2013, there were 324 registered holders of our shares of common stock.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

In November 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 is calculated based on the dollars remaining under the program and the respective month-end closing share price.

We do not have any other share purchase programs.

Share purchases are related to stock compensation transactions.

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Comparison of Five-Year Cumulative Total Return

Set forth below are a line graph and table comparing the cumulative total returns (assuming reinvestment of dividends) for the five years ended December 31, 2012 of $100 invested on December 31, 2007 in each of Mine Safety Appliances Company common stock, the Standard & Poor’s 500 Composite Index and the Russell 2000 Index. Because our competitors are principally privately held concerns or subsidiaries or divisions of corporations engaged in multiple lines of business, we do not believe it feasible to construct a peer group comparison on an industry or line-of-business basis. The Russell 2000 Index, while including corporations both larger and smaller than MSA in terms of market capitalization, is composed of corporations with an average market capitalization similar to us.

COMPARISON OF 5 YEAR CUMULATIVE TOTAL RETURN*

Among Mine Safety Appliance Company, the S&P 500 Index,

and the Russell 2000 Index

Prepared by Zacks Investment Research, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved. Copyright 1980-2013.

Index Data: Copyright Standard and Poor’s, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Index Data: Copyright Russell Investments, Inc. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

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Item 6. Selected Financial Data

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 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.”

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BUSINESS OVERVIEW

We are a global leader in the development, manufacture and supply of products that protect people’s health and safety. Our 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 oil and gas, fire service, mining, construction and other industries, as well as the military. We are committed to providing our customers with service unmatched in the safety industry and, in the process, enhancing our ability to provide a growing line of safety solutions for customers in key global markets.

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 reportable geographic segments: North America, Europe and International. Each segment includes a number of operating segments. In 2012, 47%, 25% and 28% of our net sales were made by our North American, European 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 European segment includes companies in most Western European countries and a number of Eastern European and Middle Eastern locations. Our largest European companies, based in Germany and France, develop, manufacture and sell a wide variety of products. Operations in other European segment 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, the U.S. and China, or are purchased from third party vendors.

International. Our International segment includes companies in South America, Africa and the Asia Pacific region, some of which are in developing regions of the world. Principal International segment manufacturing operations are located in Australia, Brazil, China and South Africa. These companies 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 China, Germany, France and the U.S., or are purchased from third party vendors.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Year Ended December 31, 2012 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2011

Net sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $1,168.9 million, a decrease of $4.3 million, from $1,173.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Excluding the effects of weakening currencies and the divestitures of our ballistic vest and North American ballistic helmet businesses, sales increased $72.6 million, or 7%. Sales of ballistic vests and helmets were $36.0 million lower in 2012, reflecting the divestiture of those businesses. The unfavorable translation effects of weaker foreign currencies decreased sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $40.9 million.

Net sales by the North American segment were $551.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, a decrease of $9.2 million, or 2%, compared to $561.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the

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year ended December 31, 2012, we continued to see growth in the fire service and industrial markets. Shipments of instruments, head, eye and face protection and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) were up $25.1 million, $4.7 million and $2.2 million, respectively. These increases were offset by a $4.7 million decrease in shipments of communication devices and a $36.0 million decrease in shipments of ballistic helmets and vests to military markets. We divested our ballistic vest and North American ballistic helmet businesses during the fourth quarter of 2011 and the second quarter of 2012, respectively.

Net sales for the European segment were $289.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $2.7 million, or 1%, from $286.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Local currency sales increased $22.4 million, reflecting higher shipments of instruments, SCBAs, ballistic helmets, and respirators, up $10.8 million, $4.8 million, $4.2 million, and $3.3 million, respectively. The increase was partially offset by a $2.1 million decrease in shipments of gas masks to military markets. Currency translation effects decreased European segment sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $19.7 million, primarily related to a weaker euro.

Net sales of our International segment were $327.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $2.1 million, or 1%, compared to $325.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Local currency sales in the International segment increased $21.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. Growth in fire service markets in China and Latin America led to increases in sales of SCBAs and fire helmets of $9.8 million and $3.8 million, respectively. In addition, sales of head, eye and face protection to industrial markets improved by $9.7 million. Currency translation effects decreased International segment sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $19.7 million, primarily related to a weaker South African rand and Brazilian real.

Other income. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $11.0 million, an increase of $5.6 million, from $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. During the year ended December 31, 2012, we recognized gains on the sale of assets totaling $8.4 million compared to gains of $3.3 million in 2011. These gains in both years were primarily related to property sales in our Cranberry Woods office park. In December 2012, we sold the last available parcel in Cranberry Woods. Other income for the year ended December 31, 2012 also includes a $4.8 million gain on an escrow settlement related to our October 2010 acquisition of the General Monitors group of companies. These improvements were partially offset by impairment losses on intangible assets and tooling related to our firefighter location project of $4.3 million and $0.5 million, respectively.

