Is a Fire Safety Logbook Mandatory in the UK? Understanding Your Legal Responsibilities

In the United Kingdom, a fire safety logbook is not strictly mandatory by name in law, but it is highly recommended – and in practical terms, almost essential – for meeting your legal responsibilities under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRFSO).

While the legislation doesn’t explicitly require a “logbook,” the expectation to maintain proper fire safety records means that keeping one is the most effective and recognised way to demonstrate compliance. Below, we explore why fire safety logbooks are so important, what they should include, and who is expected to have one.

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🔥 Legal Compliance Under the RRFSO

The RRFSO places a legal duty on the “responsible person”—typically the employer, building owner, landlord, or managing agent—to ensure that fire safety precautions are in place, maintained, and documented.

Although the law doesn’t specifically mention a logbook, it does require records to be kept of maintenance, training, and fire safety arrangements. Therefore, a logbook is the most practical tool for:

• Documenting compliance with legal requirements

• Demonstrating due diligence in the event of an inspection or fire

• Managing and monitoring ongoing fire safety responsibilities

Failing to keep adequate records may be viewed as a breach of duty, potentially leading to enforcement notices, fines, or worse, prosecution.

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📖 What Should a Fire Safety Logbook Include?

A well-maintained fire safety logbook serves as a comprehensive record of your fire safety management. It should include documentation of:

• ✅ Fire alarm testing: Weekly tests and periodic servicing

• ✅ Fire extinguisher maintenance: Annual servicing and regular visual inspections

• ✅ Emergency lighting: Monthly functional checks and annual full tests

• ✅ Fire drills: Records of evacuation drills, at least annually

• ✅ Staff training: Inductions and periodic refresher training in fire safety and evacuation procedures

• ✅ Fire door checks: Monthly inspections to ensure doors close properly and are not propped open

• ✅ Defect reporting and corrective actions: Any faults, repairs, or actions taken related to fire safety systems

This documentation acts as proof that you’re meeting your obligations, and it provides a clear audit trail if anything goes wrong.

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🏢 Who Needs a Fire Safety Logbook?

Any non-domestic premises are subject to the RRFSO. This includes:

• 🏬 Businesses (offices, shops, warehouses, factories)

• 🏢 Landlord-managed properties, such as:

  • Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMOs)

  • Apartment blocks with communal areas

• 🏫 Public buildings (schools, hospitals, care homes, community centres)

Essentially, if people work in, visit, or live in a building that you manage (other than a single private dwelling), you’re likely required to follow fire safety law—and by extension, expected to maintain a logbook.

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📋 Fire Risk Assessments & Inspections

During a fire risk assessment or an inspection by the local fire authority, one of the first things the assessor will ask for is evidence of your fire safety arrangements. A logbook provides that evidence.

No logbook = No records = Possible non-compliance.

While not having a logbook doesn’t automatically mean you’re breaking the law, it makes it very difficult to prove that you’re complying, which is a risk most responsible persons can’t afford to take.

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🟨 Summary Table: The Role of a Fire Safety Logbook

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✅ Conclusion: Why You Should Keep a Fire Safety Logbook

While it may not be “mandatory” by name, a fire safety logbook is practically essential for any responsible person under the Fire Safety Order. It not only helps you manage your duties effectively but also protects you in the event of a fire, inspection, or legal challenge.

Keeping a logbook isn’t just good practice—it’s a cornerstone of responsible fire safety management.