Fire & Emergency
Fire and emergency equipment protects construction sites, workers, and the environment from the consequences of fire, chemical spills, flooding, and severe weather. CMT Group supplies a comprehensive range of fire and emergency products including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire blankets, site safety stations, fire safety stations, spill kits, drip trays, spill containment, sediment and oil filters, RAMS boards, flood solutions, and snow solutions, covering the fire safety and emergency response requirements of construction sites across the UK.
Read more Read less
Construction sites present a higher fire and environmental emergency risk than most working environments. Combustible materials including timber, insulation, and packaging are present throughout the build. Hot works generate ignition sources. Temporary electrical installations increase electrical fire risk. Fuel, oil, and chemicals stored on site create spill and contamination risks. All of these hazards require specific preventative and response measures to be in place from the first day of site operations. CMT Group is a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier and has been supplying fire and emergency equipment to UK construction sites for over 20 years.
- ✓ Fire extinguishers for all fire classes found on construction sites
- ✓ Fire alarms and smoke detectors for early warning in temporary structures and site buildings
- ✓ Fire blankets for smothering small localised fires in welfare areas and hot works zones
- ✓ Site safety stations and fire safety stations for centralised emergency equipment points
- ✓ Spill kits for rapid containment of oil, fuel, and chemical spills on site
- ✓ Drip trays and spill containment for passive leak and spill prevention under plant and machinery
- ✓ RAMS boards, flood solutions, and snow solutions for site safety management and adverse weather
- ✓ Next day delivery standard. VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle also available
Fire Extinguishers and Fire Safety on Construction Sites
Fire extinguishers are required on all construction sites under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible person, typically the principal contractor or site manager, must carry out a fire risk assessment and ensure that appropriate fire fighting equipment is provided, positioned correctly, maintained in serviceable condition, and available for use at all times. Fire extinguishers must be selected based on the class of fire risk present on site, not simply by size or convenience.
Class A fires involving solid combustibles such as timber, cardboard, and general site waste require water or foam extinguishers. Electrical fires require CO2 extinguishers as CO2 leaves no residue and is safe on live electrical equipment. Fuel and oil fires are Class B fires requiring foam or dry powder extinguishers. Most active construction sites require a combination of extinguisher types to cover the range of fire risks present at different locations and stages of the project. Fire extinguishers must be mounted on brackets, clearly identified by colour coding and signage, inspected annually by a competent person, and replaced or recharged after any use.
Fire and Emergency Equipment by Type
Our range covers the fire safety and emergency response equipment required across all construction site operations.
Choosing the Right Fire and Emergency Equipment
Fire and emergency equipment selection on a construction site must be based on the specific hazards identified in the fire risk assessment required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the environmental risk assessment required under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. Generic selections made without reference to the actual risks on site frequently result in the wrong equipment in the wrong location, which provides no meaningful protection when an incident occurs.
For fire extinguishers, the fire class determines the extinguisher type. For spill and containment products, the volume and nature of the substance stored determines the containment capacity required. RAMS boards must be positioned at the point of work for the specific activity they relate to, not collected in a single location on site. Flood and snow solutions must be assessed against the site location, season, and proximity to flood risk before the event rather than in response to it.
| Hazard or risk | Equipment required | Key regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Solid combustible fire risk (timber, waste, packaging) | Water or foam fire extinguisher | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| Electrical fire risk (temporary electrics, tools, plant) | CO2 fire extinguisher | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| Catering or hot works fire risk | Fire blanket at point of risk | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| Fuel, oil or chemical spill risk | Spill kit at refuelling point, drip tray under plant | Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 |
| Oil stored over 200 litres on site | Bunded spill containment unit | Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 |
| Surface water runoff and drainage contamination | Sediment drain guards at all drainage points | Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 |
| High-risk task requiring RAMS communication | RAMS board at point of work | CDM Regulations 2015 |
| Winter site operations with ice and snow risk | Rock salt, grit spreader, snow solutions | Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 |
Fire and Emergency Equipment Supplied Across the UK
Fire and emergency equipment on a construction site is not a discretionary investment. It is a legal requirement under multiple pieces of legislation, and the consequences of inadequate provision range from enforcement notices and fines through to injury, death, and criminal prosecution of the responsible person. Fire extinguishers in the wrong location or of the wrong type, spill kits not available at the point of risk, and drain guards not installed before earthworks begin are all common compliance failures on UK construction sites.