Cost of products sold. Cost of products sold was $666.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, a decrease of $36.8 million, or 5%, from $703.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Cost of products sold as a percentage of sales was 57.0% in the year ended December 31, 2012 compared to 59.9% in 2011. The decrease in cost of products sold in relation to sales was primarily due to lower manufacturing costs, a more favorable product mix and improved pricing.

Gross profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $502.7 million, an increase of $32.5 million, or 7%, from $470.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The ratio of gross profit to sales was 43.0% for 2012 compared to 40.1% in 2011. The higher gross profit ratio in 2012 was primarily related to lower manufacturing costs, a more favorable product mix and improved pricing.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012 were $321.2 million, an increase of $14.8 million, or 5%, from $306.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 27.5% of sales in 2012 compared to 26.1% of sales in 2011. Local currency selling, general and administrative expenses increased $24.8 million across all segments, reflecting higher selling costs, an increase in due diligence and consulting expense related to special projects and an increase in product liability related legal and administrative expenses. Currency translation effects decreased selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2012, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $10.0 million, primarily related to a weaker euro, Brazilian real and South African rand.

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Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses were $40.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, an increase of $1.7 million, or 4%, from $39.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase reflects our ongoing focus on developing innovative new products.

Restructuring and other charges. For the year ended December 31, 2012, we recorded charges of $2.8 million ($1.9 million after tax). Charges for the year ended December 31, 2012 were related to severance costs associated with staff reductions in our North American, European and International segments of $1.5 million, $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded charges of $8.6 million ($5.7 million after tax). European segment charges of $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, related primarily to staff reductions and the transfer of certain production activities to China. North American segment charges for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $1.7 million included costs associated with the relocation of certain administrative and production activities. International segment charges for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $1.1 million were related primarily to severance costs associated with the relocation of our Wuxi, China operations to Suzhou, China.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $11.4 million, a decrease of $2.7 million, or 20%, from $14.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease in interest expense reflects lower borrowing on our revolving credit line and lower interest rates.

Income tax provision. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2012 was 31.7% compared to 33.2% for the year ended December 31, 2011. The lower effective tax rate for the year was primarily related to a tax benefit associated with a non cash charitable contribution of land at our Cranberry Woods office park and a higher manufacturing deduction credit. These gains were partially offset by the expiration of the research and development tax credit at the end of 2011. In January 2013, the research and development tax credit was reinstated retroactively to the beginning of 2012. As a result, we will recognize the research and development tax credit for 2012 in the first quarter of 2013. This credit is estimated to be approximately $1.0 million.

Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $90.6 million, an increase of $20.7 million, or 30%, from net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $69.9 million. Basic earnings per share of common stock was $2.45 in 2012 compared to $1.91 in 2011, an increase of 54 cents per share, or 28%.

North American segment net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $70.9 million, an improvement of $13.0 million, or 22%, from $57.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in North American segment net income reflects higher gross profits driven by controlled manufacturing costs, a more favorable sales mix and improved pricing. These improvements were partially offset by the previously discussed increase in selling, general and administrative expenses.

European segment net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $12.9 million, an improvement of $5.6 million, or 76%, from $7.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Local currency net income increased by $6.3 million, reflecting improved gross profits and lower restructuring charges. Currency translation effects decreased European segment net income, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $0.7 million, mainly due to a weaker euro.

International segment net income for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $22.3 million, a decrease of $4.9 million, or 18%, from $27.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. Lower local currency net income was primarily related to higher selling, general and administrative expenses. Currency translation effects decreased International segment net income, when stated in U.S. dollars, by approximately $2.6 million, primarily due to the weakening of the South African rand and Brazilian real.

The net loss reported in reconciling items for the year ended December 31, 2012 was $15.5 million, compared to a net loss of $22.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The improvement during the year

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ended December 31, 2012 reflects lower interest expense and higher gains on the sale of land in our Cranberry Woods office park.

Year Ended December 31, 2011 Compared to Year Ended December 31, 2010

Net sales. Net sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $1,173.2 million, an increase of $196.6 million, or 20%, from $976.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010.

