Asbestos safety
Keeping you safe in your home
Some homes and buildings built before the year 2000 may contain asbestos.
Asbestos is usually safe if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. If it becomes damaged, it can release fibres that are harmful if breathed in.
Winchester City Council is responsible for managing asbestos safely in all the homes and buildings.
On this page
— How to contact us about asbestos
— What asbestos is and where it may be found
— What we will do to keep you safe
— How you can help keep your home safe
— What happens during asbestos checks or removal
How to contact us about asbestos
If you are worried about asbestos, or think something has been damaged, please contact us straight away. We take every concern seriously.
Email (non-urgent asbestos concerns): hhub@winchester.gov.uk
Use email for general questions or concerns about possible asbestos in your home.
Phone (repairs and general enquiries): 01962 840 222
Call if you notice damage or something that could become unsafe if left.
Emergency repairs (24 hours a day): 01962 865 405
Use this number if you think asbestos-containing materials have been significantly damaged or disturbed.
If you need information in another language, large print, audio or Easy Read, please let us know.
What asbestos is and where it may be found
Asbestos was widely used in buildings until 1999.
It can be found in older materials such as textured coatings, wall and ceiling panels, some floor tiles, pipe insulation, soffits, roofing sheets and bath panels.
Asbestos is safe as long as it is in good condition and undisturbed. Problems usually only arise when it is damaged.
What we will do to keep you safe
We manage asbestos in line with national health and safety laws. You can expect us to:
- carry out asbestos surveys in communal buildings, supported housing, temporary accommodation and individual homes where work is planned
- record where asbestos is present, what condition it is in, and whether it needs to be removed or safely managed
- re-inspect known asbestos in communal areas every year to make sure it remains safe
- check asbestos information before carrying out any repairs or improvement works
- arrange new surveys if we need more detail
- use only licensed and qualified asbestos specialists for any removal
- keep clear records of surveys, inspections and work carried out
- keep you informed about what we find and what will happen next
Garages built before 2000 may contain asbestos in the roofing or structure. We carry out regular checks and repairs to keep these buildings safe.
How you can help keep your home safe
Asbestos safety is something we manage together. You can help by:
- reporting any damage straight away, such as cracks, breaks or debris from older materials
- avoiding drilling, sanding or cutting older walls, ceilings, panels or floor tiles
- not removing old flooring or coverings without speaking to us first
- telling us before starting any DIY that might disturb older materials
- allowing access for surveys, checks and repairs
If you have additional needs, we will provide support and adjustments where possible.
What happens during asbestos checks or removal
Surveys and inspections
A trained asbestos surveyor will:
- inspect areas where asbestos might be present
- check the condition of materials
- take samples if needed
- confirm whether anything requires removal or monitoring
If asbestos is found and is safe, it is usually better to manage it in place. If removal is required, we will explain the process and keep you updated.
If asbestos needs to be removed
- Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARCs)
- qualified surveyors and specialists
All asbestos work follows strict Health and Safety Executive (HSE) rules.
Once work is complete, contractors provide certification to confirm the area is safe.