Secure Information Boxes ensure fire services have critical data

by EvacuationFeatured NewsSafety

Guidance for information boxes

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) have published an updated Code of Practice for the provision of secure information boxes (SIBs) in residential buildings.

This revised document responds to legislative changes and recommendations from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

The guidance supports the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025.

It provides a framework for responsible persons, designers and regulators to manage SIBs, which were formerly known as Premises Information Boxes (PIBs).

The Code outlines recommendations for the specification, location and maintenance of these enclosures.

It also details the management of Emergency Response Packs (ERPs) to assist fire and rescue services during an incident.

Technical requirements and resident safety

The Code of Practice requires the ERP to include UK contact details for the responsible person and a logbook for tracking access.

It specifies that the pack must contain “Off the Run” notices for any defective fire safety equipment.

Two sets of A3-sized encapsulated plans must be provided within the box.

These plans include orientation maps showing water supplies and floor-by-floor layouts identifying firefighting facilities.

The guidance states: “It highlights the importance of ensuring that fire and rescue services have access to reliable, up-to-date information to support effective decision-making during an incident.

“There is a strong emphasis throughout on the needs of residents, particularly those who may require assistance to evacuate.

“The guidance incorporates the requirements for Resident Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) and promotes the importance of handling sensitive information securely while ensuring it remains accessible when needed.”

Physical enclosures must be certified to standards such as LPS 1175 or STS 205 to resist unauthorised access.

Siting for the SIB is recommended at the primary arrival point between 1.4m and 2.5m from the floor.

The document introduces a colour-coded system to identify residents requiring assistance, with Category 1 (Red) for those needing three or more people for rescue.

FIA confirms expanded programme for Fire Safety Event 2026

by Associations and OrganisationsEventsFeatured News

FIA sets out 2026 programme

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has announced its return to the Fire Safety Event 2026 with its largest programme at the exhibition to date.

The FIA said its 2026 presence will include the return of the FIA Guidance Theatre, a new live skills competition and a networking café.

The Guidance Theatre will host keynote speakers, technical sessions and panel discussions across topics affecting the UK fire industry.

The programme is intended to cover current challenges, emerging technologies and best practice.

The networking café will run at the centre of the show and will include networking drinks on day 1 and day 2 from 16:00 to 18:00.

FIA newcomer competition launches

The FIA will also stage the first Fire Industry Newcomer of the Year Competition at its stand during the three-day event.

The competition is aimed at trainees, apprentices and early-career technicians working in fire detection and alarm systems.

Participants will work on a live non-addressable fire alarm system.

They will be required to identify faults and non-compliances.

They will also apply safe working practices, test the system correctly and document their findings.

According to the FIA, competitors will be assessed by industry professionals through a structured marking system based on method, accuracy and professionalism.

Entry is open to people aged 18 or over with up to three years of experience in the fire safety industry.

Applicants must also have basic working knowledge of fire alarm systems and be available across all three days.

The prize includes an award presented at the FIA annual lunch and three tickets for the FIA Annual Lunch.

Public consultation launched on fire safety standards in construction

by ConstructionFeatured NewsIndustry Comment

Construction consultation and key dates

Draft fire safety guidance for construction sites has been released for public consultation, with responses due by Wednesday 18 March.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) said the consultation is intended for manufacturers, suppliers and system specifiers, and may also support installers and construction site managers responsible for fire safety.

A Special Interest Group meeting will take place on Monday 16 March to gather feedback and help develop the FIA’s position.

Comments must be submitted by close of business on Wednesday 11 March, after which registered contributors will receive draft copies, a comments template sheet and meeting distribution details.

What the fire safety guidance covers

The draft code of practice sets out guidance for managing fire safety on construction sites, including projects lasting more than 30 working days with over 20 workers on site at any one time or exceeding 500 person-working days.

Recommendations include the development of fire safety management systems designed to address both organisational and site-specific risks during construction works.