Net sales by the North American segment were $561.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $97.1 million, or 21%, compared to $464.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. North American sales for the year ended December 31, 2011 included $60.4 million of General Monitors sales compared to $12.1 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. During the year ended December 31, 2011, we saw growing demand in oil and gas and other core industrial markets, resulting in higher shipments of instruments (excluding General Monitors), head protection and fall protection, up $11.8 million, $6.0 million and $5.2 million, respectively. Sales of the Advanced Combat Helmet (ACH) were $27.2 million higher in 2011.

Net sales of our European segment were $286.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $35.7 million, or 14%, from $251.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Net sales in the European segment included $25.8 million of General Monitor sales for the year ended December 31, 2011, compared to $4.2 million in the year ended December 31, 2010. Excluding General monitors, local currency sales in Europe decreased $1.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011. The decrease occurred primarily in Western Europe where local currency sales were down $8.6 million reflecting lower shipments of gas masks, fire helmets and ballistic helmets, partially offset by higher shipments of SCBAs and instruments. Lower local currency sales in Western Europe were partially offset by a $7.6 million increase in sales in Eastern Europe and the Middle East on higher shipments of SCBAs, instruments and ballistic helmets to the fire service, industrial and military markets. Favorable translation effects of stronger European currencies, particularly the euro, increased 2011 European segment sales, when stated in U.S. dollars, by approximately $15.1 million.

Net sales of our International segment were $325.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $63.8 million, or 24%, compared to $261.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Local currency sales in the International segment increased $49.1 million during the year ended December 31, 2011. The increase in sales was due to strong demand in the mining, fire service and core industrial markets. The sales increase was most notably related to increased shipments of SCBA’s, head, eye and face protection and gas detection products, which increased by $9.3 million, $13.4 million and $8.9 million, respectively. Sales growth was fueled mainly by market growth in Latin America and China. Currency translation effects increased International segment sales for the year ended December 31, 2011, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $14.7 million, reflecting a strengthening of the Australian dollar, South African rand and Brazilian real.

Cost of products sold. Cost of products sold was $703.0 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $96.5 million, or 16%, from $606.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase was driven by higher sales. Cost of products sold as a percentage of sales was 59.9% in the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to 62.1% in 2010. Lower cost of products sold as a percentage of sales in 2011 was due to control over manufacturing costs and the addition of General Monitors.

Gross profit. Gross profit for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $470.2 million, an increase of $100.1 million, or 27%, from $370.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The ratio of gross profit to sales

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was 40.1% in 2011 compared to 37.9% in 2010. The higher gross profit ratio in 2011 was primarily related to improved pricing, control over manufacturing costs, and the addition of General Monitors.

Selling, general and administrative expenses. Selling, general and administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011 were $306.4 million, an increase of $43.5 million, or 17%, from $262.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Selling, general and administrative expenses were 26.1% of sales in 2011 compared to 26.9% of sales in 2010. North American segment selling general and administrative expenses were up $25.0 million, including an increase of $14.4 million at General Monitors. The remainder of the increase in North American segment selling, general and administrative expenses was primarily related to legal fees associated with our insurance receivable, higher insurance expense due to increased coverage limits and higher selling expenses to support sales growth. Local currency selling, general and administrative expenses in the European segment were up $1.3 million, reflecting $2.6 million of additional General Monitors selling, general and administrative expenses, partially offset by a $1.3 million decrease at other European companies. Local currency selling, general and administrative expenses in the International segment increased $11.6 million, primarily to support the increased sales volume. Currency exchange effects increased European and International segment administrative expenses for the year ended December 31, 2011, when stated in U.S. dollars, by $8.2 million, primarily related to the strengthening of the euro, Australian dollar, South African rand and Brazilian real.

Research and development expenses. Research and development expenses were $39.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, an increase of $6.4 million, or 20%, from $32.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase includes $3.3 million of additional General Monitors research and development expense. The remainder of the increase reflects our ongoing focus on developing innovative new products.

Restructuring and other charges. For the year ended December 31, 2011, we recorded charges of $8.6 million ($5.7 million after tax). European segment charges of $5.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2011, related primarily to staff reductions and the transfer of certain production activities to China. North American segment charges for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $1.7 million included costs associated with the relocation of certain administrative and production activities. International segment charges for the year ended December 31, 2011 of $1.1 million were related primarily to severance costs associated with the relocation of our Wuxi, China operations to Suzhou, China.

For the year ended December 31, 2010, we recorded charges of $14.1 million ($9.6 million after tax). North American segment charges of $3.8 million included stay bonuses and other costs associated with the transfer of certain production and administrative activities. European segment charges of $8.8 million related primarily to a focused voluntary retirement incentive program in Germany and severance costs associated with staff reductions. International segment charges of $1.5 million were primarily for severance costs related to staff reductions.

