Premises information boxes and building plans: what high-rise blocks must have

Who this applies to

The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 came into force on 23 January 2023. The duties in this guide apply to high-rise residential buildings – those at least 18 metres high or with 7 or more storeys – that contain two or more sets of domestic premises. They sit on top of the duties for all blocks (resident information) and for blocks over 11m (fire door checks).

1. The premises information box

Install and maintain a secure information box – often called a premises information box – that firefighters can access. It must contain:

• The name and contact details of the responsible person (and anyone else with access to the building who can help)
• Hard copies of the building's floor plans and single-page building plan

Since 6 April 2026, a copy of the building emergency evacuation plan required by the residential PEEPs regulations should also be placed in the box where one is installed – see residential PEEPs.

The box should be secure, accessible to firefighters, and checked regularly so its contents stay current. An industry code of practice for premises information boxes gives practical guidance on location and design.

2. Floor plans and a building plan

Prepare up-to-date floor plans and a single-page building plan identifying the location of key firefighting equipment – for example firefighting lifts, dry or wet riser inlets and outlets, smoke control controls, sprinkler controls and isolation points. Send electronic copies to the local fire and rescue service, which sets its own format, and keep paper copies in the box.

3. External wall record

Prepare a record of the design and materials of the external walls, including the level of fire risk they present and any mitigating steps taken, and share it electronically with the fire service. Your FRAEW is normally the source. Update the record when the walls change – for example after remediation.

4. Monthly checks of lifts and firefighting equipment

Check firefighting lifts, evacuation lifts and other key firefighting equipment at least monthly. If a fault can't be fixed within 24 hours, report it electronically to the fire service, and again when it's fixed. Keep a record of each check.

5. Wayfinding signage

Install floor identification signs and flat indicator signs that firefighters can read in low light or smoke, so they can find their way quickly.

Common gaps

• Plans that are out of date after alterations, or don't show the equipment firefighters need
• Boxes that are locked with the wrong key, empty or hard to find
• External wall records that pre-date remediation
• Monthly checks that happen but aren't recorded
• Information sent to the fire service once and never updated

Practical tips for keeping it current

• Assign an owner for the box and the plans, and put a review date in the diary.
• Update after every change – alterations, new equipment, remediation or a new responsible person.
• Check the box during routine inspections: is it locked, accessible to firefighters and complete?
• Keep digital and paper versions identical, and date every plan.
• Agree the format with your local fire and rescue service before preparing plans.
• Link to the residential PEEPs process, so the building emergency evacuation plan in the box is always the latest version.

How we help

Our premises information box service prepares floor plans, building plans and external wall records in the fire service's format, checks your information box, and sets up a review schedule. For the wider picture, see our fire safety documents checklist.

Sources

• NFCC – Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 FAQs
• legislation.gov.uk – The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022
• GOV.UK – Residential PEEPs: guidance for responsible persons

This guide is general information based on the law and guidance in England as at 8 November 2026. It isn't legal advice – for advice on a specific building, get in touch.