1903.6(a)Advance notice of inspections may not be given, except in the following situations:
1903.6(a)(1)In cases of apparent imminent danger, to enable the employer to abate the danger as quickly as
possible;
1903.6(a)(2)in circumstances where the inspection can most effectively be conducted after regular business hours
or where special preparations are necessary for an inspection;
1903.6(a)(3)where necessary to assure the presence of representatives of the employer and employees or the
appropriate personnel needed to aid in the inspection; and
1903.6(a)(4)in other circumstances where the Area Director determines that the giving of advance notice would
enhance the probability of an effective and thorough inspection.
..1903.6(b)
1903.6(b)In the situations described in paragraph (a) of this section, advance notice of inspections may be
given only if authorized by the Area Director, except that in cases of apparent imminent danger, advance notice may be given by the Compliance Safety
and Health Officer without such authorization if the Area Director is not immediately available. When advance notice is given, it shall be the
employer's responsibility promptly to notify the authorized representative of employees of the inspection, if the identity of such representative is
known to the employer. (See §1903.8(b) as to situations where there is no authorized representative of employees.) Upon the request of the employer,
the Compliance Safety and Health Officer will inform the authorized representative of employees of the inspection, provided that the employer
furnishes the Compliance Safety and Health Officer with the identity of such representative and with such other information as is necessary to enable
him promptly to inform such representative of the inspection. An employer who fails to comply with his obligation under this paragraph promptly to
inform the authorized representative of employees of the inspection or to furnish such information as is necessary to enable the Compliance Safety and
Health Officer promptly to inform such representative of the inspection, may be subject to citation and penalty under section 17(c) of the Act.
Advance notice in any of the situations described in paragraph (a) of this section shall not be given more than 24 hours before the inspection is
scheduled to be conducted, except in apparent imminent danger situations and in other unusual circumstances.
1903.6(c)The Act provides in section 17(f) that any person who gives advance notice of any inspection to be
conducted under the Act, without authority from the Secretary or his designees, shall, upon conviction, be punished by fine of not more than $1,000 or
by imprisonment for not more than 6 months, or by both. |