The Osterna Blog
The latest fire safety guidance from our accredited specialists
At Osterna, we provide expert fire safety guidance and compliance support to help you stay ahead of legislation. Browse our latest articles below - from risk assessment advice and regulation updates to practical guidance that makes compliance straightforward.
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Are Fire Risk Assessment Recommendations Mandatory?
Fire Risk Assessment recommendations are not automatically legal requirements, but they should never be dismissed as optional. Responsible Persons should prioritise and manage them and maintain compliance with UK fire safety legislation.
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Fire Risk Assessment for Block Management
Fire Risk Assessments are a key part of managing fire safety in residential blocks. This guide explains who is responsible, what an assessment should cover and how managing agents and landlords should manage findings across their portfolios.
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Fire Risk Assessment for High-Rise Buildings
Fire risk assessments for high-rise residential buildings must consider evacuation arrangements, external walls, communal areas and building-specific fire hazards. Assessments should cover and how property and compliance teams can manage findings across complex residential buildings.
Featured Articles
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Are Fire Door Inspections a Legal Requirement?
Fire doors are one of the most commonly identified defects in residential fire safety inspections and can significantly undermine a building’s compartmentation strategy if left unchecked. This guide explains how often fire doors should be inspected, the legal requirements that apply, who is responsible for compliance, and how housing providers can develop an effective inspection programme across their portfolio.
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Is a Fire Risk Assessment a Legal Requirement?
Fire risk assessments are a key part of residential fire safety compliance. Learn what UK legislation requires and what it means for managing agents and housing providers.
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When Is a Fire Risk Assessment Required for Flats?
Fire risk assessments are a legal requirement for many residential buildings. This guide explains when they apply to flats, what legislation governs them, and what compliance professionals need to know.
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Who Is Responsible for Fire Risk Assessments in a Block of Flats?
Managing fire safety within flats involves clear legal responsibilities. This guide explains who the Responsible Person is and what current fire safety legislation requires.
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What Is a Fire Risk Assessment?
Fire risk assessments are a key part of fire safety compliance within residential buildings. This guide explains what a fire risk assessment includes, why it matters, and what current legislation requires.
Fire Safety
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How Often Do Landlords Need to Renew Their EPC?
Expired EPCs can delay lettings and create avoidable compliance issues, particularly across larger residential portfolios. This article explains when landlords need a new EPC, when early renewal may be worthwhile, and how planned assessments can keep certificates up to date.
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Who’s Responsible for the EPC – Landlord or Tenant?
Responsibility for obtaining and providing an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) generally rests with the landlord. This article explains who pays for an EPC, who renews it, tenants’ responsibilities, and how landlords can maintain compliance with current EPC legislation.
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Where Should Smoke Alarms Be Positioned?
Correct positioning of smoke alarms is essential for reliable fire detection and occupant protection. This guide explains where alarms should be installed, where they should be avoided, the legislation and Building Regulations that influence alarm positioning, and common installation mistakes.
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Are Fire Risk Assessment Recommendations Mandatory?
Fire Risk Assessment recommendations are not automatically legal requirements, but they should never be dismissed as optional. Responsible Persons should prioritise and manage them and maintain compliance with UK fire safety legislation.
-
Fire Risk Assessment for Block Management
Fire Risk Assessments are a key part of managing fire safety in residential blocks. This guide explains who is responsible, what an assessment should cover and how managing agents and landlords should manage findings across their portfolios.
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Fire Risk Assessment for High-Rise Buildings
Fire risk assessments for high-rise residential buildings must consider evacuation arrangements, external walls, communal areas and building-specific fire hazards. Assessments should cover and how property and compliance teams can manage findings across complex residential buildings.
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How to Choose a Fire Risk Assessor
Choosing the right fire risk assessor is essential for effective fire safety management and ongoing compliance. This guide explains what makes a competent fire risk assessor, why experience and third-party certification matter, what questions to ask before appointing a provider, and how to identify a high-quality Fire Risk Assessment.
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Fire Risk Assessment for Student Accommodation
Student accommodation presents specific fire safety challenges, from shared kitchens and changing occupancy to evacuation and sleeping risk. A Fire Risk Assessment should cover how universities, landlords and accommodation providers should manage the findings.
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Smoke Vent Testing: A Compliance Guide for Responsible Persons
Smoke vent testing helps verify that Automatic Opening Vents (AOVs) and smoke control systems remain operational throughout the life of a building. This guide explains the legal requirements, British Standards, recommended testing frequencies, Responsible Person duties, and how planned inspection and maintenance support ongoing fire safety compliance.
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Smoke Alarm Requirements for HMO Landlords
HMO smoke alarm requirements are more complex than those for standard rental properties. This guide explains how HMO fire alarm requirements differ, what landlords need to provide, and how to maintain fire safety compliance.
