The British Standards requires that premises with emergency lighting and/or fire alarm systems have a  log-book within which they record all testing and maintenance. This is identified as a duty of the "Responsible Person" in every non-domestic premises in the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 which is replacing all current UK fire precaution legislation this year (2006).

In the event of an emergency evacuation or fire leading to damage, injury or death, responsible persons will be required to prove that they took all reasonable measures to ensure a safe environment for visitors, residents and employees. This Duty of Care is not limited to the business as persons employed with responsiblity will also be liable.

If the failure of a system, or any part of it, led to added risk, then the user will need to prove that they had taken reasonable measures. The lack of log-books for emergency lighting or the fire alarm system clearly shows that the user did not even make a basic effort to comply.  This could lead to a criminal prosecution and potentially custodial sentences or heavy fines for the individuals involved.

Both BS5839 Part 1: 2002 (fire alarm systems) and BS5266 Parts 1and 8: 2005 (emergency lighting) require that the installer ensures that a log-book is at the site as part of their documentation showing that the installation complies with the appropriate BS.

If you install emergency lighting or fire alarm systems and do not provide a log-book yourself, where one is not present a client may argue that you failed to provide them with the necessary information or equipment for them to maintain systems, and by this route, seek to apportion some of the liabilty to you.

Make sure you're safe - make sure that everyone is safe,

provide a SYAM Log-Book on every job!