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.

Technology Council appointment for Drax Technology’s David Simpson

by Featured NewsPeople

Technology Council appointment to FIA forum

David Simpson has been elected to the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Technology Council, a UK forum focused on fire safety technology.

The appointment was confirmed by Drax Technology, where Simpson serves as Group Product Director.

The company described the Technology Council as a group of figures from across the fire industry that guides adoption of emerging technologies and work linked to life safety and compliance.

Drax Technology said the Technology Council’s work includes initiatives linked to system compatibility, standards improvement and how technology can support fire safety professionals.

Focus areas raised in the announcement

In its announcement, Drax Technology said Simpson has promoted the use of data in fire system management and pointed to areas including data analytics, IoT and AI.

Simpson said: “It’s an exciting time for our industry. We’re seeing rapid advancements in data analytics, IoT, and AI – all of which can help us understand risk better and manage systems more proactively.

“The FIA Technology Council provides an opportunity to ensure these technologies are used responsibly and effectively to protect people and property.”

The company also referred to its work on alarm management platforms and testing tools intended to support compliance and reduce false alarms.

Drax Technology said Simpson’s involvement will link collaboration through the FIA with work on practical tools used in fire system management.

The company described the appointment as recognition of its work on connected fire safety.

FIA establishes sustainability group for fire safety sector collaboration

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsSustainability

Sustainability special interest group to launch

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has launched a new Sustainability Special Interest Group (SIG) to support fire safety organisations working on sustainability-related requirements and practices, with its first meeting scheduled for Friday 20 February 2026.

The FIA said the group has been created in response to rising regulatory and market expectations across the built environment, where fire safety influences product selection, system design, construction methods and whole-life building performance.

The association stated that the built environment accounts for around 37 percent of UK carbon emissions and nearly half of all material resource use, positioning fire safety decision-making as part of wider environmental and social considerations.

Sustainability focus areas and practical outputs

The Sustainability SIG will bring together manufacturers, service providers and sustainability specialists to address environmental and social aspects of sustainability relevant to fire safety.

Planned focus areas include Environmental Product Declarations and Life Cycle Assessments, embodied carbon and Net Zero pathways, circular economy principles, product lifecycles, ESG reporting and practical tools, along with social sustainability topics such as diversity and inclusion, wellbeing and community impact.

The group is expected to share practical guidance, real-world case studies and tools that members can apply within their organisations, with the aim of supporting consistent and proportionate approaches across the sector.

Regulatory context and participation

The FIA said sustainability-related requirements affecting the built environment are developing quickly, citing upcoming and ongoing changes including the Future Homes and Buildings Standard in 2025, CPR updates, Digital Product Passports and embodied carbon disclosure.

The Sustainability SIG will support members through these changes by providing guidance, peer insight and aligned approaches with organisations including UKGBC, BRE and ASBP.

Members and non-members are invited to register interest in joining the founding cohort of the Sustainability SIG and to contribute to setting its initial agenda by contacting technical@fia.uk.com.

The group forms part of the FIA’s wider work to support fire safety organisations as sustainability considerations become more embedded in regulation, procurement and building performance expectations.

IFE and FIA fire safety guidance targets serviced apartments and aparthotels in England

by Featured NewsFire EngineeringSafety

Fire safety grey area inside aparthotels

The Institution of Fire Engineers (IFE), working with the Fire Industry Association (FIA), has published an introductory note on serviced apartments and aparthotels and the fire safety challenges they can create for design, compliance and building management in England.

The IFE said serviced apartments and aparthotels are increasingly common in UK urban developments and mixed-use buildings, with rental durations ranging from single nights to months or longer.

It said this creates uncertainty because the units can resemble standard flats but operate more like hotels in terms of occupant turnover and familiarity with the building.

The note said this grey area can affect both building design decisions and the way fire safety is managed during occupation.

Why occupancy affects compliance routes

The IFE said many fire regulations treat buildings containing “dwellings” differently from buildings that do not, and that the definition can be complex.

It said duration of occupancy is often a key factor, with daily rentals less likely to be classed as dwellings and year-long rentals more likely to meet that definition.

Regulation 5 of the Building Regulations sets out scenarios that can count as a “material change of use”, including changes to the number of dwellings or converting a building into a hotel.

The IFE said converting an existing building to serviced apartments or an aparthotel is likely to be treated as a material change of use, requiring compliance with the functional requirements of the Building Regulations.

