For how long must log books be retained from the date of the last entry?

The correct duration for retaining log books, according to New York City Fire Life and Safety regulations, is three years from the date of the last entry. This requirement ensures that records are available for a sufficient timeframe to support safety inspections, compliance checks, and any potential investigations that may arise regarding fire safety practices within a building or facility.

Retaining log books for a three-year period helps maintain an adequate historical record of fire drills, emergency responses, and safety inspections, which can be essential for demonstrating adherence to safety codes and regulations. The rationale behind this retention period is to balance the need for accountability in fire and life safety practices with a reasonable timeframe that avoids excessive storage of outdated records.