A separate draft specification defines requirements and performance criteria for fire detection and fire alarm systems intended for temporary use during construction.

The specification is primarily intended for manufacturers, suppliers and system specifiers, and is also relevant to installers and site managers with fire safety responsibilities.

Temporary installations fall within its scope, with permanent systems and project-specific suitability remaining outside its remit.

The document also references fire safety responsibilities set out in the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.

Draft versions of both documents are available through the BSI Standards Development pages here and here.

BSI committee considers new emergency communication Code of Practice for premises plans

by CommunicationsFeatured News

Emergency communication standard proposal and scope

A proposal is being considered to develop a new British Standard covering the use of sound systems for emergency purposes in premises where a formal communication plan is required.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) said it has been informed of the proposal being considered by BSI committee EPL/100 – Audio systems for emergency communication.

The proposal relates to a new British Code of Practice for emergency sound systems used under the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 (Martyn’s Law), including communication for lockdown, evacuation and invacuation scenarios.

It also covers emergency sound systems used for fire emergencies, particularly in high-rise residential buildings, where audio communication systems operate independently of the fire detection and alarm system.

Purpose, content and consultation window

BSI is considering the new standard to address areas where existing guidance is limited or fragmented.

The proposed Code of Practice would focus on communication outcomes, with guidance on planning and system design.

It would also cover audibility and intelligibility.

It would include guidance on testing and the ongoing operation of emergency audio systems.

The standard is intended to complement existing fire, security and product standards, rather than duplicate them.

The proposal is open for comment until 19 February.

FIA members who wish to contribute are encouraged to submit comments directly to BSI via the project link, where registration may be required.

The FIA said further details on the proposal can be found on the BSI Standards Development Portal.

FIA outlines international activity and export priorities across a busy 2025

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking News

FIA blog reviews international focus across 2025

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has published a new blog by Head of Marketing Helen Whittington to set out how its 2025 international activity has supported UK fire safety expertise at events in Gibraltar, Finland and Singapore.

In the blog, the association described 2025 as a year in which it expanded its international footprint, increased support for members seeking overseas growth and underlined its role in convening partners across the global fire safety community.

According to the blog, the FIA framed this activity around sharing UK technical knowledge, supporting exports and strengthening regional and international partnerships for member companies.

FIA fire safety summit builds links in Gibraltar

Whittington wrote that the year began with the first FIA Fire Safety Summit Gibraltar, held on 15 May 2025 aboard the Sunborn Gibraltar Hotel.

The blog said the event brought together fire safety professionals, regulators and industry figures from Gibraltar and the wider region for a full day of technical discussion and networking.

According to the association, FIA Chief Executive Ian Moore opened the summit by focusing on the FIA’s mission to raise competency standards while reinforcing both regional and international relationships.

Speakers were reported to include Colin Ramirez, Chief Fire Officer of Gibraltar Fire and Rescue, former Government Chief Fire Adviser Sir Ken Knight and a series of senior experts who examined operational challenges, lessons from major incidents such as Grenfell, developments in European fire standards and new technologies.

The blog added that an exhibition area ran alongside the conference, with companies such as Aico, AJ Sheriff Electrical, Britannia Fire, C-TEC, The Fire Door Inspectors and Hyfire showing products and services.

The FIA stated that strong attendance and interaction at the summit helped strengthen ties within Gibraltar and created a platform for further association activity in the territory.

FinnSec presence extends FIA role in Northern Europe

The blog reported that the FIA then took part in FinnSec 2025, held from 8 to 9 October 2025 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre in Finland.

According to the association, the event is viewed as a key Scandinavian trade fair for security and fire protection solutions and offered an opportunity to reach a broad network of Northern European stakeholders.

The FIA wrote that it was joined on the stand by member companies including C-TEC, Vimpex, Eurotech Fire Systems, Kidde Global Solutions, Patol, Protec Fire and Security Group, Coopers Fire and Detectortesters.

