Process Guidance Note 6/34(11) - Defra

3.23 Spray guns are cleaned in fully enclosed automatic, or semi-automatic, or semienclosed
manual gun cleaners, with enough extraction to meet health and safety
requirements and minimise fugitive emissions whilst not increasing emissions to the
environment.
3.24 In fully enclosed automatic gun cleaners, the gun is placed in the cleaner, then
organic solvent is pumped from a storage container through the gun. A manual
„clean rinse‟ is often provided with this system.
In the case or semi-enclosed manual cleaners, the gun is cleaned by hand with the
organic solvent being pumped from a storage container in order to enable both the
inside and outside of the gun to be cleaned. A manual clean rinse is also provided.
In both cases the used organic solvent returns to the organic solvent storage
container used for the initial wash.
For information, and not part of this statutory guidance, operators should be aware
of HSE guide HSG258 on local exhaust ventilation, especially when using spray
guns, and the ATEX requirements relating to controlling explosive atmospheres.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/atex.htm#whatatex and
http://www.hsg258.co.uk/
3.25 To keep spray booths clean, operators
repaint them; or
line the walls with films or strippable coatings, which are disposed of after use;
cover lights with clear plastic film, or a paint-on, a peelable clear coating.
PG6/34(11) 12