Introduction to Fire Safety Management

15.7.11 Section 45: Obtaining information and 
investigating fi res
An authorised offi cer may at any reasonable time enter 
premises:
➤
For the purpose of obtaining information
➤
If there has been a fi re in the premises, for the pur-
pose of investigating what caused the fi re or why it 
progressed as it did.
An authorised offi cer may not enter premises by force, 
or demand admission to premises occupied as a private 
dwelling unless 24 hours’ notice has been given to the 
occupier of the dwelling.
If an authorised offi cer considers it necessary to 
enter premises and is unable to do so, without using 
force he may apply to a justice of the peace for a 
warrant authorising entry to the premises by force at any 
reasonable time.
15.7.12 Section 46: Supplementary powers of an 
authorised offi cer
In addition to the powers of entry, an authorised offi cer 
has the power to:
➤
Take with him any other persons, and any equip-
ment, that he considers necessary

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Summary of key legal requirements
355
➤
Require any person present on the premises to pro-
vide him with any facilities, information, documents 
or records, or other assistance, that he may reason-
ably request
➤
Inspect and copy any documents or records on the 
premises or remove them from the premises
➤
Carry out any inspections, measurements and tests 
in relation to the premises, or to an article or sub-
stance found on the premises, that he considers 
necessary
➤
Take samples of an article or substance found on 
the premises, but not so as to destroy it or damage 
it unless it is necessary to do so for the purpose of 
the investigation
➤
Dismantle an article found on the premises, but 
not so as to destroy it or damage it unless it is 
necessary to do so for the purpose of the 
investigation
➤
Take possession of an article or substance found on 
the premises and detain it for as long as is neces-
sary for any of these purposes:
➤
To examine it and do anything he has power to 
do under paragraph (c) or (e)
➤
To ensure that it is not tampered with before his 
examination of it is completed
➤
To ensure that it is available for use as evidence 
in proceedings for an offence relevant to the 
investigation
➤
Require a person present on the premises to provide 
him with any facilities, information, documents or 
records, or other assistance, that he may reasonably 
request.
It is an offence to obstruct or fail to comply with any 
requirement made by an authorised offi cer while exer-
cising his powers.