Section 79: Powers of entry

79. Powers of entry (1) An authorised officer may, at any time, enter any premises other than a dwelling house, for the purposes of— (a) carrying out any lawful direction given by any enforcing agency, or the Director, under this Act; (b) determining whether any environmental law or any programme approval, any enforcement notice, prohibition notice, or any direction, is being complied with; (c) discharging any other functions under an environmental law. (2) An authorised officer shall not enter a dwelling house unless— (a) he has given to the owner or occupier of the house 24 hours’ notice in writing of his proposed entry; and (b) he has obtained the consent of the owner or occupier of the house. (3) An authorised officer may, on entering any premises— (a) require the owner to produce any record, document or licence; (b) examine any such record, document or licence, and take copies or extracts therefrom; (c) make any plan, take any photograph and carry out any inspection; (d) make any test, take any measurement and sample, inspect any plant, machinery, equipment or vehicle; (e) require the owner of the premises entered upon, or any person employed by him, or any other person on the premises, to give to the authorised officer all reasonable assistance and to answer all reasonable questions either orally or in writing. (4) For the purposes of carrying out his duties under this section, the authorised officer may bring with him any person or equipment he considers necessary.