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 Information Should Be Kept Available?
- Responsible Person contact details
- Building plans, floor layouts and orientation plans
- Fire safety drawing plans showing key firefighting facilities, controls and access information
- Information about firefighting equipment and facilities
- Details of lifts for firefighter use where relevant
- External wall information where required
- Fire evacuation strategy information
- Relevant resident or evacuation information where required and appropriate
- Updates where plans, systems, responsible person details or building information change
Related guidance: fire safety drawing plans, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, tower block fire safety and Building Safety Act fire safety duties.
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.
Premises Information Boxes and Secure Information Boxes
A Premises Information Box or Secure Information Box provides fire and rescue services with important building information during an incident. In England, Regulation 4 of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 requires secure information boxes for high-rise residential buildings that are at least 18 metres high or have seven or more storeys.
For those buildings, the Responsible Person must provide a secure information box containing key fire safety information for the fire and rescue service. The information should be accurate, accessible and kept up to date when the building, fire safety systems or responsible person details change.
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
Need Help With Fire Safety Plans or PIB Information?
If your building needs fire safety drawing plans, updated emergency information, a fire risk assessment review or support with high-rise residential fire safety duties, Fire Risk Assessment Network can help arrange suitable fire safety support.
We can help responsible persons, managing agents and building owners understand what information should be available, what needs updating and whether further fire safety reviews are required.
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.
FAQ
What Is a Premises Information Box (PIB)?
A PIB is a secure box containing essential building and fire safety information for use by fire and rescue services during an emergency.
Is a Premises Information Box a Legal Requirement?
In England, secure information boxes are legally required in high-rise residential buildings that are at least 18 metres high or have seven or more storeys and contain two or more domestic premises. This requirement is set out in the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022.
Does the PIB Requirement Apply in Wales?
No. While the Fire Safety Order applies in both England and Wales, PIB requirements apply in England only.
What Information Must Be Kept in a PIB?
The PIB must contain an Emergency Response Pack with up-to-date plans, evacuation strategies, fire safety issues, and other information relevant to emergency response.
Who Is Responsible for the PIB?
The Responsible Person — typically the building owner, managing agent, or landlord — is legally accountable for providing, maintaining, and updating the PIB.
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