Log Book Procedures

Log books are convenient tools for recording skills that can be learned during training, documenting business data and site research for legal proceedings, and other services. Depending upon the organization, the log book setup differs for what is required and for the use of such book, but provides necessary documentation.

Basic Procedures

• The basic setup of most log books should have numbered pages so that any missing pages can be detected. The pages need to have horizontal lines to make entries easily noted. Entries need chronological time order and consistent terminology without deletions. Whenever a mistake is made, use a single line to cross out the entry and it should be initialed by the person who made the deletion. If abbreviations are used, present a legend in the beginning of the book explaining the nature of each abbreviation. All entries should be marked on consecutive pages without any gaps between entries or skips of pages.

Evidence Procedures

• Log books can contain records of site data for businesses. With this data, conclusions can be made for litigation purposes and legal proceedings to prove accurate analytical representations. The log book will show procedures and techniques as evidence during site investigations by showing accurate, complete and consistent data. Procedures recorded involve field activity, site conditions, upgrade and downgrade of equipment, and changes in weather that may change field activities.

Safety Procedures

• For certain state organizations, log books contain pertinent information concerning daily activities, incidents and employee attendance. This procedure helps to maintain the safety and security of employees and visitors. The log book will show data on employee shifts and any problems in the facility such as emergency equipment or inventory of keys. The log book should specify the manager's name on duty, the number of employees in the unit, the list of any serious incidents that occurred during the previous shift and notes taken on any resolved issues.

Performance Procedures

• Log books can be used by college students and trainees, such as those studying in the medical fields, for passing exams, obtaining clinical procedures and receiving credentials. These records help to understand indications and complications as well as performance and interpretation concerning procedures used. Certain information logged can contain the type of procedure performed, the client/patient's name, and the date of each log entry.