Fire Safety Regulations define the information that must be contained within the box. The Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings published by the Fire Industry Association and the National Fire Chiefs Council sets this information. More information the Regulations are available on the GOV.UK website.
Which buildings does the code apply to?
The code applies to new build blocks of flats of 11 metres or more in height and to existing blocks of flats which are:
- 18 metres (or seven storeys) and above in height
- 18 metres (or seven storeys) in height but of additional complexity in terms of their layout, access, and other factors
- Student accommodation that is designed like a block of flats, with a top storey floor height of 11 metres or above
What information should be included in a Secure Information Box?
Secure Information Boxes (SIBs) provide information that is required for operational firefighting and/or rescue.
The regulations require responsible persons to install a suitably secure information box in or on their high-rise building. They will also be required to provide in the box:
- their UK contact details
- the UK contact details of any other person who has the facilities to and is permitted to access the building as the responsible person considers appropriate
- copies of the building’s floor plans – which identify specified key fire-fighting equipment
- a single page block plan – which identifies specified key fire-fighting equipment
Access should be given to the fire and rescue service. Boxes should be maintained, and their contents kept up to date in line with the duties imposed by the regulations and the Fire Safety Order.
The location, security and signage of Secure Information Boxes
Good practice in the provision of secure information boxes in high-rise residential buildings can be found here. While it contains useful guidelines for example on the appropriate positioning on boxes, it proposes a higher specification of security of the box than is required by the Regulations
Contact the Business Safety Team