Secure Information Box

What is a Secure Information Box

An Secure Information Box (SIB) (also known as a Premises Information Box- PIB) is a secure storage box that holds crucial information for the use of firefighters.

The Code of Practice

Under the new Fire Safety (England) Regulations, the information that should be contained in the box is set out in the Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings (the Code) published by the Fire Industry Association and the National Fire Chiefs Council.

Responsible Persons are urged to read the Code and follow the guidance it provides.

Which buildings the Code applies 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 7 storeys) and above in height
those below 18 metres (or 7 storeys) in height but of '...additional complexity' in terms of their layout, access, and other factors
student accommodation which are designed like flat blocks with a top storey floor height of 11 metres or above

See Section 1 of the Code for full details.

Changes in the law and your secure information box

As a result of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, changes to the law mean that existing high-rise residential buildings in England must have a secure information box on the premises.

The box should contain:

the Responsible Person's 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

The contents should be kept up to date and the Fire and Rescue Service should be given access to the box.

See the Government's helpful Secure Information Box Factsheet

The siting, security and signage of Secure Information Boxes

Please select the following drop-down boxes for further information relating to siting, security and signage of SIBs

Siting of the SIB

The SIB should be kept in a place where KFRS can easily find and get access to it. The Code suggests siting where the Fire and Rescue Services are most likely to arrive. Responsible Persons should liaise and consult with KFRS if they are not sure regarding the location.

Note: if the premises are large with multiple entrances, more than one SIB aay be needed. Please liaise with KFRS.

There are various factors that should be taken into account when siting the SIB which are set out at Section 2 of the Code which Responsible persons should be familiar with.

Accessing the Secure Information Box

All Kent Fire and Rescue Services (KFRS) fire appliances carry a Gerda box key for access.

If other boxes are in use, plans should be put in place to ensure fire crews can access the information in their box. A key safe can be positioned next to the box and the code passed to the fire service mobilising system.

Security of the SIB

Because of the nature of the information contained in the SIB it is very important that it is secure to avoid unauthorised persons accessing the box, or vandalism.

RPs should refer to Section 3 of the Code for details about the level of security needed,

Signage of the SIB

The SIB should be clearly signed. Section 4 of the Code sets out details of the wording and style of the sign that should be used and directional signs where necessary. RPs should refer to the Code for further details.

Contents of a Secure Information Box

The contents of the SIB make up the Emergency Response Pack for use by firefighters in the event of an incident. The contents will be specific to and for each building and its residents, but should always contain the following as a minimum:

building plans - for full details see the Code, in particular Appendix A
log book – this book should be kept in the SIB and record events that relate to the SIB such as emergency use – for details of what should be recorded in the book and an example see Appendix A – section 1.2 of the Code
‘Off the Run’ notice – for an example of an Off the Run Sheet see Appendix A - section 1.4 of the code
summary of information
orientation plan, building layout plan, firefighting facilities location plan, and simple layout plan (if not already contained in the orientation plan) – further information can be found on our Plans page and detailed information and examples of the plans required can be found at Appendix A – sections 1.4 to 1.8 of the Code

together with information relating to residents who have mobility, cognitive or sensory impairment(s), significant fire safety issues and description of the evacuation strategy in use.

Responsible Persons should refer to Part 5 of the Code where they will find detailed information about the requirements for each of the contents required for the Emergency Response Pack to be contained in the SIB.

Maintaining the SIB and the Emergency Response Pack

The SIB and its contents should be inspected, maintained and updated regularly by a competent person, including post incident checks, monthly checks and annual checks.

For full details of the maintenance required, please see Section 6 of the Code.

Sharing information with KFRS

It is important that RPs work with KFRS as well as other parties such as fire insurers and enforcing authorities.

In particular RPs should notify KFRS of any 'significant change' to the building operation including changes to fire safety issues such as compartmentation and external wall systems, firefighting installations and evacuation strategy. Please see Section 7 of the Code for further details.

Need help?

If you require any assistance or further advice, please contact KFRS Risk Information team at riskinformationteam@kent.fire-uk.org