The blog explained that this was the first time the FIA had underwritten the cost of shared stand space so that several members could use it jointly as an FIA-branded platform.

Whittington said this approach allowed UK manufacturers to promote their systems together and present a wider view of the UK fire industry’s capabilities.

According to the blog, visitors included manufacturers, innovators and decision-makers from sectors that rely on fire protection, occupational safety, electronic security, data protection and risk management.

The association wrote that FinnSec gave the FIA fresh opportunities to build relationships, exchange knowledge and highlight the role of UK fire safety technologies across Northern Europe.

UK Pavilion in Singapore showcases Asia engagement

Whittington stated that the FIA’s 2025 international schedule ended at Fire Safety Event Asia 2025, held from 11 to 13 November 2025 at the Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre in Singapore.

The blog said the FIA partnered with the British Security Industry Association (BSIA) to co-host a UK Pavilion for the show’s inaugural edition.

According to the association, the joint pavilion brought together Vimpex, Patol, Coopers and Eurotech to present UK fire sector products and services to buyers and delegates from across the Asia-Pacific region.

Whittington reported that FIA Head of Commercial Chris Tilley described visitor engagement and discussions at the stand as particularly strong, with interest from APAC markets and beyond.

The blog added that Tilley also praised event organiser Nineteen Group for its role in delivering the first Fire Safety Event Asia.

Whittington wrote that the collaboration with the BSIA reflects an ongoing strategic partnership through which the BSIA manages UK Pavilions at events such as Intersec Dubai and Intersec Saudi Arabia, providing routes for UK businesses to increase visibility in priority overseas markets.

Export Council linking FIA members to overseas markets

Alongside event activity, the blog highlighted the ongoing role of the FIA Export Council in supporting international growth for UK members.

According to the association, the Export Council helps companies access overseas markets, build strategic export capabilities and cooperate around shared trade objectives.

The blog linked this work to what it described as growing member interest in international expansion and invited organisations seeking to extend their global reach to join the Council.

Whittington wrote that across Gibraltar, Helsinki and Singapore a consistent theme was the FIA’s focus on raising standards, supporting competence and forming partnerships with counterparts in other countries.

The association said it plans to build on this work in 2026 by expanding international collaborations, supporting member exports and further developing its role in global discussions on fire safety.

The blog concluded that 2025 had marked a clear step in the FIA’s international programme and that the association intends to continue working with members, partners and overseas colleagues on future activity.

Readers can view the full blog on the Fire Industry Association website.

How FIA’s international work affects exporters and specifiers

The FIA blog sets out how shared stands and summits are providing UK fire sector manufacturers with new ways to reach decision-makers in territories such as Gibraltar, Scandinavia and Singapore.

For procurement officers, fire safety officers and facility managers in those regions, joint FIA presences at events like FinnSec 2025 and Fire Safety Event Asia 2025 mean a wider range of UK fire protection products and systems can be assessed in one place.

For equipment specifiers, system installers and fire-protection contractors, the Export Council’s activities and the use of UK Pavilions highlight where UK suppliers are actively seeking new distribution channels and partnerships.

For standards and certification bodies, as well as fire engineering consultants, the FIA summits and conference programmes described in the blog give additional forums where UK experience with incidents such as Grenfell and evolving European standards is being discussed with international counterparts.

C-TEC Managing Director appointed to key national safety board

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire DetectionPeople

C-TEC Managing Director joins FIA Board

C-TEC has announced that its Managing Director, Andrew Foster, has been elected to the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Board of Directors and reappointed to its Fire Detection and Alarm (FD&A) Council.

The company said Foster, who began his career as an electrical engineer, founded C-TEC in 1981.

According to the manufacturer, he remains actively involved in research and development, UK manufacturing and the advancement of fire-safety technology.

Industry contribution and leadership roles

Foster said: “I am delighted to have been appointed to the Board and am looking forward to sharing my insight and practical knowledge to promote members’ interests and shape the future of our industry.

