In the vertical landscapes of urban living, the safety of high-rise buildings is paramount. Having immediate access to detailed building information is crucial for first responders, namely the Fire and Rescue Service. This is where Gerda premises information boxes (PIB®s) come into play.

Designed to hold vital information that can aid in emergency responses, these secure boxes are an essential component of any high-rise property’s safety strategy. By understanding the role these boxes play in enhancing building safety, property managers can make informed decisions that protect both their buildings and their residents.

In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of Gerda premises information boxes, exploring their features, benefits, compliance matters, and much more. Join us as we unpack everything you need to know about equipping your property with a Gerda premises information box, and ensure that when emergencies arise, your response is as prepared and effective as possible.

What is a Premises Information Box?

A premises information box, commonly known as a PIB®, is a secure repository located within or outside a building that houses important information about the building’s layout, access points, and any special considerations for emergency services the Fire and Rescue Service.

Gerda premises information boxes are engineered to meet stringent safety standards, providing a solution that ensures crucial data about the building is accessible when it matters most.

PIB or SIB: Understanding the Terminology

The term premises information box is a term given to this type of fire safety product by Gerda Security Products who designed and developed the product and trademarked the term PIB®. The term premises information box has become recognised as a household term – a bit like vacuum cleaner and hoover.

A ‘secure information box’, or SIB, is the generic term for this type of fire safety product. Gerda premises information boxes were the model for modern regulations on SIBs, making them the benchmark for the industry.

Why Install a Gerda Premises Information Box?

Installing a Gerda premises information box at your high-rise property is more than a safety measure; it’s a proactive approach to safeguarding residents and ensuring that emergency responders, namely firefighters, have immediate access to necessary information. This can significantly reduce response times during an emergency, mitigate damage to property and may save lives as a result. These boxes are designed to be highly durable and secure, protecting sensitive information from unauthorised access or tampering.

Features and Benefits of Gerda Premises Information Boxes

Gerda’s commitment to quality and security is evident in their premises information boxes. Some of the key features include:

• Compliance: Gerda premises information boxes comply with current safety regulations: STS 205 BR2 and carry independent third party certification, ensuring that your property meets all legal requirements for emergency information storage.
• Durability: Constructed from high-quality materials, these boxes are built to withstand the rigours of both time and emergency situations.
• Security: Gerda PIBs are equipped with state-of-the-art locks that prevent tampering and unauthorised access. Best is all categories for EN1303:2015 security standard.
• Controlled Access: Offering building owners & managers bespoke lock systems, whilst simultaneously providing fire and rescue service access through their own separate GSP One Key System®.

The Importance of a PIB® in Building Safety

The role of a premises information box in building safety cannot be overstated. By providing a centralised point for critical information, these boxes ensure that during any emergency, response teams are not delayed by a lack of knowledge about the building.

Learn more about our range of premises information boxes, including the Gerda standard premises information box which combines functionality with security.

Compliance and Legal Requirements

The Fire Safety Regulations 2022 & Approved Document B make it a legal requirement for all high-rise residential buildings in England to have secure information boxes.

What is ‘Regulation 4’?

The Secure Information Box Regulation 4, often referred to in discussions about premises management, pertains to the maintenance of fire safety equipment and the accessibility of fire safety information. It mandates that the box used to store information be suitable for purpose, being reasonably secure from vandalism and unauthorised access.

Gerda premises information boxes facilitate compliance with this regulation. Complying with best practice: the FIA (Fire Industry Association) / NFCC (National Fire Chiefs Council) “Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings V1 2020”.

The Contents of a Premises Information Box

The critical part of the PIB® is the contents – the Emergency Response Pack.

Gerda Security provides an Emergency Response Pack Plans Service, which offers the Responsible Person or the Principal Accountable Person a comprehensive, highly regarded service to ensure they have compliant plans and information for the attending firefighters.

With 18 years’ experience in working with emergency response pack guidance for operational firefighters means that we are well-placed to advise and assist you on building plans and information. Indeed our contribution to the Code of Practice based on our experience is acknowledged in the preface.

The ERP service includes:

• Review of housing stock needs
• Comprehensive inspection of properties & surrounding area
• Identification of passive and active safety features and fire control systems vital for FRS operational purposes
• Collation & production of laminated A3 plans as required by the Fire & Rescue Service. Includes orientation, on-arrival information, floor plans, vertical section detailing all floors and flat numbers, specific firefighting
• Equipment, significant fire safety issues and evacuation strategy
• Regular review and audit

To find out more, explore our emergency response pack page.