What is a Premises Information Box (PIB)?<\/h2>\n
A Premises Information Box (PIB)<\/a>, 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.<\/p>\n 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 \u201cPIB\u201d as synonymous with \u201cPremises Information Box\u201d, 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Related guidance: fire safety drawing plans<\/a>, Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022<\/a>, tower block fire safety<\/a> and Building Safety Act fire safety duties<\/a>.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n This is particularly important where vulnerable residents may require additional assistance or where building design, compartmentation, or external wall systems could influence fire behaviour.<\/p>\n The role of Premises Information Boxes has changed significantly in recent years due to updates in fire safety legislation.<\/p>\n In England, PIBs are no longer regarded solely as best practice in certain buildings \u2014 they are now a legal requirement in specific, defined circumstances.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Even where a PIB is not legally required, many Responsible Persons choose to install one as part of a proportionate fire safety management strategy.<\/p>\n PIBs support:<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\nComponents of a PIB<\/h2>\n
What is an Emergency Response Pack (ERP)?<\/h2>\n
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<\/p>\nWhat Information Should Be Kept Available?<\/h2>\n
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The Importance of a PIB<\/h2>\n
PIBs and Current Fire Safety Legislation<\/h2>\n
Premises Information Boxes and Secure Information Boxes<\/h2>\n
PIBs as Part of Ongoing Fire Safety Management<\/h2>\n
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Need Help With Fire Safety Plans or PIB Information?<\/h2>\n