CMT Group is a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier and has been supplying fire and emergency equipment to UK construction sites for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of fire safety and environmental emergency requirements from fire extinguishers and spill kits through to RAMS boards, flood solutions, and winter site management products. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What fire extinguishers do I need on a construction site?
The correct fire extinguisher type depends on the fire risk class at each location on site. Water or foam extinguishers are required for Class A risks involving solid combustibles such as timber, cardboard, and general site waste, which are present throughout most construction sites. CO2 extinguishers are required wherever electrical equipment is in use, including at temporary distribution boards, plant rooms, and welfare areas with electrical appliances. If fuel or oils are stored or used on site, foam or dry powder extinguishers are required for Class B liquid fire risks. Most construction sites require a minimum of one water or foam extinguisher and one CO2 extinguisher, with additional extinguishers at each identified fire risk location. The fire risk assessment for the site, required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, defines the specific requirement.
What is the difference between a spill kit and a drip tray?
A drip tray is a passive containment device placed under plant, machinery, or storage containers to collect any drips or slow leaks at source. It requires no action to work and provides continuous passive protection under static equipment. A spill kit is a reactive response product used to contain and absorb a spill that has already occurred beyond the capacity of a drip tray, or at a location without passive containment. Spill kits contain absorbent pads, socks, and disposal bags that are deployed to contain the spill perimeter and absorb the liquid. Both are required on most active construction sites: drip trays provide passive protection under generators, plant, and fuel drums, and spill kits provide reactive capability for refuelling operations, deliveries, and larger or unexpected spills.
What are RAMS boards used for on a construction site?
RAMS boards are used to display Risk Assessment and Method Statement documentation at the point of work on a construction site. Before any significant or high-risk task begins, the workers carrying out the task must have been briefed on and understood the relevant risk assessment and method statement. A RAMS board provides a weatherproof, highly visible display at the work location where the RAMS can be read and referenced by workers throughout the task without needing to return to the site office. This supports CDM Regulations 2015 compliance by demonstrating that safety documentation has been communicated at the point of use, rather than simply filed in the site office.
Do I need bunded spill containment for fuel storage on site?
Yes, in most cases. Under the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001, any oil stored above 200 litres at a construction site in England must be stored within a bund or secondary containment system with a capacity of at least 110% of the largest container stored within it. This applies to diesel, petrol, hydraulic oil, and other petroleum products stored for plant and machinery use on site. A bunded spill containment pallet or IBC bund provides this secondary containment. Fuel stores below 200 litres are not covered by the Regulations but the HSE recommends that all fuel stored on site is subject to some form of containment as best practice, given the environmental and health and safety risks associated with fuel spills.
Why buy fire and emergency equipment from CMT Group?
CMT Group is a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier, which means every fire and emergency product in our range meets strict safety and compliance standards. We have been supplying fire and emergency equipment to UK construction sites for over 20 years and understand the specific compliance requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, and the CDM Regulations 2015. Our range covers the full scope of fire safety and environmental emergency needs from fire extinguishers and spill kits through to RAMS boards, flood solutions, and winter site products. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
CO2 vs Water Fire Extinguisher: Which Do You Need?
CO2 and water fire extinguishers are the two most widely used types on UK construction sites, and selecting the wrong one for the fire risk at a given location is a common and potentially dangerous mistake. A water extinguisher is designed for Class A fires involving solid combustibles such as timber, cardboard, general site waste, and fabric. Water works by cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature and is effective and economical for the solid combustible fire risks that are present throughout most construction sites.
A CO2 extinguisher is designed for Class B liquid fires and electrical fires. CO2 extinguishes fire by displacing oxygen and works on electrical fires without leaving conductive residue, making it the only appropriate extinguisher for use on live electrical equipment. Using a water extinguisher on a live electrical fire creates a risk of electrocution through the conductive water stream. CO2 extinguishers must not be used in small enclosed spaces because the displacement of oxygen creates a suffocation risk. On most construction sites, both types are required: water or foam extinguishers at timber storage, waste areas, and general site locations, and CO2 extinguishers at distribution boards, plant rooms, site offices, and anywhere electrical equipment is in use. Never assume one extinguisher type covers all risks.
Shop Fire and Emergency by Type
Fire & Emergency
Fire and emergency equipment protects construction sites, workers, and the environment from the consequences of fire, chemical spills, flooding, and severe weather. CMT Group supplies a comprehensive range of fire and emergency products including fire extinguishers, fire alarms, fire blankets, site safety stations, fire safety stations, spill kits, drip trays, spill containment, sediment and oil filters, RAMS boards, flood solutions, and snow solutions, covering the fire safety and emergency response requirements of construction sites across the UK.
