Immediate Access to Building Information for UK Fire and Rescue Services: The Secure Premises Information Box™ (PIB®)

The Premises Information Box™ (PIB®) is designed to provide the UK Fire and Rescue Services with quick access to vital building plans and information during emergencies. Developed in close collaboration with firefighters, the PIB® meets exacting specifications to serve as a recognised focal point during incidents. It is suitable for all building types, including High-Rise Residential Buildings, and aligns with the FIA (Fire Industry Association) & NFCC (The National Fire Chiefs’ Council) Code of Practice as referenced in Approved Document B June 2022 amendments and Fire Safety (England) 2022 Regulation 4, following the recommendations of the Grenfell Inquiry Phase 1 Report.

What contents are required in a SIB / PIB?

Every Premises Information Box must contain an Emergency Response Pack (ERP), which includes essential building plans and information in A3 format. These are to be used by Fire and Rescue Services as referenced in the June 2022 amendments to Approved Document B and Fire Safety (England) Regulation 6. Gerda Security Products are leaders in the provision of premises plans and information in the operational format required for firefighter use. We offer an efficient professional ERP Service which is FIA / NFCC Code of Practice compliant and is tailored to your building.

Commitment to Safe Design

Gerda Security adheres to strict safe design principles in the construction of the PIB®:

• Material: The box is constructed from steel for durability.
• Hinge Positioning: Internal hinges reduce the risk of vandalism.
• Shape: Bevelled corners minimise the risk of accidental injury.
• Finish: Powder-coated in RAL 3002 (Carmine Red) to prevent corrosion, with internal laboratory tests to EN1670, including neutral salt spray tests.
• Water Resistance: Designed to protect contents from water ingress.
• Accessibility: The door handle is centrally positioned on the right side for ease of use.
• Security: The unique Gerda 3D dimensional key® is trademarked and protected against unauthorised copying, forming part of a registered key system.
• Locking System: Operated by the GSP One Key® System, customers have their own registered keys, while Fire and Rescue Services access the box separately using their One Key® System.
• Identification: Metal signage is affixed to the front of the box for fast identification by firefighters, in compliance with FIA/NFCC Code of Practice.

Performance and Certification

The PIB® is manufactured under the ISO 9001:2015 quality management system and meets the highest standards for security and durability:

• Security Testing: Successfully tested to STS205 BR2 (Level II) for burglary resistance of security cabinets and enclosures.
• Lock Cylinder: Certified to EN1303:2015, achieving the highest grades in all categories.
• Secured by Design: Approved by the official Police security initiative to enhance building security.
• Third-Party Certification: Carries third-party certification through Certisecure: CS5139.

Advanced Security Features

The PIB® includes a patented integral cylinder with over 4 billion key combinations, part of a British Standards Kitemarked system to BS3621, BS8621, and BS10621. The lock is designed with advanced security features such as an anti-glue facility and an anti-drill cylinder, utilising a composite metal Hard Soft System. The engineering of the box ensures the cylinder cannot be extracted, and the lock's position on the right side minimises the risk of vandalism. A lock cover protects the keyhole from debris.

Installation Service

Proper installation of the PIB® is critical for its effectiveness. The PIB® represents the pinnacle of security and accessibility for Firefighter operational response, ensuring that critical building information is always available when it is needed most. Gerda Security Products offer a specialist installation service to ensure correct installation.

Visit GSP at Care Show 2024

The secure Premises Information Box™ (PIB®) sets a benchmark for emergency preparedness and building security. Designed in collaboration with firefighters, this robust and reliable solution ensures that vital building information is readily accessible to Fire and Rescue Services during emergencies. With its advanced security features, compliance with industry standards, and safe design, the PIB® is an essential tool for safeguarding lives and property.

Visit GSP at Stand D60 at Care Show 2024 where you can speak with our experienced team and see live demonstrations of the Premises Information Box (PIB®) as well as our ranges of fire doorsets.

The Importance of the Emergency Response Plans Service for Care Homes

What are Emergency Response Plans or Pack?

The Emergency Response Plans or Pack (ERP) is a critical component of the Premises Information Box (PIB®) System, playing a vital role in operational firefighting and rescue activities, by providing specific types of information to the Fire and Rescue Service.  The provision of this Emergency Response Pack through a recognised focal point is particularly beneficial in Care Homes and Specialised Housing.

An Emergency Response Pack is a comprehensive package that includes essential plans and information about buildings and their occupants. This information is crucial for the Fire and Rescue Service when responding to fires or other emergencies.

The NFCC guidance for Fire Safety in Specialised Housing makes reference under clause 65.6, of the importance of providing information relating to the types of medical gases that might be in use in one form or another and that the Fire and Rescue Service should be made aware of the location of stored cylinders and rooms where medical gases are used or located.   The Emergency Response Pack would detail this type of information along with other key criteria and be held in a secure Premises Information Box.

The Emergency Response Pack is already recognised as an integral part of the Premises Information Box system, in the best practice guidance for High Rise Residential Buildings published by the Fire Industry Association (FIA) and the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC): The Code for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings.

Whilst there are similarities in terms of the types of building information and layout requirements called for in the ‘Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings’, the inhabitants of the buildings and their needs differ.  Residents in Care Homes may have mobility, cognitive or sensory impairments to consider, which could affect their ability to respond to fire alarm signals or attempts to make contact with them by fire-fighters.  This type of information may be held in the secure Premises Information Box readily available for attending fire crews (section 92.5 of NFCC Guidance for Fire Safety in Specialised Housing).

The ERP Service for Care Homes and Specialised Housing

With 18 years of experience in working with emergency response pack guidance for operational firefighters, Gerda Security Products is well-positioned to advise and assist in the preparation of building plans and information.

Gerda Security employs experienced, knowledgeable, and qualified personnel who deliver tailored services that align with existing code of practice recommendations and with the needs of specific sectors including Care Homes and Specialised Housing.

Service Deliverables

The Gerda ERP Plans Service includes a range of deliverables aimed at enhancing the safety and preparedness of residential buildings. Key components of the service include:

• Review of Care Homes and Specialised Housing building stock needs: A thorough assessment of the building stock to identify the specific needs of each property in terms of fire safety and emergency response.
• Comprehensive inspection of properties and surrounding areas: Detailed inspections are conducted to gather information about the building layout, safety features, and any potential hazards that may impact FRS operations.
• Identification of passive and active safety features: This involves recognising both passive measures, like fire-resistant materials, and active systems, such as sprinkler installations, that are crucial for firefighting efforts.
• Collation and production of laminated A3 plans: Gerda Security produces detailed laminated A3 plans that include essential information such as building orientation, on-arrival instructions, floor plans, vertical sections detailing all floors and room numbers; specific firefighting equipment, significant fire safety issues, and evacuation strategies.
• Plans in a digital format: These plans are also available in digital format for the Care Homes provider
• Provision of Logbooks and Off the Run Sheets, which provide structured and accessible information to support FRS operations.
• Regular review and audit: To ensure that the information remains accurate and up-to-date, Gerda Security offer a service for maintenance of the secure Premises Information Box and an audit service plans and data

Visit GSP at Care Show 2024

Visit GSP at Stand D60 at Care Show 2024 where you can speak with our experienced team and see a physical example of the Emergency Response Plans, with live demonstrations of the Premises Information Box (PIB®) as well as our ranges of fire doorsets, also with Care Assist operation.

For more information on how we can meet your specific requirements, get in touch with our team today:

Website: www.gerdasecurity.co.uk
Email: firesafety@gerdasecurity.co.uk