“I am also honoured to have been given the opportunity to continue contributing to the valuable work carried out by the FD&A Council.”

C-TEC explained that the FD&A Council plays a key role in guiding technical standards and product safety within the UK fire sector.

The company added that Dan Foster, its Director of Science, has also been appointed to the FIA’s newly formed Technology Council.

Expanding expertise across FIA councils

According to C-TEC, Dan Foster is responsible for the design, certification and ongoing safety of the technologies used in its life-safety systems.

The company said he will work with other council members to provide technical guidance and maintain the FIA’s position at the forefront of emerging technologies.

C-TEC described the appointments as an opportunity to share its technical expertise with peers across the fire-detection and alarm sector.

C-TEC’s role in UK life-safety systems

C-TEC manufactures open-protocol fire detection and alarm systems for commercial and residential use.

The company also produces lockdown, evacuation alert, call, disabled refuge and hearing loop systems used across the UK.

It stated that its continued involvement with the FIA councils reflects a commitment to collaboration and safety improvement across the fire industry.

Relevance for professionals in fire system design and regulation

This development is relevant for professionals involved in fire detection and alarm system design, regulation and certification.

C-TEC’s participation in the FIA Board and its technical councils connects manufacturer insight with sector-wide decision-making, influencing guidance on standards and compliance for UK installations.

Fire engineering consultants, building services engineers and contractors working with life-safety systems may encounter future specifications shaped by these councils’ recommendations.

The involvement of both a managing director and a technical lead from a major UK manufacturer provides combined operational and scientific perspectives within the FIA’s leadership structure.

Drax Technology emphasises importance of support contracts for alarm reliability

by Featured NewsFire Detection

Drax Technology outlines importance of long-term system support plans

In a blog post published by the Fire Industry Association (FIA), Drax Technology has encouraged FIA members to ensure their installed systems are covered by active support contracts.

The company said support agreements are essential to maintain optimal performance of its fire and alarm software across education, healthcare, commercial and multi-site properties.

According to Drax Technology, many users operate its systems without an active support contract, limiting access to updated tools and technical assistance.

David Simpson, Group Product Director at Drax Technology, said: “Many FIA members may have recently taken on sites with our technology already in place, or manage multiple locations, but aren’t yet receiving the benefits of our latest technology solutions.”

Recent innovations improving compliance and visibility

Drax Technology stated that it has supported building owners, facilities teams and service providers for more than 25 years.

The company said its recent innovations, such as SafeVue, have modernised compliance management by automating weekly and service test reporting.

It added that these developments deliver real-time performance visibility and integrate with wider building systems.

The platform enables faster responses, better risk management and more efficient communication between stakeholders, according to the company.

Support contracts offer assurance and competitive advantage

Simpson explained that support contracts are one of the most effective ways for FIA members to maintain system reliability and compliance.

David Simpson, Group Product Director at Drax Technology, said: “Support contracts are the simplest way for FIA members to protect system reliability, future-proof compliance, and access expert technical assistance.

“They also provide a competitive advantage, enabling stronger customer relationships.”

Readers can view the full blog on Drax Technology’s website.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

This update is relevant to fire-alarm system installers, facilities managers and maintenance contractors working with Drax Technology software across multi-site or high-occupancy buildings.

It outlines how support contracts provide access to ongoing updates, ensure continued compliance with system monitoring and reporting requirements, and allow users to make full use of integrated platforms like SafeVue.

Professionals responsible for managing large estates or legacy systems can use this information to verify whether their Drax installations are still supported and to maintain reliable performance through regular service oversight.

Fire Industry Association explains BS 5839-1:2025 fire detection and alarm changes

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire DetectionTraining

FIA highlights new BS 5839-1:2025 fire detection and alarm standard

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has released detailed guidance on the updated BS 5839-1:2025 code of practice for non-domestic fire detection and alarm (FD&A) systems.

