The Importance of a Premises Information Box (PIB)

One tool stands out for its simplicity yet profound impact on fire safety — the Premises Information Box (PIB). This seemingly unassuming box plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety of residents and the effectiveness of emergency response teams during a crisis. This article delves into the concept of a PIB, its components, its importance, and the guidelines for its installation and maintenance.

What is a Premises Information Box (PIB)?

A Premises Information Box (PIB), also known as a Secure Information Box (SIB), is a secure container within a building that holds crucial information about the premises. This information is intended to assist the fire and rescue services during an emergency.

The concept of a PIB was developed in 2005 by Gerda Security Products Ltd in collaboration with the London Fire Brigade. The initiative aimed to improve the provision of premises plans and information for the Fire & Rescue Service. Recognising the term “PIB” as synonymous with “Premises Information Box”, Gerda Security Products and the London Fire Commissioner authorised its use in the marketplace, and it has since become a widely recognised term in fire safety.

Components of a PIB

A PIB typically contains an Emergency Response Pack (ERP), which includes detailed building layout plans and other critical information required by the fire and rescue service during an incident.

Plans should be clear, unambiguous, and typically produced at A3 size to ensure legibility. Symbols used should follow recognised conventions and reflect only those features present within the premises.

What is an Emergency Response Pack (ERP)?

An Emergency Response Pack (ERP) is a core component of a Premises Information Box. It provides essential operational information to assist the fire and rescue service in managing incidents safely and effectively.

The ERP is particularly important in buildings where residents may have mobility, cognitive, or sensory impairments, or where complex layouts or fire safety features exist.

What Should Be Included in an Emergency Response Pack?

An ERP should contain accurate, up-to-date information relevant to emergency response, including:

• Log Book
• Off-the-Run Sheet
• Orientation Plan
• Fire and Rescue Service On Arrival Information
• Building Layout Plans
• Fire-fighting Facilities and Controls Plans
• Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs), where required and applicable
• Significant Fire Safety Issues
• Description of the Current Fire Evacuation Strategy

The ERP must reflect the actual condition and use of the building at all times.

The Importance of a PIB

The importance of a PIB cannot be overstated. It provides the fire and rescue service with immediate access to critical building information, supporting faster decision-making and safer incident management.

This is particularly important where vulnerable residents may require additional assistance or where building design, compartmentation, or external wall systems could influence fire behaviour.

PIBs and Current Fire Safety Legislation

The role of Premises Information Boxes has changed significantly in recent years due to updates in fire safety legislation.

In England, PIBs are no longer regarded solely as best practice in certain buildings — they are now a legal requirement in specific, defined circumstances.

Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022

Under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, Responsible Persons for certain residential buildings are required to provide secure information for fire and rescue services.

This requirement applies to buildings in England where:

• The building contains two or more domestic premises, and
• The building is at least 18 metres in height or has seven or more storeys

In these buildings, Regulation 7 requires the provision of a secure information box (commonly referred to as a Premises Information Box or Secure Information Box) containing relevant fire safety information for fire and rescue services.

While the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies in both England and Wales, the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 — including PIB requirements — apply in England only.

PIBs as Part of Ongoing Fire Safety Management

Even where a PIB is not legally required, many Responsible Persons choose to install one as part of a proportionate fire safety management strategy.

PIBs support:

• Compliance with fire safety law
• Efficient emergency response
• Clear communication with fire and rescue services
• Evidence of proactive fire safety management

Installation and Maintenance of a PIB

The installation and location of a PIB should be agreed in consultation with the local Fire and Rescue Service. PIBs are typically installed near the main entrance or another location agreed with emergency responders.

Once installed, the PIB and its contents must be:

• Regularly reviewed
• Kept accurate and up to date
• Maintained in good condition

Changes to building layout, evacuation strategy, fire safety systems, or resident profiles must be reflected promptly within the ERP.

Security of the PIB

The security of a PIB is critical due to the sensitive nature of the information it contains.

PIBs typically fall into two categories:

• Category A — externally accessible or publicly accessible locations
• Category B — internally located with controlled access

Key or code management must follow clear access control procedures agreed with the fire and rescue service.

Conclusion

Premises Information Boxes are now a critical part of fire safety compliance in England for higher-risk residential buildings. They provide fire and rescue services with immediate access to vital information, supporting safer and more effective emergency response.

Where required by law, PIBs must be installed, maintained, and kept accurate. Where not mandated, they remain a valuable tool for demonstrating robust fire safety management.

Responsible Persons should ensure that PIBs and Emergency Response Packs are treated as living documents — reviewed regularly and aligned with the building’s fire risk assessment and evacuation strategy.

By doing so, duty holders can support compliance, emergency preparedness, and, most importantly, resident safety.

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