17.—(1) For the purposes of enforcing these Regulations, an inspector has power, on producing a duly authenticated authorisation, to enter any land or premises (except any premises used wholly or mainly as a private dwelling house) at any reasonable hour by giving reasonable notice.
(2) But the requirement to give notice is not necessary—
(a)where reasonable efforts to agree an appointment have failed;
(b)where an inspector has reasonable suspicion of a failure to comply with these Regulations;
(c)in an emergency.
(3) A justice of the peace may, by signed warrant, permit an inspector to enter any land or premises, if necessary by reasonable force, if the justice, on sworn information in writing, is satisfied that—
(a)there are reasonable grounds to enter that land or premises for the purpose of enforcing these Regulations; and
(b)any of the conditions in paragraph (4) are met.
(4) The conditions are—
(a)entry to the premises has been, or is likely to be, refused, and notice of the intention to apply for a warrant has been given to the occupier;
(b)asking for admission to the premises, or giving notice, would defeat the object of the entry;
(c)entry is required urgently:
(d)the premises are unoccupied or the occupier is temporarily absent.
(5) A warrant is valid for three months.
(6) An inspector entering any land or premises may be accompanied by any person (up to a maximum of 4 persons), equipment, materials or vehicle as the inspector considers necessary for the purposes of this regulation.
(7) An inspector entering any premises which are unoccupied or from which the occupier is temporarily absent must leave them as effectively secured against unauthorised entry as they were before entry.