Interest expense. Interest expense for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $14.1 million, an increase of $5.4 million, or 62%, from $8.7 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The increase was primarily due to higher borrowings associated with the acquisition of General Monitors in October 2010.

Income tax provision. Our effective tax rate for the year ended December 31, 2011 was 33.2% compared to 31.9% for the year ended December 31, 2010. The higher effective tax rate for the year was primarily related to a lower manufacturing deduction and research and development tax credit as a percentage of pretax income, partially offset by the recognition of deferred tax assets on net operating loss carryforwards in Asia.

Net income attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company. Net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $69.9 million, an increase of $31.8 million, or 83%, from net income for the year ended December 31, 2010 of $38.1 million. Basic earnings per share of common stock was $1.91 in 2011 compared to $1.06 in 2010, an increase of 85 cents per share, or 80%.

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North American segment net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $57.9 million, an improvement of $13.3 million, or 30%, from $44.6 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. North American segment net income includes $9.5 million of General Monitors net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 compared to $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The remainder of the increase in North American segment net income was primarily related to improved sales and gross profits, partially offset by the previously discussed increase in selling general and administrative expenses and research and development expense.

European segment net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $7.3 million, an improvement of $12.7 million, from a net loss of $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The improvement in European segment net income includes $6.6 million of General Monitors net income. The remainder of the improvement in European segment results for 2011 was primarily due to lower operating costs and restructuring expenses.

International segment net income for the year ended December 31, 2011 was $27.2 million, an increase of $11.4 million, or 72%, from $15.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. Higher net income was primarily related to improved sales and gross profits, partially offset by higher selling expenses. Currency translation effects increased the 2011 International segment net income, when stated in U.S. dollars, by approximately $1.0 million, primarily due to the strengthening of the Australian dollar, South African rand and Brazilian real.

Reconciling items for the year ended December 31, 2011 reported a net loss of $22.5 million, an increase of $5.6 million, or 33%, from a net loss of $16.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2010. The higher loss reported in reconciling items in 2011 was primarily related to higher interest expense associated with the acquisition of General Monitors and higher currency exchange losses.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Our main source of liquidity is operating cash flows, supplemented by borrowings. Our principal liquidity requirements are for working capital, capital expenditures, principal and interest payments on debt and acquisitions. Approximately half of our long-term debt is at fixed interest rates with manageable repayment schedules through 2021. The remainder of our long-term debt is at variable rates on an unsecured revolving credit facility that is due in 2016. Substantially all of our borrowings originate in the U.S., which has limited our exposure to non-U.S. credit markets and to currency exchange rate fluctuations.

Our unsecured senior revolving credit facility provides for borrowings up to $300.0 million through 2016 and is subject to certain commitment fees. Loans made under the senior revolving credit facility bear interest at a variable rate. Loan proceeds may be used for general corporate purposes, including working capital, permitted acquisitions, capital expenditures and repayment of existing indebtedness. The credit agreement also provides for an uncommitted incremental facility that permits us, subject to certain conditions, to request an increase in the senior credit facility of up to $50.0 million. At December 31, 2012, $185.0 million of the $300.0 million senior revolving credit facility was unused.

During 2010, we issued $100.0 million in unsecured 4.00% Series A Senior Notes. These notes mature in October 2021 and are payable in five annual installments of $20.0 million, commencing in October 2017. Interest is payable quarterly.

During 2012, we reduced borrowings on the senior revolving credit facility by $55.0 million.

Cash and cash equivalents increased $22.8 million during the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to an increase of $0.2 million during 2011 and a decrease of $2.2 million during 2010.

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Operating activities. Operating activities provided cash of $150.5 million in 2012, compared to providing cash of $85.3 million in 2011. Significantly higher cash from operating activities in 2012 was primarily related to working capital improvements and higher net income. Trade receivables were $191.3 million at December 31, 2012, a decrease of $1.3 million, compared to $192.6 million at December 31, 2011. LIFO inventories were $136.3 million at December 31, 2012, a decrease of $5.2 million, compared to $141.5 million at December 31, 2011. Accounts payable were $59.5 million at December 31, 2012, an increase of $9.3 million, compared to $50.2 million at December 31, 2011. The $1.3 million decrease in trade receivables reflects a $2.3 million decrease in local currency balances, partially offset by a $1.0 million increase due to currency translation effects. The $5.2 million decrease in inventories reflects a $6.1 million decrease in local currency inventories, partially offset by a $0.9 million increase due to currency translation effects. The decrease in local currency inventories reflects the divestiture of the ACH business, as well as our ongoing initiative to manage inventory levels. The $9.3 million increase in accounts payable reflects our focus on extending payments by negotiating favorable terms with our vendors.

