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.