Updated SIBs Code of Practice issued to “strengthen building safety”

This revised 58-page document has been developed in response to changes in legislation and the recommendations that emerged from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. It provides clear and practical guidance for ‘Responsible Persons’, designers, regulators and Fire and Rescue Services, while supporting a consistent approach towards the provision and management of SIBs.

The guidance reflects the current regulatory framework, including the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 and the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) (England) Regulations 2025.

As expectations around building safety continue to evolve, the Code of Practice sets out recommendations on the specification, location, security and maintenance of SIBs, as well as the development and management of Emergency Response Packs (ERPs). It highlights the importance of ensuring that Fire and Rescue Services personnel have access to reliable and up-to-date information to support effective decision-making during an incident.

Needs of resident

There’s a strong emphasis throughout on the needs of residents, particularly so those individuals who may require assistance to evacuate. The guidance incorporates the requirements for Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs) and promotes the importance of handling sensitive information securely, while also ensuring that it remains accessible when needed.

This updated Code of Practice supports a more consistent and co-ordinated approach across the sector, providing a practical framework to help improve building safety and support effective Emergency Services response.

Availability of information

Ian Moore, CEO of the Fire Industry Association, stated: “The need to ensure that information is available to the Fire and Rescue Service in a consistent format to assist with emergency response, particularly so when taking into account those with mobility, cognitive or sensory impairments, is absolutely crucial. This guidance helps to ensure that those most in need of support are fully considered in the decisions and plans for managing an incident. This is why the Fire Industry Association is pleased to co-produce this Code of Practice.”

Phil Garrigan OBE KFSM, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council, observed: “In recent years there has, and quite rightly, been a significant focus on the safety of buildings in terms of their design, construction, materials and the competence of those involved in the process. These factors are critically important. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that residential buildings are not simply assets or structures. They’re people’s homes.”

Garrigan continued: “Everyone has a fundamental right to feel safe where they live, particularly so those with mobility, cognitive or sensory impairments. The National Fire Chiefs Council strongly welcomes the emphasis within this Code on the protection of vulnerable individuals and the requirement for accurate and up‑to‑date information to be provided through Emergency Response Packs. Ensuring that firefighters have timely access to vital information during an incident supports informed decision‑making and enables those most at risk to be properly considered in operational planning and response procedures.”

*Copies of the Code of Practice for the Provision of Secure Information Boxes in Residential Buildings can be downloaded from the Fire Industry Association’s website