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Secure Information Box

Secure Information Boxes (SIBs) & Premises Information Boxes (PIB)

Secure Information Boxes provide emergency services with rapid access to vital information during a fire. They are a legal requirement in certain residential buildings and help reduce response times and improve safety.

Residential buildings over 18m (existing or new), and all new buildings over 11m, must have a compliant Secure Information Box in place, accessible to the fire service and regularly maintained.

SIB vs. PIB: the Differences
  Secure Information Box (SIB) Premises Information Box (PIB)
Use Legally required in high-rise residential buildings Broader use, often best practice in complex sites
Regulated under Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 NFCC best practice (not statutory)
Contents Core emergency documents: floor plans, contact info, evacuation strategy May include digital or expanded operational data
Location Fixed, external/internal, secure container Can be internal
Access Fire service only Varying

Where are SIBs required?

  • All residential buildings over 18 metres (existing or new)
  • All new residential buildings over 11 metres

This includes blocks of flats, apartments, maisonettes, and some mixed-use buildings.

Regulation 4 – Secure Information Boxes (gov.uk)

What Is a Secure Information Box?

A Secure Information Box (SIB) is a locked, weather and fire-resistant container located near the building entrance. It gives fire crews access to key building details.

  • Tamper-proof and mounted externally
  • Accessible only to authorised fire service personnel
  • Must be maintained and kept up to date

Image of close-up of a SIB with a fire service access label

Positioning

  • Mounted at main entrance, approx. 1.5m from ground
  • Clearly visible, unobstructed, and sheltered if possible

Image: SIB beside a residential entrance in plain view

What Should Be Inside?

Minimum contents:

  • Name and contact of the Responsible Person
  • Up-to-date floor plans with flat numbers and stairs  all in A3 size and laminated
  • Fire safety systems: sprinklers, risers, fire alarms, etc.
  • Building's evacuation strategy
  • Any Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan(s) (non-personal data)
  • Known fire safety defects or structural concerns
  • Asbestos survey / report

Image: Labeled document folder “Evacuation Plan – Floor 3”

Maintenance

  • Check and update contents monthly
  • Coordinate access with local fire services
  • Keep aligned with fire strategy and system changes

NFCC PIBS Guide (PDF)

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