17Entry to premises

17 Entry to premises

(1)  An authorised officer may enter any premises –

(a) in which, on which or for the purposes of which any prescribed work has been, is being or is intended to be carried out; or

(b) for the purposes of inspecting any article or thing on which prescribed work has been, is being or is intended to be carried out; or

(c) for the purposes of taking any action that is reasonably necessary or desirable for the purposes of this Act.

(2)  A power of entry conferred by this Act may be exercised –

(a) with the consent of the occupier of the premises to be entered; or

(b) with the authority of a warrant; or

(c) in an emergency, where it is impracticable to obtain a warrant or the consent of the occupier.

(3)  On entering any premises in or on which an authorised officer appointed under section 16(1)(a) proposes to exercise his or her powers or perform his or her functions under this Act, the authorised officer, if so requested by –

(a) the owner of the premises; or

(b) the employer of any person engaged in carrying out any prescribed work in or at the premises –

is to show his or her identity card to the owner or employer.

(4)  A failure by an authorised officer to show his or her identity card does not invalidate any subsequent exercise of his or her powers.