In this scenario, the “non-worsening” criteria often applied to existing buildings would not apply.

The IFE said the trend of converting redundant city-centre offices into aparthotels or flats can be complex and may fall short of purpose-built residential standards if not carried out competently.

Fire safety strategy and evacuation decisions

The IFE said blocks of flats are often designed around a stay put approach, based on compartmentation and occupants being familiar with escape routes and procedures.

It said serviced apartments and aparthotels can challenge that approach because short-term occupants may be unfamiliar with the building, which can point towards simultaneous evacuation in some cases.

The note said any move towards simultaneous evacuation would bring different design and management needs, such as enhanced detection and alarm, clear signage, escape route management and a continuous staff presence with evacuation planning.

It said a hybrid approach may suit some buildings, where an initial smoke detector activation triggers an alarm within the flat of origin and escalates to full evacuation if a heat detector activates in a key location.

The IFE said this would need careful consideration alongside management response expectations and any smoke control system designed around one flat evacuating at a time.

Sprinklers or alternative automatic suppression systems should be considered as part of the overall strategy.

The note added that a hotel-based approach can also be challenging because many aparthotels include cooking facilities, which are not typically present in hotel bedrooms.

HRB status and fire risk assessment scope

The IFE said the status of a building as a Higher Risk Building (HRB) in England can depend on height and whether it contains at least two residential units, a care home or a hospital.

It said the definition of “residential units” excludes hotels, and that it is currently unclear how serviced apartments and aparthotels fit within HRB occupancy definitions.

The IFE said this distinction affects whether building control applications go to a Local Authority or Registered Building Control Approver for non-HRBs, or to the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) for HRBs.

It said HRBs in occupation must register with the BSR and have a Building Safety Case in place, and that failing to do so could be a criminal offence.

The note said changes in how units are rented could change the regulatory position, including scenarios where longer-term rentals lead to units being classed as dwellings.

The IFE said fire risk assessment scope can also change under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, because dwellings are excluded but non-dwellings must be included.

It said if units are not dwellings, fire risk assessments would need to cover the apartments themselves as well as common areas, affecting responsibilities, enforcement and compliance.

What this means for building fire roles

Fire engineers and fire engineering consultants may need to confirm intended occupancy patterns early, because the note links rental duration to how terms like “dwelling” may be interpreted in practice.

Risk assessors may face changes to fire risk assessment scope where units are treated as non-dwellings, because the note says this can extend assessment beyond common parts into apartments.

Architects, building services engineers and M&E engineers may need to reflect on evacuation strategy choices where occupant familiarity is low, because the note contrasts stay put assumptions with short-term occupancy patterns.

Facility managers and building managers may need to test whether any managed evacuation approach can be sustained over time, because the note describes reliance on 24/7 staffing, training and long-term financial commitment in some strategies.

Developers and those engaging with building control may need clarity on regulatory pathways and HRB status, because the note describes different oversight routes for HRBs and non-HRBs and the legal consequences tied to registration and safety case duties.

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.

Britannia Fire director Andy Spence continues role shaping UK fire standards

by Associations and OrganisationsFeatured NewsFire SuppressionPeople

Andy Spence re-elected to FIA board for third term

Britannia Fire has announced that its Joint Managing Director, Andy Spence, has been re-elected for a third term to the board of the Fire Industry Association (FIA).

The FIA represents more than 1,200 UK member companies and is Europe’s largest fire safety trade association.

It delivers training, technical expertise and standards guidance to help shape the development of the fire safety sector.

Spence’s ongoing contribution to standards and governance

With 25 years of experience in the fire safety industry, Spence has served on the FIA’s Extinguishing and Export Councils for over a decade.

He also sits on the British Standards Institution (BSI) FSH/2 Committee for Fire Extinguishers, contributing to the ongoing development of UK fire safety standards.

Earlier in 2025, he addressed the Environmental Audit Committee in the House of Commons to outline the industry’s challenges in achieving a smooth transition away from PFAS-based firefighting foams.

According to Britannia Fire, Spence’s re-election reflects his continued commitment to advancing quality, safety and environmental responsibility across the industry.

Focus on safety, innovation and sustainability

A strong advocate for sustainable practices, Spence has played a key role in driving forward improvements in extinguisher design and manufacturing processes.

He said: “It’s been a privilege to contribute to the fire safety industry over the years, so I’m immensely grateful to the FIA members for re-electing me to the board.

