NYC Fire Guard Logs
Contents
(FDNY Form FW-101 Guide)
Paperwork might seem boring until FDNY slaps you with a $5,000 violation. Messy fire watch logs are the number one reason NYC properties fail inspections. Last month, 62% of failed reinspections traced back to botched documentation. Why? Because guards scribble notes on napkins, forget timestamps, or worse, fake entries. Let’s fix that before the fire marshal comes knocking.
The FW-101 Death Trap: 3 Mistakes That Get You Fined
First, understand FDNY Form FW-101 isn’t a suggestion. It’s the law. Top screw-ups we see daily:
1. Missing Patrol Times: “Checked floors” isn’t enough. Exact minutes matter.
2. Vague Observations: “Smell near elevator” won’t cut it. What kind of smell? Where exactly?
3. No Equipment Checks: Forgot to initial the extinguisher column? Automatic violation. Period.
Fill It Right: Your FW-101 Cheat Sheet
Every. Single. Entry. Needs these 5 elements:
• Military Time: 3:00 PM is 15:00. No exceptions.
• Location Precision: “North stairwell, 5th floor between exits 5B and 5C”
• Condition Ratings: Use FDNY’s codes like “C” for clear, “S” for smoke smell, “H” for heat
• Action Taken: “Reset breaker panel A3” not “fixed electrical”
• Initials + PRINTED NAME: Scribbles get tossed as invalid
Pro tip: Snap timestamped photos every shift. Attach them to the log.
FDNY’s Log Rules That’ll Surprise You
Fire Code 404.5 requires:
• Logs kept ON SITE for 3 years minimum
• Immediate access during inspections (no running to the office)
• Black or blue ink ONLY (pencil or red ink invalidates entire logs)
• Corrections with single line-through + initial + date (no white-out ever)
Oh, and guess what? Digital logs require pre-approved FDNY software. Using a notes app? That’s a violation.
The Bronx High-Rise That Lost $28K Over Pen Colors
True nightmare fuel. A luxury tower near Yankee Stadium had perfect fire watch patrols. But their guard used red ink for “critical observations.” FDNY inspector found 4 months of logs entirely invalid. Result? Retroactive $7,000/month fines plus mandatory 24/7 guard reinstatement. Total bill: $28,200. All because nobody told the guard about ink rules. Don’t let this be you.
Why Our Logs Never Fail Inspection
Fire Watch Guards treats documentation like evidence in court. Because it is. Our system includes:
• Waterproof logbooks with carbonless duplicate pages
• FDNY-compliant digital backups with GPS timestamps
• Monthly audit training where we spot-check your logs
We’ve maintained 100% inspection pass rates since 2019. How? By knowing inspectors check the logbook before they check your extinguishers.
Stop playing documentation roulette.
Download our free FW-101 checklist or get your logs audited today.