A Secure Information Box (SIB), is a storage device used to provide immediate access to critical building information for emergency services, particularly fire and rescue teams. These boxes are typically installed in easily accessible locations on the outside of buildings and contain essential documents and keys that assist in the safe and efficient management of an emergency, such as a fire or security incident.
Key Features of Secure Information Boxes:
Tamper-Resistant: These boxes are designed to be secure and tamper-resistant, often equipped with specialised locking mechanisms that can only be opened by authorised personnel, such as fire brigade members.
- Durable Construction: Made from robust materials (e.g. stainless steel or hardened metal), they are built to withstand harsh conditions, including fire and impact, to protect the contents during emergencies.
- Contents: Secure information boxes generally hold:
- Building plans (including floor layouts, evacuation routes, and fire escape plans)
- Fire risk assessments or other fire safety documentation
- Emergency contact details for building managers or owners
- Keys to restricted or critical areas, such as electrical rooms, roof access, and plant rooms
- Location of hazardous materials or potentially dangerous equipment
- Installation and Access: Typically installed in visible, clearly marked locations at building entrances or in designated security areas. Access to the box is usually restricted to the fire brigade or emergency services, using standard keys or codes available to those authorities.
Benefits
- Speed and Efficiency: During an emergency, quick access to key information helps emergency responders understand the layout and hazards within a building, enabling faster, more informed decisions.
- Enhanced Safety: By having immediate access to building plans and hazardous material locations, responders can act more safely and reduce risks to both themselves and occupants.
- Compliance: In some jurisdictions, installing a secure information box may be a requirement for certain types of buildings, particularly high-risk facilities such as hospitals, schools, and commercial or industrial premises.
Use in Fire Safety
- In the UK, secure information boxes are often used in conjunction with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 to help ensure that fire services have rapid access to necessary information during an emergency. This tool can be part of a broader fire risk management strategy.
FIA / NFCC Guide
This guide will provide RP’s and AP’s will all the required information to be provided within the PIB for the FRS under the new Fire Safety (England) Regs 2022 (FSER’s).