Cash provided by operations in 2011 increased $53.7 million compared to 2010. The increase was primarily related to higher net income.

Investing activities. Investing activities used cash of $17.3 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to using $11.7 million in 2011.

Cash used for investing activities was $269.9 million lower in 2011 compared to 2010. In 2010, we used cash of $262.3 million to acquire General Monitors.

Financing activities. Financing activities used cash of $110.5 million for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to using cash of $71.3 million in 2011. During 2012, we paid down $63.0 million of long-term debt compared to paying down $35.0 million in 2011. We made dividend payments of $51.0 million during 2012, compared to $37.7 million during 2011. Dividends paid on our common stock during 2012 (our 96^th consecutive year of dividend payment) were $1.38 per share, including a special one-time dividend of $0.28 per share that was paid on December 28, 2012. Dividends paid on our common stock in 2011 and 2010 were $1.03 and $0.99 per share, respectively.

Financing activities used cash of $71.3 million in 2011 compared to providing cash of $246.6 million in 2010. In 2010, net borrowings were $278.8 million, primarily to finance the acquisition of General Monitors.

CUMULATIVE TRANSLATION ADJUSTMENTS

The year-end position of the U.S. dollar relative to international currencies resulted in a translation gain of $4.1 million being credited to the cumulative translation adjustments attributable to Mine Safety Appliances Company shareholders’ equity account for the year ended December 31, 2012, compared to a translation loss of $14.7 million in 2011 and a translation gain of $1.6 million in 2010. The translation gain in 2012 was primarily related to the strengthening of the euro. The translation loss in 2011 was primarily related to the weakening of the euro and South African rand. The translation gain in 2010 was primarily due to the strengthening of the South African rand, the Australian dollar and the Brazilian real, partially offset by the weakening of the euro.

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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, 2012 were as follows:

The significant obligations table does not include obligations to taxing authorities due to uncertainty surrounding the ultimate settlement of amounts and timing of these obligations.

We expect to meet our 2013 through 2015 and 2017 debt service obligations through cash provided by operations. Approximately $115.0 million of debt payable in 2016 relates to our unsecured senior revolving credit facility. We expect to generate sufficient operating cash flow to make payments against this amount each year. To the extent that a balance remains when the facility matures in 2016, we expect to refinance the remaining balance through new borrowing facilities.

We expect to make net contributions of $7.2 million to our pension plans in 2013.

We have purchase commitments for materials, supplies, services and property, plant and equipment as part of our ordinary conduct of business.

We categorize the product liability losses that we experience into two main categories, single incident and cumulative trauma. Single incident product liability claims are discrete incidents that are typically known to us when they occur and involve observable injuries and, therefore, more quantifiable damages. Therefore, we maintain a reserve for single incident product liability claims based on expected settlement costs for pending claims and an estimate of costs for unreported claims derived from experience, sales volumes and other relevant information. Our reserve for single incident product liability claims at December 31, 2012 and 2011 was $4.4 million and $4.7 million, respectively. Single incident product liability expense during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011 and 2010 was $0.7 million, $1.5 million and $0.2 million, respectively. We evaluate our single incident product liability exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the reserve as new information becomes available.

Cumulative trauma product liability claims involve exposures to harmful substances (e.g., silica, asbestos and coal dust) that occurred many years ago and may have developed over long periods of time into diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. We are presently named as a defendant in 2,609 lawsuits in which plaintiffs allege to have contracted certain cumulative trauma diseases related to exposure to silica, asbestos, and/or coal dust. These lawsuits mainly involve respiratory protection products allegedly manufactured and sold by us. We are unable to estimate total damages sought in these lawsuits as they generally do not specify the injuries alleged or the amount of damages sought, and potentially involve multiple defendants.

Cumulative trauma product liability litigation is difficult to predict. In our experience, until late in a lawsuit, we cannot reasonably determine whether it is probable that any given cumulative trauma lawsuit will ultimately result in a liability. This uncertainty is caused by many factors, including the following: cumulative trauma complaints generally do not provide information sufficient to determine if a loss is probable; cumulative trauma litigation is inherently unpredictable and information is often insufficient to determine if a lawsuit will develop into an actively litigated case; and even when a case is actively litigated, it is often difficult to determine if the lawsuit will be dismissed or otherwise resolved until late in the lawsuit. Moreover, even once it is probable that

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such a lawsuit will result in a loss, it is difficult to reasonably estimate the amount of actual loss that will be incurred. These amounts are highly variable and turn on a case-by-case analysis of the relevant facts, which are often not learned until late in the lawsuit.

