Your building’s safety starts with the right information - securely stored and ready when it matters most.
As part of the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022, the requirement to install a Premises Information Box (PIB) in high-rise residential buildings is now a legal duty for building owners and managers.
But what exactly is a PIB, and who is responsible for making sure it’s compliant?
What is a Premises Information Box (PIB)?
A Premises Information Box, also known as a Secure Information Box, is a fire-resistant container installed at a building’s entrance. It contains an Emergency Response Pack (ERP) designed to assist the Fire and Rescue Service during an emergency.
Each PIB must hold accurate and up-to-date documentation, including:
- Floor plans
- Fire strategy documents
- Emergency contact details
- System schematics (e.g. fire alarms, emergency lighting)
- Orientation and layout plans
- Information on vulnerable residents
- Evacuation strategy
- Details of any unresolved fire safety issues or unavailable firefighting systems
These boxes are critical in enabling the Fire and Rescue Service to act quickly and safely, and can make the difference between effective intervention and avoidable escalation.
Who is responsible?
- Landlords and building owners
Under the Regulations, landlords and building owners are designated as the Responsible Person. They are legally required to install and maintain a PIB in any qualifying building, ensuring it is always in good condition and holds accurate, up-to-date information.
- Managing agents
Where managing agents act on behalf of landlords, they may also be considered Responsible Persons. This shared duty means they must ensure the PIB is installed, maintained, and regularly reviewed; or face legal consequences.
Why it matters
The Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 1 report emphasised the urgent need for clear, accessible building information during emergencies. It found that the absence of such information could have severely hindered the London Fire Brigade’s response.
As a result, Recommendation 33.12(b) advised that all high-rise residential buildings be required by law to contain a secure information box.
Failure to comply with PIB regulations can result in:
- Legal penalties
- Voided insurance policies
- Greater risk to life and property
What counts as a high-rise residential building?
A building is defined as a high-rise if it is over 18 metres in height (approximately 60 feet) or has 7 or more storeys.
How can Ingleton Wood support you?
Our multidisciplinary team support clients in meeting fire safety compliance with expert-led PIB assessments and guidance.
Survey and compliance assessments
We carry out detailed inspections of communal areas to check the presence, condition, and suitability of your PIB, including:
- Orientation and layout plans
- Firefighting water supply locations
- Lift access for Fire and Rescue Services
- Compartmentation and external wall system issues
- Evacuation strategy
- Information on vulnerable residents
Fire Risk Assessment (FRA) and fire strategy review
We assess your existing FRA and fire strategy documents to ensure they are up-to-date and suitable for PIB inclusion. Where gaps are identified, we provide clear, actionable recommendations.
M&E system review
Our M&E specialists evaluate relevant systems such as fire alarms and emergency lighting to ensure technical accuracy within the PIB documentation.
Your responsibilities as a client
To complete and maintain a compliant PIB, clients must:
- Provide current fire strategy, FRA, and compartmentation plans
- Supply up-to-date information on vulnerable residents and responsible persons
- Maintain a logbook for PIB updates and emergency use
- Ensure plans are A3-sized and encapsulated or in protective plastic wallets
- Supply and install the PIB in line with official guidance
Plan. Take action. Do not leave. Do not ignore.
A compliant Premises Information Box is not just a legal requirement; it’s a critical part of protecting lives, assets, and emergency services.
Ingleton Wood are here to help you get it right, and we welcome any questions or queries you may have.
General Enquiries
Twitter
LinkedIn
Instagram