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Local Authority Officer / Inspector - where does thier remit end?
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#1 Posted : 30 January 2008 14:28:00(UTC)
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Posted By Stuie
Hi
Can anyone tell me where a Local Authority inspectors powers end please? We have several retail units spread over a fairly wide area; does an EHO inspector (H&S) have the powers to inspect the premises, and documentation etc in the unit that we are using as our base/head office even though it is not in their county? We have nothing to hide but I would like clarification of the legality etc of such a request. Many thanks in anticipation.
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#2 Posted : 30 January 2008 14:57:00(UTC)
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Posted By Bryan Goldsmith 16052
Look at the Health & Safety (Enforcing Authority) regs which will give a clue to who enforces in which industry sectors. I believe I am correct that an EHOs powers are only valid within his own organisation boundaries but I am sure that if he required documentation which is pertinent to the site eg company policy and procedures rather than site specific stuff he could ask for them. I am also sure that should they have any particular concerns over an organisation they would be able to arrange a visit from a more 'local colleague'.

Food Safety is where I have confusion over what premises they can enforce on.

Hope this helps
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#3 Posted : 30 January 2008 15:18:00(UTC)
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Posted By Andrew M
From experience they only cover their LA area but will contact colleagues in other areas if it is deemed necessary to inspect enforce in those areas.
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#4 Posted : 30 January 2008 15:28:00(UTC)
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Posted By DP
Stuie - drop me a line direct, just need a bit more detail.
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#5 Posted : 30 January 2008 15:54:00(UTC)
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Posted By MT
Normal practice would be that we do not inspect premises which are outwith the area of the local authority by which we are employed. I am in Aberdeenshire, and would only inspect premises within that area. Should I need information, I would request it, or if I felt I needed to involve an Officer in another local authority area, then I would establish a contact and involve an Officer in the relevant area.

Does that help you?
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#6 Posted : 30 January 2008 15:57:00(UTC)
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Posted By db
It sounds like they have cause to ask for procedures and documentation which are in place for the local operation.

If that's the case, you could store it in Timbuktu and they could ask to see it.
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