Because of these factors, we cannot reliably determine our potential liability for such claims until late in the lawsuit. We, therefore, do not record cumulative trauma product liability losses when a lawsuit is filed, but rather, when we learn sufficient information to determine that it is probable that we will incur a loss and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated. We record expenses for defense costs associated with open cumulative trauma product liability lawsuits as incurred.

We cannot estimate any amount or range of possible losses related to resolving pending and future cumulative trauma product liability claims that we may face because of the factors described above. As new information about cumulative trauma product liability cases and future developments becomes available, we reassess our potential exposures.

A summary of cumulative trauma product liability claims activity follows:

With some common contract exclusions, we maintain insurance for cumulative trauma product liability claims. We have purchased insurance policies from over 20 different insurance carriers that provide coverage for cumulative trauma product liability losses and related defense costs. In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and for related defense costs. We record receivables for the amounts that are covered by insurance. The available limits of these policies are many times our recorded insurance receivable balance.

Various factors could affect the timing and amount of recovery of our insurance receivables, including the outcome of negotiations with insurers, legal proceedings with respect to product liability insurance coverage and the extent to which insurers may become insolvent in the future.

Our insurance receivables at December 31, 2012 and 2011 totaled $130.0 million and $112.1 million, respectively, all of which is reported in other non-current assets.

A summary of insurance receivable balances and activity related to cumulative trauma product liability losses follows:

Additions to insurance receivables in the above table represent insured cumulative trauma product liability losses and related defense costs. Uninsured cumulative trauma product liability losses during the years ended December 31, 2012, 2011, and 2010 were $2.1 million, $1.1 million and $0.2 million, respectively.

Our aggregate cumulative trauma product liability losses and administrative and defense costs for the three years ended December 31, 2012, totaled approximately $99.7 million, substantially all of which was insured.

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We believe that the increase in the insurance receivable balance that we have experienced since 2005 is primarily due to disagreements among our insurance carriers, and consequently with us, as to when their individual obligations to pay us are triggered and the amount of each insurer’s obligation, as compared to other insurers. We believe that our insurers do not contest that they have issued policies to us or that these policies cover cumulative trauma product liability claims. We believe that our ability to successfully resolve our insurance litigation with various insurance carriers in recent years demonstrates that we have strong legal positions concerning our rights to coverage.

We regularly evaluate the collectability of the insurance receivables and record the amounts that we conclude are probable of collection. Our conclusions are based on our analysis of the terms of the underlying insurance policies, our experience in successfully recovering cumulative trauma product liability claims from our insurers under other policies, the financial ability of our insurance carriers to pay the claims, our understanding and interpretation of the relevant facts and applicable law and the advice of legal counsel, who believe that our insurers are required to provide coverage based on the terms of the policies.

Although the outcome of cumulative trauma product liability matters cannot be predicted with certainty and unfavorable resolutions could materially affect our results of operations on a quarter-to-quarter basis, based on information currently available and the amounts of insurance coverage available to us, we believe that the disposition of cumulative trauma product liability lawsuits that are pending against us will not have a materially adverse effect on our future results of operations, financial condition, or liquidity.

We are currently involved in insurance coverage litigations with various of our insurance carriers.

In 2009, we sued The North River Insurance Company (North River) in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, alleging that North River breached one of its insurance policies by failing to pay amounts owed to us and that it engaged in bad-faith claims handling. We believe that North River’s refusal to indemnify us under the policy for product liability losses and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all due amounts. Discovery is concluding and motions for summary judgment on certain issues will be submitted to the court in the first quarter of 2013. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In 2010, North River sued us in the Court of Common Pleas of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania seeking a declaratory judgment concerning their responsibilities under three additional policies shared with Allstate Insurance Company (as successor in interest to policies issued by the Northbrook Excess and Surplus Insurance Company). We asserted claims against North River and Allstate for breaches of contract for failures to pay amounts owed to us. We also alleged that North River engaged in bad-faith claims handling. We believe that North River’s and Allstate’s refusals to indemnify us under these policies for product liability losses and legal fees paid by us is wholly contrary to Pennsylvania law and we are vigorously pursuing the legal actions necessary to collect all due amounts. Discovery is concluding and motions for summary judgment on certain issues will be submitted to the court in the first quarter of 2013. A trial date has not yet been scheduled.