Read more Read less
Construction sites present a higher fire and environmental emergency risk than most working environments. Combustible materials including timber, insulation, and packaging are present throughout the build. Hot works generate ignition sources. Temporary electrical installations increase electrical fire risk. Fuel, oil, and chemicals stored on site create spill and contamination risks. All of these hazards require specific preventative and response measures to be in place from the first day of site operations. CMT Group is a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier and has been supplying fire and emergency equipment to UK construction sites for over 20 years.
- ✓ Fire extinguishers for all fire classes found on construction sites
- ✓ Fire alarms and smoke detectors for early warning in temporary structures and site buildings
- ✓ Fire blankets for smothering small localised fires in welfare areas and hot works zones
- ✓ Site safety stations and fire safety stations for centralised emergency equipment points
- ✓ Spill kits for rapid containment of oil, fuel, and chemical spills on site
- ✓ Drip trays and spill containment for passive leak and spill prevention under plant and machinery
- ✓ RAMS boards, flood solutions, and snow solutions for site safety management and adverse weather
- ✓ Next day delivery standard. VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle also available
Fire Extinguishers and Fire Safety on Construction Sites
Fire extinguishers are required on all construction sites under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. The responsible person, typically the principal contractor or site manager, must carry out a fire risk assessment and ensure that appropriate fire fighting equipment is provided, positioned correctly, maintained in serviceable condition, and available for use at all times. Fire extinguishers must be selected based on the class of fire risk present on site, not simply by size or convenience.
Class A fires involving solid combustibles such as timber, cardboard, and general site waste require water or foam extinguishers. Electrical fires require CO2 extinguishers as CO2 leaves no residue and is safe on live electrical equipment. Fuel and oil fires are Class B fires requiring foam or dry powder extinguishers. Most active construction sites require a combination of extinguisher types to cover the range of fire risks present at different locations and stages of the project. Fire extinguishers must be mounted on brackets, clearly identified by colour coding and signage, inspected annually by a competent person, and replaced or recharged after any use.
Fire and Emergency Equipment by Type
Our range covers the fire safety and emergency response equipment required across all construction site operations.
Choosing the Right Fire and Emergency Equipment
Fire and emergency equipment selection on a construction site must be based on the specific hazards identified in the fire risk assessment required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and the environmental risk assessment required under the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016. Generic selections made without reference to the actual risks on site frequently result in the wrong equipment in the wrong location, which provides no meaningful protection when an incident occurs.
For fire extinguishers, the fire class determines the extinguisher type. For spill and containment products, the volume and nature of the substance stored determines the containment capacity required. RAMS boards must be positioned at the point of work for the specific activity they relate to, not collected in a single location on site. Flood and snow solutions must be assessed against the site location, season, and proximity to flood risk before the event rather than in response to it.
| Hazard or risk | Equipment required | Key regulation |
|---|---|---|
| Solid combustible fire risk (timber, waste, packaging) | Water or foam fire extinguisher | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| Electrical fire risk (temporary electrics, tools, plant) | CO2 fire extinguisher | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| Catering or hot works fire risk | Fire blanket at point of risk | Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 |
| Fuel, oil or chemical spill risk | Spill kit at refuelling point, drip tray under plant | Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 |
| Oil stored over 200 litres on site | Bunded spill containment unit | Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001 |
| Surface water runoff and drainage contamination | Sediment drain guards at all drainage points | Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016 |
| High-risk task requiring RAMS communication | RAMS board at point of work | CDM Regulations 2015 |
| Winter site operations with ice and snow risk | Rock salt, grit spreader, snow solutions | Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 |
Fire and Emergency Equipment Supplied Across the UK
Fire and emergency equipment on a construction site is not a discretionary investment. It is a legal requirement under multiple pieces of legislation, and the consequences of inadequate provision range from enforcement notices and fines through to injury, death, and criminal prosecution of the responsible person. Fire extinguishers in the wrong location or of the wrong type, spill kits not available at the point of risk, and drain guards not installed before earthworks begin are all common compliance failures on UK construction sites.
CMT Group is a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier and has been supplying fire and emergency equipment to UK construction sites for over 20 years. Our range covers the full scope of fire safety and environmental emergency requirements from fire extinguishers and spill kits through to RAMS boards, flood solutions, and winter site management products. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
Frequently asked questions
What fire extinguishers do I need on a construction site?
