The Fire Industry Association (FIA) and National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) have come together to produce a new Code of Practice to bring clarity to the use of premises information boxes for residential buildings.
The Code of Practice for the Provision of Premises Information Boxes in Residential Buildings is in response to recommendations about fire safety information made by the Grenfell Inquiry. One of the recommendations focused on the provision of premises information boxes and this new Code of Practice introduces the term Emergency Information Pack to describe its contents.
Premises information boxes
The intent of the Code of Practice is to assist the Responsible Person under the Fire Safety Order with managing premises information boxes and the Emergency Information Pack in high rise residential buildings. It is also helpful for others interested in the lifecycle of a building.
The recommendations contained in this 21-page document are based on recognised good practice in the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of building information. The Code of Practice has been developed with the assistance of representatives from fire and rescue services and specialist fire companies including C.S Todd and Associates.
Far-reaching guidance
We welcome the opportunity to work with the National Fire Chiefs Council on this guidance"
The publication of the Code of Practice comes at the same time as the government is consulting on proposals for the provision of Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans which includes questions about the secure provision of premises information boxes. This consultation closes on 19 July.
Ian Moore, CEO of the Fire Industry Association said: “We welcome the opportunity to work with the National Fire Chiefs Council on this guidance around premise information boxes. By bringing cross industry experts together in a collaborative manner, the FIA can create far-reaching guidance incorporating expertise from all aspects from those who provide fire safety.”
Providing fire safety
Mark Hardingham, Chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council added: “It is a basic ideal that people deserve to feel safe within their own homes, especially those with mobility, cognitive or sensory impairments.”
He adds, “That is why we are pleased to see that this code of practice ensured specific focus on vulnerable people and their protection within the information provided in Emergency Response Packs. Ensuring that up to date vital information is readily available to firefighters in an emergency, means that those most in need of support are fully considered in the decisions and plan for managing an incident.”