In July 2010, we filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of the State of Delaware seeking declaratory and other relief from the majority of our excess insurance carriers concerning the future rights and obligations of MSA and our excess insurance carriers under various insurance policies. The reason for this insurance coverage action is to secure a comprehensive resolution of our rights under the insurance policies issued by our insurers. The case is currently in discovery. We have resolved our claims against certain of our insurance carriers on some of their policies through negotiated settlements. When settlement is reached, we dismiss the settling carrier from this action in Delaware.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

We prepare our consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). The preparation of these financial statements requires us to make estimates and judgments

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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 the preparation of our financial statements.

Accounting for contingencies. We accrue 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 categorize the product liability losses that we experience into two main categories, single incident and cumulative trauma. Single incident product liability claims are discrete incidents that are typically known to us when they occur and involve observable injuries and, therefore, more quantifiable damages. We maintain a reserve for single incident product liability claims, based on expected settlement costs for pending claims and an estimate of costs for unreported claims derived from experience, sales volumes and other relevant information. We evaluate our single incident product liability exposures on an ongoing basis and make adjustments to the reserve as new information becomes available.

Cumulative trauma product liability claims involve exposures to harmful substances that occurred many years ago and may have developed over long periods of time into diseases such as silicosis, asbestosis, or coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. In our experience, until late in a lawsuit, we cannot reasonably determine whether it is probable that any given cumulative trauma lawsuit will ultimately result in a liability. This uncertainty is caused by many factors, including the following: cumulative trauma complaints generally do not provide information sufficient to determine if a loss is probable; cumulative trauma litigation is inherently unpredictable and information is often insufficient to determine if a lawsuit will develop into an actively litigated case; and even when a case is actively litigated, it is often difficult to determine if the lawsuit will be dismissed or otherwise resolved until late in the lawsuit. Moreover, even once it is probable that such a lawsuit will result in a loss, it is difficult to reasonably estimate the amount of actual loss that will be incurred. These amounts are highly variable and turn on a case-by-case analysis of the relevant facts, which are often not learned until late in the lawsuit. We, therefore, do not record cumulative trauma product liability losses when a lawsuit is filed, but rather, when we learn sufficient information to determine that it is probable that we will incur a loss and the amount of loss can be reasonably estimated.

We cannot estimate any amount or range of possible losses related to resolving pending and future cumulative trauma product liability claims that we may face because of the factors described above. As new information about cumulative trauma product liability claims and future developments becomes available, we reassess our potential exposures.

We record expenses for defense costs associated with open product liability lawsuits as incurred.

With some common contract exclusions, we maintain insurance for single incident and cumulative trauma product liability claims and related defense costs. In the normal course of business, we make payments to settle product liability claims and for related defense costs. We record receivables for the amounts that are covered by insurance.

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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, including our estimates of amounts receivable from insurance carriers. Our product liability expense averaged less than 1% of net sales during the three years ended December 31, 2012.

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 approximately 1% of net sales during the three years ended December 31, 2012.

Income taxes. We recognize deferred tax assets and liabilities using enacted tax rates for the effect of temporary differences between the book and tax basis of recorded assets and liabilities. 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 adjust the related valuation allowances in the period that the change in circumstances occurs. We had valuation allowances of $4.0 million and $2.8 million at December 31, 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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. We record tax benefits related to uncertain tax positions taken or expected to be taken on a tax return when such benefits meet a more likely than not threshold. We recognize interest related to unrecognized tax benefits in interest expense and penalties in operating expenses. 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 sponsor certain pension and other postretirement benefit plans. 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 or a company-specific yield curve model.

Goodwill. In the third quarter of each year, or more frequently if indicators of impairment exist or if a decision is made to sell a business, we evaluate goodwill for impairment. A significant amount of judgment is involved in determining if an indicator of impairment has occurred. Such indicators may include a decline in expected cash flows, a significant adverse change in the business climate, unanticipated competition, or slower growth rates, among others.

All goodwill is assigned to reporting units. For this purpose, we consider our operating segments to be our reporting units. We test goodwill for impairment by either performing a qualitative evaluation or a two-step

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quantitative test. The qualitative evaluation is an assessment of factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value, including goodwill. Factors considered as part of the qualitative assessment include entity-specific industry, market and general economic conditions. We may elect to bypass this qualitative evaluation for some or all of our reporting units and perform a two-step quantitative test. Quantitative testing involves comparing the estimated fair value of each reporting unit to its carrying value. We estimate reporting unit fair value using discounted cash flow (DCF) methodologies, as we believe forecasted cash flows are the best indicator of fair value. A number of significant assumptions and estimates are involved in the application of the DCF model, including sales volumes and prices, costs to produce, tax rates, capital spending, discount rates, and working capital changes. Cash flow forecasts are generally based on approved business unit operating plans for the early years and historical relationships in later years. The betas used in calculating the individual reporting units’ weighted average cost of capital (WACC) rate are estimated for each reporting unit based on peer data.