The revised standard, which came into effect on 30 April 2025, replaces the 2017 edition.

According to the FIA, the update reflects the evolving technological landscape and incorporates lessons learned from real-world applications.

The standard sets out how FD&A systems should be designed, installed, commissioned and maintained in non-domestic buildings.

It introduces structural, terminological and procedural changes to ensure consistency, accountability and clarity across the fire safety sector.

Key updates in BS 5839-1:2025

The FIA said the standard has been restructured for improved clarity, with a refreshed numbering system to align with other UK fire safety standards.

Terminology has been updated in line with BS 4422, including changes such as “handover” replacing “acceptance” and “fire and rescue service” replacing “fire service.”

The new edition defines the responsibilities of designers, installers, commissioners and maintainers more explicitly.

The FIA explained that the update requires key documentation – such as zone plans and cause-and-effect records – to be formally agreed and recorded.

New provisions tighten rules on variations and classify certain omissions, including missing zone plans and lack of required remote monitoring in care premises, as non-compliant.

False alarm management is also strengthened through the introduction of a standardised notice to be displayed at control equipment connected to the fire and rescue service.

Digital connectivity receives dedicated guidance, with sections addressing cyber security, remote access controls and the forthcoming Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) switch-off.

The FIA said these updates collectively reinforce competence and documentation throughout a system’s lifecycle.

Practical actions for duty holders

The FIA outlined that building owners, facilities managers and responsible persons must ensure system documentation and maintenance meet the new requirements.

It said duty holders should verify that logbooks, cause-and-effect descriptions and zone plans are complete and current.

False alarm incidents should be investigated and recorded, with corrective measures implemented to prevent recurrence.

Remote monitoring arrangements must meet new performance and timing criteria, particularly in residential care and supported housing settings.

Service intervals should follow the recommended six-month schedule, with inspections properly documented.

The FIA added that safe access to interfaces, such as smoke control and door release systems, must be maintained.

It said these steps align with both BS 5839-1:2025 and obligations under the Building Safety Act.

FIA roadshow promotes understanding and compliance

To support implementation, the FIA launched a BS 5839-1:2025 Standards Update Roadshow across the UK.

The organisation said the series combined in-person and online sessions attended by thousands of professionals.

FIA technical experts presented scenario-based discussions breaking down complex revisions into practical examples.

The Association reported that attendees valued the chance to clarify details and benchmark current practices against new expectations.

The FIA described the roadshow as part of its ongoing effort to bridge the gap between regulation and practical application across the fire sector.

Competence and training under the new standard

The FIA said competence underpins every section of BS 5839-1:2025 and remains central to its training framework.

Its FD&A training pathway offers qualifications at foundation, intermediate and advanced levels for system designers, installers, commissioners and maintainers.

Professionals who complete FIA training demonstrate the technical competence and continuing professional development (CPD) expected by the standard.

The FIA noted that for employers and clients, these qualifications provide measurable assurance of capability and compliance.

Shared responsibility for safer systems

The FIA said the 2025 revision of BS 5839-1 represents a collective effort to enhance accountability and system reliability.

It emphasised that designers, installers, commissioners, maintainers and building managers each hold defined responsibilities to ensure system performance.

The organisation added that aligning practice with the new standard, supported by accurate documentation and competence-based training, will improve safety outcomes across the built environment.

Relevance for fire and safety professionals

The BS 5839-1:2025 update carries direct implications for fire engineers, system designers, installers and maintainers who work on non-domestic fire detection and alarm systems.

Building owners, facilities managers and responsible persons are also affected, as the new standard specifies documentation, maintenance and variation procedures linked to legal duties under the Building Safety Act.

For training providers and CPD coordinators, the FIA’s revised courses and roadshow resources support compliance with the updated competence expectations.

By applying the 2025 standard, professionals can ensure alignment with the latest regulatory framework and maintain reliable detection and alarm performance across buildings.