Chemstore is proud to announce that we have successfully achieved SafeContractor approval for health and safety excellence, reinforcing our unwavering commitment to health and safety excellence across all our operations.
The SafeContractor certification (Certificate Number: HP4636), recognises companies that meet the highest standards of health and safety management. This achievement follows a comprehensive assessment of our health and safety documentation, policies, and procedures against rigorous industry standards.
SafeContractor is a leading third-party accreditation scheme that provides a trusted route to sustainable safety management. The approval process involves detailed evaluation of a company’s health and safety practices, ensuring they meet stringent criteria for risk management, employee training, and safety procedures.
Under the leadership of Director David O’Carroll, who oversees our health and safety responsibilities, Chemstore has maintained an exemplary safety record with zero reportable accidents or incidents over the past three years. This achievement reflects our proactive approach to workplace safety and continuous improvement.
“Achieving SafeContractor approval validates our long-standing commitment to creating a safe working environment for our employees and clients,” said David O’Carroll. “This certification demonstrates that our safety management systems meet the highest industry standards.”
Our SafeContractor approval encompasses:
This certification provides our clients with additional confidence when selecting Chemstore for their chemical storage and safety equipment needs. SafeContractor approval means:
The SafeContractor scheme is recognised across multiple industries and is often a prerequisite for working with major organisations and public sector bodies.
As we continue to grow and develop our services, maintaining the highest safety standards remains at the core of our operations. This SafeContractor approval reinforces our position as a trusted partner for organisations seeking reliable, safety-conscious chemical storage solutions.
For over 30 years, Chemstore has been designing, manufacturing, and installing safe storage solutions, and this latest achievement further strengthens our reputation as an industry leader committed to excellence in every aspect of our business.
For more information about our SafeContractor certification or our range of safety storage solutions, please don’t hesitate to contact our team.
SafeContractor approval demonstrates Chemstore UK Limited’s ongoing commitment to health and safety excellence. Certificate HP4636 can be verified through the SSIP Portal.
Chemstore wins prestigious 2025 BSIF Product Innovation AwardChemstore has won the British Safety Industry Federation’s Product Innovation Award for 2025, which itself recognises outstanding advances in workplace Health and Safety technology, thanks to the ionGuard Lithium-ion Battery Box.
The accolade was officially presented at the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) Awards, held as part of the Safety and Health Excellence (SHE) Awards on 9 April at The Vox Conference Centre in Birmingham. This annual event celebrates excellence and innovation within the Health and Safety sector, bringing together industry leaders and innovators from across the UK and beyond.
The ionGuard Lithium-Ion Battery Box stood out for the Judges due to its “groundbreaking” design and the fact that this solution addresses the serious risk of lithium-ion battery fires. Given their growing use in electric vehicles and the warehousing, logistics and manufacturing sectors, the hazards posed by damaged or overcharging lithium-ion batteries (including the potential for thermal runaway, toxic gas release and explosions) have become a significant occupational safety concern.
The ionGuard Lithium-Ion Battery Box is designed for the safe handling and storage of potentially hazardous batteries. In high-volume battery operations, it’s common for testing procedures to flag batteries as questionable. Traditionally, these are placed in outdoor exclusion zones as a precaution.
However, the ionGuard offers a safer and more efficient alternative. If a battery were to enter thermal runaway while inside the box, the unit is specifically engineered to contain and mitigate the event.
Typical use cases include integrating the ionGuard into production or manufacturing workflows as a dedicated quarantine solution. For instance, if a battery begins overheating during charging or shows signs of physical damage, it can be immediately transferred into the ionGuard for secure containment and monitoring.
The ionGuard boasts a dual-trigger fire suppression system, which can be activated either manually or automatically via heat-sensitive fusible links. This system deploys PyroBubbles, a highly effective and eco-friendly extinguishing agent made from recycled glass granulates. Upon exposure to heat, these granules melt and form an oxygen-impermeable layer, in turn smothering the fire and preventing reignition.
Housed in a durable and steel-reinforced structure with Rockwool insulation, as well as being fully customisable for different battery types, volumes and sizes, the ionGuard seamlessly integrates with existing safety systems, duly offering a scalable, effective and environmentally responsible solution.
The accolade bestowed by the BSIF underscores Chemstore’s ongoing mission to push the boundaries of safety innovation and respond to the real-world challenges industries are facing today.
Mike Brodie, managing director of Chemstore, informed Fire Safety Matters: “We’re absolutely delighted to receive the BSIF Product Innovation Award for Safety. Being recognised for our cutting-edge innovation and technical expertise is a proud moment for the entire team at Chemstore. It reinforces our position as a leader in the domain of lithium-ion battery safety storage and highlights our commitment to developing solutions that protect people, property and the environment.”