In the event the estimated fair value of a reporting unit per the DCF model is less than the carrying value, additional analysis would be required. The additional analysis would compare the carrying amount of the reporting unit’s goodwill with the implied fair value of that goodwill, which may involve the use of valuation experts. The implied fair value of goodwill is the excess of the fair value of the reporting unit over the fair value amounts assigned to all of the assets and liabilities of that unit as if the reporting unit had been acquired in a business combination and the fair value of the reporting unit represented the purchase price. If the carrying value of goodwill exceeds its implied fair value, an impairment loss equal to such excess would be recognized, which could significantly and adversely impact reported results of operations and shareholders’ equity.

RECENTLY ADOPTED AND RECENTLY ISSUED ACCOUNTING STANDARDS

In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Fair Value Measurement—Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS. This ASU updated measurement guidance to improve the comparability of fair value measurements between U.S.GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards and enhanced disclosure requirements. The most significant change in disclosures is an expansion of information related to fair value measurements categorized within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. The adoption of this ASU on January 1, 2012 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income—Presentation of Comprehensive Income. This ASU requires net income and comprehensive income to be presented in either a single continuous statement or in two separate, but consecutive, statements. In December 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-12, which indefinitely deferred the ASU 2011-05 requirement related to the presentation of reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income. The adoption of ASU 2011-05 on January 1, 2012 did not have a material effect on our results of operations or financial position, but did change the format of the presentation of comprehensive income.

In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Testing Goodwill for Impairment. This ASU reduces the complexity of performing an annual goodwill impairment test by permitting companies to perform an assessment of qualitative factors to determine whether additional goodwill impairment testing is necessary. The adoption of this ASU, on January 1, 2012 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements.

In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Comprehensive Income-Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. This ASU requires additional information about the amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income by component. The ASU will be effective beginning in 2013. The adoption of this ASU will not have a material effect on our consolidated financial statements, but will change disclosures related to comprehensive income.

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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 rates. 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, 2012 by approximately $61.7 million and $3.5 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, 2012, we had open foreign currency forward contracts with a U.S. dollar notional value of $30.9 million. A hypothetical 10% increase in December 31, 2012 forward exchange rates would result in a $3.1 million increase in the fair value of these contracts.

Interest rates. 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 our revolving credit facility and industrial development debt, these financial instruments are reported at carrying values which approximate fair values.

We have $160.0 million of fixed rate debt which matures at various dates through 2021. 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 $2.9 million. 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.

Actuarial assumptions. The most significant actuarial assumptions affecting our net periodic pension credit and pension obligations are discount rates, expected returns on plan assets and plan asset valuations. Discount rates and plan asset valuations are point-in-time measures. Expected returns on plan assets are based on our historical returns by asset class. The following table summarizes the impact of changes in significant actuarial assumptions on our December 31, 2012 actuarial valuations.

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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, 2012. 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, 2012.

The effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012 has been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their report, which is included herein.

February 20, 2013

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Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

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

In our opinion, the consolidated balance sheets and related consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income, cash flows and changes in retained earnings and accumulated other comprehensive loss present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of Mine Safety Appliances Company and its subsidiaries (the “Company”) at December 31, 2012 and 2011, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 2012 in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. In addition, in our opinion, the financial statement schedule listed in the index appearing under Item 15 presents fairly, in all material respects, the information set forth therein when read in conjunction with the related consolidated financial statements. Also in our opinion, the Company maintained, in all material respects, effective internal control over financial reporting as of December 31, 2012, based on criteria established in Internal Control - Integrated Framework issued by the Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO). The Company’s management is responsible for these financial statements and financial statement schedule, for maintaining effective internal control over financial reporting and for its assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, included in Management’s Report on Internal Control over Financial Reporting appearing under Item 8. Our responsibility is to express opinions on these financial statements, on the financial statement schedule, and on the Company’s internal control over financial reporting based on our integrated audits. We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audits to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement and whether effective internal control over financial reporting was maintained in all material respects. Our audits of the financial statements included 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. Our audit of internal control over financial reporting included obtaining an understanding of internal control over financial reporting, assessing the risk that a material weakness exists, and testing and evaluating the design and operating effectiveness of internal control based on the assessed risk. Our audits also included performing such other procedures as we considered necessary in the circumstances. We believe that our audits provide 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 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

February 19, 2013

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MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

See notes to consolidated financial statements.

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MINE SAFETY APPLIANCES COMPANY

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET