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.

Fire Industry Association offers guidance amid fire safety regulation changes

by Featured NewsSafety

Sweeping changes to fire safety regulations in the UK

Effective from October 1, 2023, the UK government will enforce new fire safety regulations.

The Fire Industry Association (FIA) has provided guidance to local governments and housing providers on these changes.

Will Lloyd, the technical manager at FIA, has expounded on these regulations. He highlights that changes have been influenced by significant events such as the Grenfell Tower disaster and the ensuing investigations.

The Building Safety Act 2022, notably Section 156, marks the third phase of the Home Office’s plan to improve fire safety in higher-risk buildings.

A deeper look into the amendments to fire safety regulations

These new measures further amend the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The aim is to ensure that all premises under this order achieve an improved level of fire safety.

It is particularly intended to safeguard residents in buildings containing two or more sets of domestic premises by making essential fire safety information readily available to them.

While Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 specifically highlights residential buildings with multiple domestic premises, these changes will apply to all buildings within the scope of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005.

The impact of the new fire safety regulations

The latest regulations introduce several key changes for responsible persons (RPs), including the need to:

  1. Fully record their Fire Risk Assessment (FRA),
  2. Ensure the competence of those assigned to make or review a fire risk assessment,
  3. Document the identity of any person assisting them,
  4. Record their fire safety arrangements,
  5. Attempt to identify any other RPs for the same premises,
  6. Share relevant information about the premises and contact details with other RPs.

The majority of these new requirements will come into effect from October 1, 2023.

However, the stipulation concerning the competency of individuals carrying out risk assessments will be enforced at a future date.

The FIA’s advice on handling the new fire safety regulations

The FIA suggests employing UKAS-approved, third-party certified companies to conduct any fire safety work, including those under the BAFE SP205 Scheme or the FRACS Scheme by Warrington fire.

The amendment to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 now requires RPs to fully record their fire risk assessments.

This change affects all organisations, regardless of size, necessitating full documentation of fire risk assessment findings.

Mandatory sharing of comprehensive fire safety information

Another crucial amendment requires the responsible person to supply residents in buildings with two or more sets of domestic premises with comprehensive and relevant information regarding the fire safety matters of the building.

Understanding the risks identified within the fire risk assessment is key. Residents need to be informed about the actual risk levels, potential consequences, mitigation measures, and timelines for remedial actions required.

Emphasising a cooperative approach in fire safety management

Section 156 of the Building Safety Act 2022 calls for RPs to identify and share information with other responsible persons in the premises. This facilitates a united approach to fire safety throughout the entire building.

Whenever control of the building changes hands, the outgoing RP must pass on the fire safety information to the new RP. This ensures a continuous record of fire safety information, commonly known as the “Golden Thread”.

You can read the FIA’s full guidance on the new fire safety regulations here.

CLM Fireproofing highlights the main causes of fire in the hospitality industry

by ActiveHospitalityIndustry Sectors

Fire poses a significant risk to the hospitality sector – apart from causing costly damage and bringing operations to a halt, CLM Fireproofing claims it can seriously undermine an organisation’s brand. The evidence suggests fire is fairly commonplace in the industry; according to the government’s latest figures, hotels are one of the most vulnerable types of buildings, with 263 out of every 1,000 experiencing a fire in the period September 2012 – September 2019. Pubs, restaurants, and takeaways fared slightly better, with 89 fires per 1,000 buildings during the same period – yet the figure remains unacceptably high.

So, what are fire risks behind these statistics? In this article, CLM Fireproofing highlight the main causes of fire in the hospitality industry, and how effective passive fireproofing can help to prevent them.

Cooking Equipment

One of the most common places for fires to start is in the kitchen. Risks arise from the use of combustible materials (frying medium), faulty or unsupervised equipment, and human error. According to the London Fire Brigade, 44% of all restaurant fires in the capital during 2015-2017 started from cooking. Kitchen fires are also more likely to develop into serious blazes which cause significant damage. Worldwide insurer, AIG, estimates the average loss per significant

Cigarettes 

Despite a decrease in the total number of smokers in the UK cigarettes and other smoking materials still pose a significant fire risk both to the hospitality industry and elsewhere. The latest data (from 2018/19) shows that they accounted for 8% of all accidental dwelling fires. More significant, however, is that fires caused by cigarettes, cigars, or pipe tobacco are more fatal; 34% of fires ignited by smoking materials in 2018/19 resulted in at least one fatality.

Electrical appliances

Hotels, restaurants, and bars are full of electrical appliances. From lamps and kettles, to hairdryers and irons, there are many appliances that pose a potential fire risk. Whilst not relating specifically to their use in the hospitality sector, the number of electrical appliance fires has increased dramatically in the past decade; in 2019/20 there were 21% more instances than in 2010/11, probably as a result of the increased number of electrical appliances in circulation.

How to mitigate fire risk in the hospitality industry

The effective management of fire risk for hotels, bars, and restaurants requires thorough fire risk assessments, regular and properly-documented checks, and the stringent implementation of policies in line with current fire safety regulations. Just as important (if not more so) is passive fireproofing; whether through compartmentation or intumescent painting, passive fireproofing helps to stop the spread of fire, limiting the damage it causes and giving occupants more time to escape safely. With limited fire damage and minimal risk to occupants, your business can return to operations sooner and negate any reputational harm.

https://clmfireproofing.com/