Electrovault named finalist in Tomorrow’s Health & Safety Awards 2025Chemstore’s Electrovault, the premier lithium-ion battery storage and charging solution, has been named a finalist in the Tomorrow’s Health & Safety Awards 2025. This recognition highlights Electrovault’s groundbreaking approach to safe, efficient, and customisable battery storage solutions tailored to meet the most rigorous industry standards. Link to vote: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/YRXL7SD
Electrovault stands out as a cutting-edge innovation in battery storage, addressing the critical safety challenges posed by lithium-ion batteries. Built to exceed RC61 guidelines, each Electrovault unit offers a bespoke solution with cutting-edge safety features, including:
The result? A product that actively mitigates risks like thermal runaway, fires, and toxic gas emissions, protecting both people and facilities.
Every Electrovault unit is fully customisable to suit client needs, with features like restricted access controls, FIFO/LIFO operations, and segregated quarantine zones for damaged batteries. Chemstore’s expert in-house design and engineering teams ensure tailored solutions with quick turnaround times, all backed by a 10-year structural guarantee for most units.
“Our fully customisable solutions are trusted by leaders across multiple industries who are serious about lithium-ion battery safety,” said Mike Brodie, Managing Director of Chemstore UK. “We are delighted that Electrovault has been recognised as a finalist in the Tomorrow’s Health & Safety Awards. This accolade underscores our commitment to innovation, safety, and reliability.”
With billions of lithium-ion cells produced annually, Electrovault provides a vital, forward-thinking solution for industries managing hazardous materials. By choosing Electrovault, businesses exceed safety regulations while optimising operations with a product designed to enhance both safety and productivity.
We’re proud to announce that Chemstore Group is now an approved and preferred supplier of Genius Group Germany battery storage products🔋. In this short intro filmed at our Limerick HQ, Managing Director Shane O’Carroll and Genius Group’s Business Development Manager Heiner Löffler share what this partnership means for delivering safer, smarter lithium‑ion battery storage. With demand for reliable battery safety solutions growing rapidly, this collaboration brings proven, fire‑tested technology and trusted engineering to customers across Ireland and the UK, adding to our growing range of solutions for safe battery storage.
AS THE use of drones continues to accelerate across defence operations, organisations throughout the defence supply chain are facing new safety and compliance challenges. Here, Mike Brodie explains why hazardous storage is a key consideration for supporting modern defence capability.
The rapid expansion of unmanned aerial vehicles (ie drones) usage across modern defence forces is reshaping the operational landscape. From intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions through to logistics and battlefield support, drones now play a central role across military operations.
Alongside this growth comes a less visible challenge in terms of the safe storage and management of hazardous materials that support these systems. As drone fleets expand across military bases, research establishments and defence contractor facilities, hazardous materials storage is becoming an increasingly important element of operational safety and resilience.
The defence sector already operates under some of the most demanding safety and regulatory frameworks of any industry. Military installations and defence contractors routinely handle materials where failures in containment, access control or compliance can have serious consequences.
These materials commonly include:
*munitions components, energetic materials and explosive precursors
*pyrotechnics and specialist defence chemicals
*aviation fuels, lubricants and hydraulic fluids
*lithium-ion batteries used in drones and portable defence equipment
*flammable, toxic and corrosive liquids
*solvents, coatings, paints and decontamination agents
Each category introduces risks relating to fire, environmental contamination, equipment damage and personnel safety. As defence capabilities evolve, the range and volume of these materials is also increasing.
One of the fastest-growing storage risks in defence facilities comes from lithium-ion batteries. These batteries power a wide range of modern military technologies, particularly so unmanned aerial systems. Their high energy density makes them ideal for portable and autonomous platforms, but it also introduces specific safety concerns.
Battery damage, manufacturing defects or improper charging can trigger thermal runaway, itself a rapid chemical reaction often resulting in intense fires that are particularly difficult to control. When large numbers of batteries are stored together in maintenance or logistics areas, the consequences of an incident can escalate quickly.
As unmanned aerial systems continue to expand across defence operations, safe battery storage must be treated as a critical risk management issue.
Effective hazardous materials storage is far more than a compliance exercise. It plays a vital role in protecting personnel, infrastructure and mission readiness.
Well-designed storage systems help to:
*contain spills or leaks
*reduce fire risk and isolate hazardous materials
*prevent environmental contamination
*control access to dangerous or sensitive substances
*demonstrate compliance with safety and environmental regulations
Clear labelling, secondary containment, controlled access and safe inspection access all contribute towards safer day-to-day operations and more effective audit and compliance processes.
As defence organisations invest heavily in unmanned aerial systems and advanced technologies, the responsibility for safe storage extends across the entire defence supply chain: from manufacturers and research facilities to maintenance hubs and operational bases.
This means hazardous storage solutions must be robust, compliant and adaptable to a wide range of environments, from permanent infrastructure to more flexible operational settings.
Designing and implementing the right systems requires specialist knowledge of hazardous materials, regulatory frameworks and the realities of defence operations.
Companies across the defence sector should work with trusted experts who understand these challenges and can help ensure storage solutions are safe, compliant and fit for purpose. For example, Chemstore offers free lithium-ion battery storage surveys to help organisations assess current storage practices, identify potential risks and ensure facilities are prepared for the growing number of batteries associated with drone and unmanned systems operations.
As drone technology continues to grow in importance across modern Armed Forces, safe hazardous materials storage will remain a critical part of protecting both operational capability and those individuals who support it.
