Fire safety logbooks are critical for all non-domestic premises with fire alarm systems. A fire alarm logbook should remain on business and commercial premises at all times for a fast and efficient overview of existing fire systems, condition, testing history, and more.
Although there is no statutory requirement to have a fire alarm logbook, having one is pivotal to remaining compliant and meeting requirements for relevant fire regulations.
To help businesses understand the regulations concerning fire safety and associated records, the experts at A.P.E Fire & Security have created this guide to fire alarm logbooks.
If an individual is looking for guidance concerning the installation or servicing of a fire safety system, read this guide or get in touch with the specialist team.
What is A Fire Alarm Logbook?
A fire alarm logbook is a mandatory set of records for business and commercial premises fitted with fire alarm systems.
Regardless of the fire alarm system size, each premise must have an accompanying professional fire alarm logbook. The logbook can play a key role in the assurance of safety and security for employees and building occupants by evidencing the continued testing of fire systems to keep them in good working condition.
Information and usage
Fire alarm logbooks are purchased by building owners or a person in charge of premises management
An overview of fire alarm logbook contents includes information relating to the testing of various fire safety systems, dates of tests, records of results of testing, evidence of remedial action taken, and so on.
According to the Regulatory Reform, results of fire system testing needs to be recorded and presentable upon visits from relevant authorities. Failure to properly record results is an offense in the UK.
Fire alarm logbooks are purchased by building owners or a ‘responsible person’, in charge of premises management. They are inexpensive and can prove vital in the avoidance of hefty non-compliance fines.
A range of premises use fire alarm logbooks, including: hotels, offices, shops, leisure centers, residences, factories, educational instructions, and more.
What Does A Fire Alarm Logbook Contain?
Fire logbooks can be purchased, often from a local fire & rescue service, so many components of a logbook are already templated for businesses to fill in. Basic elements are:
- Lists of useful numbers (i.e. local authorities or maintenance contractors)
- Lists of competent persons, fire wardens, and responsible persons
- Lists of required fire safety training (for trainers and employees)
- Tables for various system testing records
- Information about fire safety systems (including how to test and frequency) such as fire alarms and fire suppression solutions.
A fire alarm logbook should essentially contain all the relevant information concerning the fire safety system of a premises, from how it is maintained and repaired, to how employees should be trained and interact with the system.
Records
Records that must be included (where applicable):
- Fire Instructions – Date, Instruction Duration, Person Receiving Instruction, Nature of Instruction, Signature of Instructor.
- Fire Drills – Date, Nature of Drill, Persons Taking Part, Evacuation Time, Person in Charge, Signature.
- Sprinkler System Record of Tests (BS EN 12845) – Date, Result of Inspection or Test, Remedial Action Taken, Fault Rectified, Signature.
- Location of Fire Alarm Call Points, Detectors, and Sounders – Number and Locations for each.
- Fire Alarm System Record of Tests (BS 5839 Part 1) – Date, Fire Alarm Location or Number, Automatic Door Release (Satisfactory yes/no), Fault, Remedial Action Taken, Fault Cleared, Signature.
- Unwanted Fire Signals Location and Cause of Fire Alarm Actuations – Date, Location, Cause of Actuation.
- Fire Fighting Equipment Record of Tests (BS 5306 Part 3) – Date, Result of Inspection or Test, Remedial Action Taken, Fault Rectified, Signature.
- Emergency Lighting System Record of Tests (BS 5266 Part 8) – Date, Duration of Test, Results of Tests, Location, Fault, Fault Cleared, Signature.
- Visits by Fire Safety Officers.
Fire Alarm Logbook Regulations
By having a fire alarm logbook, and regularly contributing to the records, businesses have a written record
Having a professional fire alarm logbook is not explicitly required by law, however, having one ensures businesses and commercial premises comply with BS 5839.
Businesses have a legal duty according to the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order, which came into force in October 2006, to inspect, maintain and test fire safety systems to ensure they remain in good, working condition (Article 17).
By having a fire alarm logbook, and regularly contributing to the records, businesses have a written record that evidences their active efforts to meet article 17. It is the duty of the person in charge, the responsible person, to bring premises up to standard with the Order and suitably protect people from the risks of fire, as the fire alarm log bookevidence.
Fire Alarm Logbook Importance
No premises with fire alarm systems should be without a fire alarm logbook. Here are some reasons why:
- Employee Safety - Knowing that systems are routinely checked, faults are fixed, and records are kept will give employees peace of mind about their safety in the workplace. Effective fire system testing and maintenance improves the premises’ protection against risks.
- Legal Compliance - Failure to comply with the Fire Safety Order, including Article 17, can lead to hefty fines. The logbook acts as evidence for compliance with the regulation.
- Fire Risk Assessors - Fire risk assessors routinely visit commercial premises to assess fire safety procedures and view fire alarm logs for testing and maintenance records. Failure to produce records can result in fines.
- Efficiency in Emergency - If a fire or serious incident does occur, all relevant information is centralized and clearly recorded in the fire alarm logbook, aiding in investigations and future system development.
- Save Money - With proper service and repair records, businesses may be able to save money by reflecting on previous works to make a good decision for safety without unnecessary spending.
- Reparations Cost - Prevention is better than reparations in many senses; for lives, assets, and money. Businesses should provide more than adequate protection to save lives and fulfill their legal obligations.
Fire Safety for Businesses With A.P.E Fire & Security
A.P.E Fire & Security help businesses across industries find the ideal fire and security solutions
A.P.E Fire & Security help businesses across industries find the ideal fire and security solutions for their requirements, offering professional system design, install, and maintenance.
The organization is regularly audited by NSI and BAFE to ensure that it continue to deliver services to a high standard, and hold a range of third-party certifications, suitable for work in line with the Fire Safety Order requirements.
For industry’s pioneer, reliable fire and security systems that keep businesses compliant, check out fire services.
If one likes to find out more about how A.P.E Fire & Security can help businesses become a safer places, one may get in touch. The company offers free, no-obligation advice to begin a journey to high-quality safety systems.