Pushing the boundaries

Q: First of all, congratulations on winning the BSIF Safety Product Innovation Award. What does this recognition mean for Chemstore?

Mike Brodie: Thank you, it’s a fantastic achievement for our team. The BSIF Safety Product Innovation Award is one of the most prestigious recognitions in the industry, and to receive it for the ionGuard Lithium-Ion Battery Box is a real testament to our commitment to pushing the boundaries of safety innovation. It validates the years of technical expertise, testing, and listening to customer needs that went into developing this product.

Q: What makes the ionGuard stand out from other lithium-ion battery storage solutions on the market?

Mike Brodie: The ionGuard isn’t just another storage box, it’s a purpose-built, engineered safety solution. Lithium-ion batteries pose very real and complex risks, from thermal runaway to toxic gas release and even explosions. Our dual-trigger fire suppression system using PyroBubbles sets it apart—it can activate manually or automatically via fusible links, and the suppression agent itself is eco-friendly and incredibly effective at smothering fires and preventing re-ignition. It’s designed to handle worst-case scenarios with confidence.

Q: There’s a lot of talk right now about misinformation and off-the-shelf safety products. What’s Chemstore’s take on this?

Mike Brodie: That’s a huge concern. There’s always been issues around businesses purchasing generic or off-the-shelf products that aren’t designed to deal with the specific risks they face, especially when it comes to lithium-ion batteries. These batteries aren’t just another hazard, they’re a dynamic, high-risk component of modern operations in sectors like EV manufacturing, logistics, and warehousing.

We often see customers come to us after a near-miss or incident with an inappropriately specified product that didn’t do the job. That’s where our expertise comes in. At Chemstore, we don’t just sell boxes; we offer tailored, risk-based solutions backed by decades of experience. We help customers understand the risks and implement the right controls, not just check a box for compliance.

Q: Can you talk more about how Chemstore supports clients beyond just supplying equipment?

Mike Brodie: Absolutely. We pride ourselves on being more than a supplier—we’re a safety partner. From consultation and site assessments to bespoke design and ongoing support, we guide our clients through the entire process. Every workplace is different, and understanding the nuances of lithium-ion battery risks is critical.

What’s more, we go a step further by creating custom training resources for our clients, including tailored video content and documentation that speaks directly to their teams, operations, and site-specific risks. It’s not enough to just have the right equipment; people need to know how to use it confidently. Our training materials are designed to bridge that gap and ensure frontline staff understand what they’re working with, how to respond in an emergency, and how to prevent incidents in the first place.

Q: How do you see Chemstore’s role evolving as the industry continues to face emerging safety challenges?

Mike Brodie: The pace of change is only accelerating. As more businesses integrate battery technology, robotics, and automation, the risks evolve too. Our role is to stay ahead of that curve by innovating, educating, and engineering solutions that solve real-world problems. We’ll keep investing in R&D, collaborating with safety professionals, and challenging industry norms to make sure our clients are always one step ahead.

Q: Final thoughts on what’s next for Chemstore?

Mike Brodie: We’re energised by this recognition, but we’re not stopping here. This award is a milestone, not a finish line. We’re continuing to expand our ionGuard range, exploring smart monitoring integrations, and developing next-gen safety solutions that reflect the realities of today’s high-tech, high-risk environments. Most of all, we’re committed to making workplaces safer, not just with innovation, but with integrity.