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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What Is a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment?
Some residents require additional fire safety measures beyond those identified in a standard Fire Risk Assessment. This guide explains what a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment is, when it may be appropriate, and how it helps organisations manage individual fire risks while supporting compliance.
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How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Tested?
Routine fire alarm testing is an important part of fire safety compliance. This guide explains testing frequencies, legal responsibilities, record-keeping, and the role of BS 5839 in maintaining compliant fire alarm systems.
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What Does a Fire Door Inspection Include?
A fire door can appear compliant, while hidden defects reduce its ability to resist fire and smoke. Discover what a fire door inspection includes, what inspectors check, and how inspection findings help Responsible Persons prioritise remedial works and demonstrate compliance.
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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A Guide to Fire Risk Assessments for Landlords
Not every landlord needs a fire risk assessment, but misunderstanding where the legal duty applies can create significant compliance risks. Discover which properties require an assessment, the legislation involved, and what landlords need to do to meet their fire safety responsibilities.
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A Guide to HMO Fire Risk Assessment Requirements
Many HMO landlords understand they have fire safety responsibilities, but fewer are clear on exactly what the law requires. Misunderstanding those duties can lead to compliance issues, licensing problems, and increased risk to residents. This guide explains the fire risk assessment requirements that apply to HMOs and what landlords and managing agents need to do in practice.
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What Is the Difference Between a PCFRA and a PEEP?
A Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment and a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan are often confused, but they are designed to achieve different outcomes. This guide explains the key differences, when each is appropriate, and how they work together to support fire safety within residential buildings.
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How Often Should Fire Alarms Be Tested?
Routine fire alarm testing is an important part of fire safety compliance. This guide explains testing frequencies, legal responsibilities, record-keeping, and the role of BS 5839 in maintaining compliant fire alarm systems.
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What Is a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment?
Some residents require additional fire safety measures beyond those identified in a standard Fire Risk Assessment. This guide explains what a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment is, when it may be appropriate, and how it helps organisations manage individual fire risks while supporting compliance.
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When Does a Fire Risk Assessment Recommend a Variation Order?
Costly fire alarm upgrades are not always the most appropriate outcome of a Fire Risk Assessment. Learn when a Fire Alarm Variation Order may provide a proportionate, risk-based solution and how it supports residential fire alarm compliance.
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Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment (PCFRA) vs Standard Fire Risk Assessment: What’s the Difference?
A standard Fire Risk Assessment and a Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessment serve different purposes, but many organisations need both. This guide explains the key differences, when each assessment is appropriate, and how they work together to support effective fire safety management and compliance.
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How Long Does a Fire Risk Assessment Last?
Many organisations assume a fire risk assessment remains valid until the next scheduled review. In reality, building changes, evolving risks, and regulatory expectations can all affect whether an assessment remains suitable and sufficient. This guide explains when a fire risk assessment should be reviewed and the warning signs that it may no longer reflect the building’s current risks.
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What Should a Fire Risk Assessment Include?
A fire risk assessment that overlooks key risks can leave organisations exposed to significant compliance and safety issues. This guide explains what a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment should contain and how to identify whether an assessment provides the information needed to manage fire safety effectively.
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How Often Should a Fire Risk Assessment Be Carried Out?
Many organisations review fire risk assessments on a fixed schedule. The challenge is that review frequency should reflect the building’s risks, not simply the calendar. This guide explains how Responsible Persons can develop review programmes that support effective fire safety management and compliance.
