196Powers of authorised officers to enter premises

196 Powers of authorised officers to enter premises

196 Powers of authorised officers to enter premises

(1) An authorised officer may enter—

(a) any premises at which the authorised officer reasonably suspects that any industrial, agricultural or commercial activities are being carried out—at any time during which those activities are being carried out there, and

(b) any premises at or from which the authorised officer reasonably suspects pollution has been, is being or is likely to be caused—at any time, and

(b1) premises at or from which the authorised officer reasonably suspects an offence against this Act or the regulations involving an industrial chemical or an environmentally hazardous chemical is being or is likely to be committed—at any time, and

(c) any other premises—at any reasonable time.

(2) A power to enter premises conferred by this Act authorises entry by foot or by means of a motor vehicle or other vehicle, or by an aircraft or vessel, or in any other manner.

(2A) If entry is effected by means of an unmanned vehicle, vessel or aircraft, the vehicle, vessel or aircraft must be operated by or under the authority of an authorised officer.

(3) Entry may be effected under this Act by an authorised officer with the aid of such authorised officers or police officers as the authorised officer considers necessary and with the use of reasonable force.

(4) Entry may be effected to any premises with the authority of a search warrant under section 199.

s 196: Am 1999 No 80, Sch 3.6 [4]; 2017 No 21, Sch 3 [8] [9]; 2024 No 10, Sch 1[5].