The correct fire extinguisher type depends on the fire risk class at each location on site. Water or foam extinguishers are required for Class A risks involving solid combustibles such as timber, cardboard, and general site waste, which are present throughout most construction sites. CO2 extinguishers are required wherever electrical equipment is in use, including at temporary distribution boards, plant rooms, and welfare areas with electrical appliances. If fuel or oils are stored or used on site, foam or dry powder extinguishers are required for Class B liquid fire risks. Most construction sites require a minimum of one water or foam extinguisher and one CO2 extinguisher, with additional extinguishers at each identified fire risk location. The fire risk assessment for the site, required under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, defines the specific requirement.
What is the difference between a spill kit and a drip tray?
A drip tray is a passive containment device placed under plant, machinery, or storage containers to collect any drips or slow leaks at source. It requires no action to work and provides continuous passive protection under static equipment. A spill kit is a reactive response product used to contain and absorb a spill that has already occurred beyond the capacity of a drip tray, or at a location without passive containment. Spill kits contain absorbent pads, socks, and disposal bags that are deployed to contain the spill perimeter and absorb the liquid. Both are required on most active construction sites: drip trays provide passive protection under generators, plant, and fuel drums, and spill kits provide reactive capability for refuelling operations, deliveries, and larger or unexpected spills.
What are RAMS boards used for on a construction site?
RAMS boards are used to display Risk Assessment and Method Statement documentation at the point of work on a construction site. Before any significant or high-risk task begins, the workers carrying out the task must have been briefed on and understood the relevant risk assessment and method statement. A RAMS board provides a weatherproof, highly visible display at the work location where the RAMS can be read and referenced by workers throughout the task without needing to return to the site office. This supports CDM Regulations 2015 compliance by demonstrating that safety documentation has been communicated at the point of use, rather than simply filed in the site office.
Do I need bunded spill containment for fuel storage on site?
Yes, in most cases. Under the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) Regulations 2001, any oil stored above 200 litres at a construction site in England must be stored within a bund or secondary containment system with a capacity of at least 110% of the largest container stored within it. This applies to diesel, petrol, hydraulic oil, and other petroleum products stored for plant and machinery use on site. A bunded spill containment pallet or IBC bund provides this secondary containment. Fuel stores below 200 litres are not covered by the Regulations but the HSE recommends that all fuel stored on site is subject to some form of containment as best practice, given the environmental and health and safety risks associated with fuel spills.
Why buy fire and emergency equipment from CMT Group?
CMT Group is a BSIF Registered Safety Supplier, which means every fire and emergency product in our range meets strict safety and compliance standards. We have been supplying fire and emergency equipment to UK construction sites for over 20 years and understand the specific compliance requirements of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2016, and the CDM Regulations 2015. Our range covers the full scope of fire safety and environmental emergency needs from fire extinguishers and spill kits through to RAMS boards, flood solutions, and winter site products. We operate our own fleet of 100+ FORS Gold accredited vehicles covering 90% of the UK, with next day delivery standard on orders placed by 5pm by phone or 7pm online, and VIP 2-3 hour delivery on a dedicated vehicle dispatched within 30 minutes for urgent site requirements.
CO2 vs Water Fire Extinguisher: Which Do You Need?
CO2 and water fire extinguishers are the two most widely used types on UK construction sites, and selecting the wrong one for the fire risk at a given location is a common and potentially dangerous mistake. A water extinguisher is designed for Class A fires involving solid combustibles such as timber, cardboard, general site waste, and fabric. Water works by cooling the burning material below its ignition temperature and is effective and economical for the solid combustible fire risks that are present throughout most construction sites.
A CO2 extinguisher is designed for Class B liquid fires and electrical fires. CO2 extinguishes fire by displacing oxygen and works on electrical fires without leaving conductive residue, making it the only appropriate extinguisher for use on live electrical equipment. Using a water extinguisher on a live electrical fire creates a risk of electrocution through the conductive water stream. CO2 extinguishers must not be used in small enclosed spaces because the displacement of oxygen creates a suffocation risk. On most construction sites, both types are required: water or foam extinguishers at timber storage, waste areas, and general site locations, and CO2 extinguishers at distribution boards, plant rooms, site offices, and anywhere electrical equipment is in use. Never assume one extinguisher type covers all risks.
