Asbestos safety
Keeping you safe in your home
Some homes and communal buildings managed by Winchester City Council, particularly those built before the year 2000, may contain asbestos.
Asbestos is generally safe if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. However, if asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, they can release fibres that are harmful if inhaled.
Winchester City Council is responsible for managing asbestos safely across all homes and buildings we own or manage.
On this page
— How to contact us about asbestos
— What asbestos is and where it may be found
— What we do to keep you safe
— How you can help keep your home safe
— What happens during asbestos checks or removal
— If you are not satisfied with our response
— Working together to stay safe
How to contact us about asbestos
Repairs and general enquiries: 01962 840 222
Use this number if you notice minor damage or potential hazards that could become unsafe if left, such as:
- Cracks, chips, or broken panels
- Disturbed floor tiles or ceiling panels
- Loose or damaged insulation.
Emergency repairs (24 hours): 01962 865 405
Call this number if you suspect significant damage to asbestos-containing materials that may pose an immediate risk.
Email (non-urgent concerns): hhub@winchester.gov.uk
For questions or general concerns, such as:
- Checking if a material may contain asbestos
- Queries about upcoming surveys
- Advice before starting DIY projects.
Accessible information
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 building materials until 1999. Common locations include:
- Textured coatings and ceiling panels
- Wall panels and pipe insulation
- Floor tiles and floor coverings
- Soffits, roofing sheets, and guttering
- Bath panels and other fixtures.
As long as asbestos is in good condition and undisturbed, it usually poses no risk. Problems typically occur only if materials are damaged, deteriorated, or handled incorrectly.
What we do to keep you safe
We manage asbestos in line with national health and safety laws, including the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. You can expect us to:
- Carry out asbestos surveys in communal buildings, sheltered housing, temporary accommodation, and individual homes where work is planned
- Record where asbestos is present, its condition, and whether it should be removed or safely managed in place
- Re-inspect known asbestos in communal areas annually to ensure it remains safe
- Check asbestos records before any repairs, refurbishments, or maintenance work
- Arrange additional surveys where more information is needed
- Use only licensed and qualified asbestos specialists for removal work
- Keep accurate records of all surveys, inspections, and works carried out
- Keep residents informed about survey results and any planned actions.
Garages and outbuildings built before 2000 may also contain asbestos in roofing or structural materials. We carry out regular inspections and maintenance to ensure these buildings remain safe.
How you can help keep your home safe
Asbestos safety is a shared responsibility. You can help by:
- Reporting any damage immediately, such as cracks, breaks, or debris from older materials
- Avoiding drilling, sanding, cutting, or otherwise disturbing walls, ceilings, panels, or floor tiles that may contain asbestos
- Not removing old flooring, coverings, or other materials without consulting us first
- Letting us know before starting any DIY that could disturb asbestos
- Allowing access for surveys, inspections, and repairs
If you have additional needs, such as longer appointment times or support during inspections, please let us know and we will provide reasonable adjustments.
What happens during asbestos checks or removal
Surveys and inspections
A trained asbestos surveyor will:
- Inspect areas where asbestos may be present
- Assess the condition of materials
- Take samples if needed
- Determine whether materials require removal or can be safely managed in place.
If asbestos is found but in good condition, it is usually safer to leave it in place and manage it. If removal is required, we will explain the process and keep you updated throughout.
Asbestos removal
- Only Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARCs) are used
- All work is carried out by qualified surveyors and specialists
- All work follows strict Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations
- Contractors provide certification to confirm that areas are safe after removal.
How we ensure quality and safety
To make sure asbestos is managed correctly, we:
- Conduct independent audits of our asbestos management programme
- Check the work of licensed contractors
- Review survey quality and records
- Monitor completion of follow-up actions.
Performance and compliance are reported regularly to:
- Senior Management Team
- Resident groups such as TACT
- National regulators as required, including RIDDOR notifications to the HSE.
This ensures that our approach remains safe, compliant, and continuously improving.
If you have an asbestos concern
Please contact us straight away if you notice:
- Damaged panels, tiles, or insulation
- Debris from older materials
- Disturbed or loose materials in communal areas or your home.
We will:
- Assess the issue promptly
- Make the area safe if necessary
- Arrange surveys or repairs
- Keep you updated throughout the process.
If you are not satisfied with our response
If you feel we have not dealt with your asbestos safety concern properly:
- Make a formal complaint through our Complaints Process, which is fair, transparent, and independent from day-to-day service teams.
If still dissatisfied after our final response, contact the Housing Ombudsman Service for an independent review.
This follows the Housing Ombudsman Complaint Handling Code.
Working together to stay safe
Asbestos is usually safe if it is in good condition and left undisturbed. By reporting damage early, allowing access for inspections and repairs, and following safety guidance, you help keep your home, building, and community safe.