South Park Jets Under 8s were all smiles as they finished their first season with a nail-biting game against Met Police at the Police’s Imber Court Ground in Esher.
The nine-strong team of youngsters are pictured kitted out in their Chemstore sponsored red strips at the end of their final league game of the year. Though it has been a stop-start season due to Coronavirus restrictions, the Jets have thankfully been able to play the majority of their games, enjoying some spectacular performances and looking forward to a couple of summer tournaments still left to play.
South Park Coach, Jonathan Parr comments: “The South Park Jets have enjoyed a fantastic season with spirits remaining high despite the ongoing challenges associated with Coronavirus restrictions. It has been rewarding to watch the team grow and develop, and we have high hopes for next season. Youth football relies on volunteers and donations, so we are extremely grateful to Chemstore UK for providing the team kits.”
Chemstore Managing Director, Mike Brodie adds: “It has been a pleasure to sponsor the South Park Jets for this season and follow their development. The Coronavirus restrictions have been tough for young people but outdoor sports have offered a lifeline. We, therefore, know what an important feature grassroots football has been in the lives of these young people for the 2020/21 season and we are very happy we have been able to help make this happen.”
Chemstore to launch Chempli at ChemUK2020Chempli features a remote monitoring system that enables full temperature control, fire alarm visibility and data logging from any location and at any time, which is critical for the safe storage of hazardous substances as well as for quality control.
The Chempli online portal can be accessed via a QR code found on any of Chemstore’s range of hazardous materials storage solutions including: Firevault, Corvault, Electrovault, Thermovault, Hazvault and Gasvault. Chempli can also be accessed via a web browser.
Chemstore, the hazardous materials experts, are currently offering free, no-obligation chemical storage surveys throughout the UK.
Ensure your chemical storage arrangements are compliant with latest health & safety regulations; book a survey with your local chemical storage expert today and get your site in order for 2020.
Questions answered during a chemical storage survey include:
1. Where should chemicals be stored?
2. What is the requirement for storing chemicals?
3. What are the requirements for safe chemical storage?
3. Which hazardous substances should be stored separately?
Call the Chemstore team and book you free survey today. Tel: 020 8704 1807
Company fined following extensive fire at chemical siteChemical company LMA Services Ltd has been sentenced for safety breaches after a fire which quickly took hold of buildings and storage areas at the site.
Leeds Magistrates’ Court heard that on 30 June 2016, the fire started during a chemical dispensing operation in a Warehouse on Halifax Way, Pocklington Industrial Estate, Pocklington. Heptane, a highly flammable liquid, was being decanted from a bulk storage container into 4-litre metal cans. The operator dropped the can he was filling, exited the warehouse quickly and raised the alarm. He did not suffer any serious injury. The fire spread quickly and destroyed the warehouse, the adjacent warehouse and an external storage area between the two.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the process involved placing a bulk container of heptane onto racking at a height of about 1.5m. A table was then positioned beneath the bulk container onto which a small electrical weighing scale was positioned. Metal cans were placed onto the scale and an employee filled the cans by weight by manually operating a tap on the bulk container in the warehouse building.
A flammable vapour created during the process came into contact with an ignition source causing the vapour to ignite. HSE’s investigation found that the most likely source of ignition was a spark from the electrical weighing scales.
LMA Services Ltd of Halifax Way, Pocklington Industrial Estate, Pocklington pleaded guilty to breaching Regulation 6 (3) of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. The company has been fined £14,000 and ordered to pay £2,377 in costs.
After the hearing, HSE inspector Dave Stewart commented: “The risks associated with the decanting operation were not fully understood by the company. There were potential ignition sources present within the area where a flammable vapour was likely to occur.
“This case highlights the importance of assessing risks associated with flammable atmospheres. Employers should ensure that adequate measures are taken to reduce the formation of flammable atmospheres so far as is reasonably practicable, and to ensure that only suitable electrical equipment is used in areas where a flammable atmosphere may be present.”
For advice and guidance on safe flammable liquid storage, or to book a free site survey, contact Chemstore UK today on 0208 704 1807.
The trouble with stockpiling
According to the latest report from IHS Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply a number of firms are raising purchasing again as they restart Brexit preparations.
Chemstore UK has seen lots of examples of stockpiling during site surveys this year and we have identified some common safety concerns. Firstly, many companies are stockpiling hazardous chemicals without anywhere to safely store them, so this is something procurement departments need to be aware of before ordering surplus supplies. In addition, where companies are increasing production to meet stockpiling demands there is likely to be an increase in waste; a common situation is for waste to be left on site until a full trailer or lorry load can be filled yet no safe allocation has been made for this volume of hazardous waste. An example of small scale safe segregated waste storage can be seen here).
We urge anyone holding or producing additional hazardous materials to carefully consider their storage arrangements and if in doubt please get in touch. Call 020 8704 1807 or email sales@chemstore.co.uk
Investing in additional safe storage facilities can be an essential part of contingency planning. Chemstore UK also offers rental options.
0208 704 1807
