"Newson Gale Ltd has assisted one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of commercial spray gun cleaning equipment in the development of a machine based electrostatic discharge system.

Safetykleen, approached Newson Gale with the problem during the design stage of their latest commercial offering, the pneumatically operated Mk V spray gun cleaning machine, when it became apparent that the equipment would fall within the scope of the requirements of the impending ATEX 100a Directive 94/9 EC as Group II mechanical equipment.

Of special concern to Safetykleen was colour identification, corrosion of the bonding leads and security of the external earth connection. Newson Gale were able to recommend the use of their Green Hytrel covered steel cable to combat corrosion and also designed a simple tool operated clamp for connection of the system to the customers earth point, preventing accidental loosening whilst retaining the required electrical continuity of the system.

The discharge system has already been given the green light by BASEEFA 2001 who will be responsible for certification of the equipment according to the relevant European legislation.

Further information can be obtained by contacting Safetykleen direct:
Eur Ing Steven Ellis CEng MIEE, Special Project Engineer, Safetykleen
Tel: +44 (0) 1909 519354, Fax: +44 (0) 1909 519302, Email: sellis@sk-europe.com