Fire Safety’s Quiet Revolution: The Log Book Moves Centre Stage
The 2025 revision of BS 58391-1 has introduced several important updates, but one element stands out for the scale of its practical impact: the Fire Log Book
BS 5839-1:2025 and the Fire Log Book
Why a “minor” update carries major operational weight
The 2025 revision of BS 5839-1 has introduced several important updates, but one element stands out for the scale of its practical impact: the Fire Log Book. Long treated as background paperwork, the Log Book is now positioned at the centre of system integrity, accountability, and lifecycle management.
This shift reflects a broader direction across UK fire safety: stronger traceability, clearer responsibility, and a documented chain of evidence from installation to long-term maintenance. The Log Book is no longer “nice to have," it is a primary compliance document.
BS 5839-1:2025 is a fire safety standard that provides recommendations for the design, installation, commissioning, and maintenance of fire detection and fire alarm systems in non-domestic premises. It serves as a code of practice rather than a requirement to install fire detection systems in any specific building.
Practically, the revision concentrates accountability in one place: the Fire Log Book. The sections below summarise the eight areas you should capture and keep current to demonstrate compliance and support reliable system performance:
1. Responsibility: clearly assigned and recorded
The updated standard requires the Log Book to name the member(s) of premises management responsible for the fire detection and alarm system. Clarity on this point reduces ambiguity and improves accountability.
2. Maintenance arrangements documented
A brief description of the maintenance strategy must now be included. This gives enforcing authorities, insurers, and auditors immediate visibility of how the system is being managed and by whom.
3. Full record of all alarm signals
Every alarm activation — tests, false alarms, drills, and genuine events — must be logged with dates and times. Where a specific device initiated the signal, its type and exact location must be recorded. This elevates the Log Book from a historical note to a diagnostic tool.
4. False alarm analysis, not just reporting
The Log Book must capture the cause, context, and category of each false alarm. This encourages proactive investigation and helps identify persistent issues before they affect system reliability or building operations.
5. Testing activity recorded in detail
All tests require a precise record of date, time, and type. This provides evidence of compliance, supports ongoing maintenance planning, and ensures no gaps in the testing regime.
6. Faults and defects logged comprehensively
Faults and defects must be recorded with clear time and date data. Consistent logging supports faster resolution and helps identify long-term trends or environmental factors affecting system performance.
7. Complete maintenance history
Service visits, corrective actions, and routine checks must all be captured. Without this, the system’s operational history is incomplete — a significant weakness in the event of investigation or audit.
8. Variations formally documented
Any variations — and importantly, only those permitted — must be clearly logged. This protects dutyholders and ensures transparency whenever the system deviates from the standard design guidance.
Why this update matters
The Fire Log Book now forms part of the system’s core compliance evidence. A complete, well-maintained Log Book supports:
- Clear responsibility and auditability across the system lifecycle
- Consistent, reliable maintenance supported by accurate historical records
- Faster diagnostics and incident analysis through detailed alarm and fault logging
- Improved system reliability through evidence-based problem solving
- Stronger compliance posture aligned with current enforcement expectations
Put simply, a complete Fire Log Book is no longer administrative housekeeping. It is a core assurance mechanism and one of the most valuable documents available when assessing the performance, safety, and resilience of a fire alarm system.
Get in touch
We help organisations design, install and maintain fire detection systems aligned with the latest standards and best practice. For advice on compliance or support with your estate:
connect@alphatracksystems.co.uk or +44 (0)1279 630 565
