What must be maintained by any premises with a defined fire alarm system?

The requirement for a premises with a defined fire alarm system to maintain an alarm log book is critical for several reasons. An alarm log book serves as a comprehensive record of all alarm activations, maintenance activities, tests, and inspections associated with the fire alarm system. This documentation is essential for tracking the performance and reliability of the fire alarm system over time.

Maintaining a log book helps ensure that all events related to the fire alarm system are documented, providing valuable information for the fire safety director, building management, and any responding fire service personnel in case of an incident. It also facilitates compliance with regulations and standards that mandate regular testing and maintenance of fire alarm systems. This record can be crucial during audits or reviews by fire safety officials, as it demonstrates ongoing diligence in ensuring that the fire protection measures are functioning as intended.

Without an alarm log book, there would be gaps in understanding the system's history, which could lead to oversight in maintenance or responsiveness in emergencies. Therefore, the establishment and upkeep of an alarm log book are vital components of fire safety management in premises with a defined fire alarm system.