Fire & First Aid
UK law requires every commercial premises to carry appropriate fire safety equipment and first aid provision. Cocus stocks BS EN3 certified fire extinguishers, extinguisher stands, fire safety accessories, BS 8599-1 first aid kits, and Mediana AED defibrillators.
Fire Extinguishers
CO2, water, foam, powder, and multi-purpose extinguishers — all BS EN3 certified for UK commercial use.
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Extinguisher Stands & Cabinets
Floor stands, wall brackets, and protective cabinets to correctly position and protect extinguishers.
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Fire Safety Equipment
Fire blankets, document safes, fire safety signage, warden kits, and hot work fire protection equipment.
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First Aid Kits & Refills
HSE and BS 8599-1 compliant first aid kits for offices, construction sites, vehicles, and catering environments.
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First Aid Equipment
First aid cabinets, wall-mount units, eyewash stations, and treatment accessories for workplace first aiders.
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Defibrillators
Mediana AED defibrillators, AED cabinets, wall brackets, batteries, and replacement accessories.
Shop NowRegulatory Requirements
- The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 requires all commercial premises to have appropriate fire safety measures in place, including adequate fire extinguishers for the risk present.
- The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require all UK employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment and trained first aiders for their workplace.
- Guidance from the Resuscitation Council UK recommends that all public-access buildings consider providing an AED, and many insurers now require them in high-occupancy workplaces.
How many fire extinguishers does my workplace need?
BS 5306-8:2012 recommends a minimum of one 13A-rated water or foam extinguisher per 200m2 of floor area, with at least one extinguisher per floor of a multi-storey building. Additional CO2 extinguishers are required wherever electrical equipment is present. Higher-risk areas (commercial kitchens, server rooms, welding areas) may need specialist extinguishers such as wet chemical or CO2 units. Our Fire Extinguishers range covers all common types. If unsure which type you need, call 0161 531 0948 for advice.
Which first aid kit does my business legally need?
The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to carry out a first aid needs assessment to determine what provision is needed. For a low-risk office of up to 25 employees, an HSE-compliant travel kit is typically sufficient. For higher-risk workplaces (construction, manufacturing, catering), a BS 8599-1 Grade B or Grade C kit is recommended. Our First Aid Kits & Refills range covers HSE-compliant and BS 8599-1 certified options for all workplace types, from small offices to large industrial sites.
Defibrillators: do you need one in your workplace?
AEDs (automated external defibrillators) are now recommended in all workplaces by the British Heart Foundation and the Resuscitation Council UK. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any age. Early defibrillation is the single biggest factor in survival — every minute without defibrillation reduces survival by approximately 10%. Many insurers now require AED provision in workplaces above a certain headcount. Our Defibrillators range includes Mediana AED units, AED wall cabinets, and all replacement accessories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of fire extinguisher do I need for electrical equipment?
CO2 extinguishers are the standard choice for electrical fires. CO2 is non-conductive and leaves no residue, making it safe for use on live electrical equipment, server rooms, and control panels. Do not use water or foam extinguishers on live electrical equipment.
How often do fire extinguishers need to be serviced?
UK fire extinguishers require an annual service by a competent engineer to comply with BS 5306-3. Extended service or discharge tests are required every 5 years for most types. Powder and CO2 extinguishers require discharge and recharge at 5-year intervals. Keep a service record label on each extinguisher.
What is the difference between an HSE kit and a BS 8599-1 kit?
HSE kits (based on HSE guidance L74) contain the minimum content recommended by the HSE for low-risk workplaces. BS 8599-1 kits are graded by size (small, medium, large) and contain enhanced content for higher-risk environments, including burns dressings, CPR face shields, and eye wash. BS 8599-1 kits are now the recommended standard for most UK workplaces.
Can any first aider use a defibrillator?
Yes. Modern AEDs are designed for use by untrained bystanders. Voice and visual prompts guide the user through each step of the process. However, the Resuscitation Council UK recommends that workplace first aiders complete a recognised AED awareness course alongside their first aid training. AEDs will not deliver a shock unless a shockable heart rhythm is detected.