A neighbouring warehouse unit set full ablaze last night and we have had to vacate the premises.  One unit has structural damage near the gas mains and I am led to belive the Fire Brigade have had to smash in our roller shutter doors to wet the walls to cool it.

I have been asked for a new risk assessment for making sure that its safe for staff to go back in once the Fire Brigade give the go ahead. Is there a condition survey/checklist anywhere on line that would cover such a matter off?  Or can anyone offer any advice on how they would approach this as I am a bit concerned that if a structural engineer is required that a lot of repsonsibilty would be put on those that are not experienced in Safety to make that call amongst other issues.

Lisar, you asked:

Is there a condition survey/checklist anywhere on line that would cover such a matter off?

Answer - probably, but I would not trust any generic document in such a situation.

Any competent health and safety professional should know where the boundaries of their competency lie and when they need to call on specialist disciplines.

So assuming that you haven't got qualifications and/or experience in building surveying, then you need help!

That doesn't translate as assuming that a structural engineer or building surveyor will solve all your return to work issues, but that they provide you with specialist advice, that you (and others) can use to make informed decisions as to what, if any, remedial works you need to take to give you comfort that the building is sufficiently safe for its reoccupancy.

Depending on the age and nature of the building, you might need to ask some questions to check that the skill set of a specialist is suitable for the task....and whether you might need more than one, e.g. if the building might contain asbestos containing materials.

Be careful that the "Safety" person doesn't get lumbered with being the sole decision maker. It should not be for you to take this decision on your own!

'once the Fire Brigade give the go ahead.'

I would have a talk with them to find out exactly what they did and what their subsequent findings were. The will have reviewed the situation before giving you the go ahead. Their information - and guidance based on their experience and findings that led to the permission to return - will help you to identify what help you will need. It will also give you some basic information to help you to discuss the situation with your insurance company.