“It’s been a privilege to contribute to the fire safety industry over the years, so I’m immensely grateful to the FIA members for re-electing me to the board.

“A great deal of progress has been made in improving standards and embracing new technology but there’s still much to be done.

“I’m honoured to continue working with the FIA and its members so we can help to build a safer and more sustainable future together.”

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.

Paul Pope re-elected to FIA Board for fourth consecutive term

by Associations and OrganisationsBreaking NewsPeople

Paul Pope’s continued leadership in the fire safety sector

According to Ajax Systems, Paul Pope, Global Head of Fire & Life Safety Business, has been re-elected to the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Board for a fourth consecutive term.

In addition to his board role, Paul also holds key positions within the FIA, including Vice Chair of the Fire Detection and Alarm Council, Vice Chair of the Service Council, and membership in the Export Council.

A decade of contributions to the FIA

Paul Pope has served as an FIA Director for six years and contributed to the Fire Detection and Alarm Council and Service Council for over 14 years.

These roles have allowed him to represent manufacturers and suppliers of fire detection and alarm equipment, advocate for industry interests in discussions with government bodies, and promote UK fire safety products and standards in global markets.

Paul Pope’s focus on advancing standards

Paul stated: “I am deeply committed to advancing standards and training in the fire and life safety sector.

“Being re-elected to the FIA’s Main Board, as well as the Fire Detection and Alarm Council and Export Council, is an honour.

“It’s a privilege to continue supporting the FIA’s vital work in driving progress and excellence across our industry.”

His re-election underscores his dedication to driving progress in the fire safety industry.

Paul Pope’s impact at Ajax Systems

Under Paul’s guidance, Ajax Systems has developed fire detection solutions that prioritise connectivity, simplicity, accuracy, and durability.

These products are crafted to meet the highest industry standards, reflecting Paul’s commitment to innovation and excellence in fire safety.

Paul Pope continues leadership with FIA Board re-election: Summary

Paul Pope, Global Head of Fire & Life Safety Business at Ajax Systems, has been re-elected to the Fire Industry Association (FIA) Board for a fourth consecutive term.

In addition to his board role, he serves as Vice Chair of the Fire Detection and Alarm Council, Vice Chair of the Service Council, and a member of the Export Council.

With over 14 years of contributions to the FIA, Paul remains dedicated to advancing standards and training in fire and life safety, while guiding Ajax Systems to meet industry-leading standards in fire detection solutions.

Fire Industry Association promotes free entries for the 2023 Security & Fire Excellence Awards

by EventsFeatured News

The Fire Industry Association has urged interested parties to make use of the final opportunity to submit free entries for the 2023 Security & Fire Excellence Awards.

The deadline for these entries is set for September 4, 2023.

The benefits of entering the awards

Participation in the Security & Fire Excellence Awards offers a chance for companies to highlight excellence, acknowledge standout performers, and share best practices within the industry.

Additionally, entering could provide companies with a platform for PR exposure and a chance to impress clients and peers.

The association has emphasised that companies should review the full list of categories and criteria, submitting entries for all relevant categories.

This would potentially increase the chances of earning multiple accolades.

Assured fairness in the judging process

The Fire Industry Association has reiterated that their judging process is transparent and unbiased.

The judging process has received validation from The Independent Awards Standards Council, acquiring the Awards Trust Mark.

This ensures that each entry will undergo thorough evaluation by an independent panel of experts, ensuring fairness in the selection process.

Last call for entry submissions

With the entry deadline looming in just three weeks, businesses are reminded to finalise their submissions.

For those interested in participating, the form is available here.

Support available for entries

For companies seeking assistance with their submissions, the organisation has partnered with Agility PR.

Agility PR has expertise in content creation and PR, particularly in the security sector – more information on this service can be found here.

A grand evening to look forward to

The Security & Fire Excellence Awards ceremony is scheduled for December 4, 2023, at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House, Park Lane, London.

This event not only honours industry excellence but also provides a platform for networking and celebrating with peers.

To book a place or find out more about the venue, visit the official website.

IFSJ Comment

The annual Security & Fire Excellence Awards, hosted by the Fire Industry Association, plays a pivotal role in promoting best practices, innovation, and dedication within the fire and safety sectors.

Recognising achievements not only fuels motivation within organisations but also sets benchmarks for excellence.

Such events foster community spirit, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among industry leaders, professionals, and enthusiasts.

This year’s call for entries and the support offered for participants showcases the commitment of the association towards inclusivity and unbiased recognition of talent.