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BMA House - First Floor - Great Hall

BMA House, Tavistock Square, London, WC1H 9JP

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Tavistock Square is located in Central London, south of Euston Station, just off Euston Road (A501).
      If driving to Tavistock Square, please be aware that it is located within the Congestion Charge Zone.
    • The venue has 21 parking bays available via prior arrangement only. Please contact the venue for more information.
      There is both standard and Blue Badge on street parking available on the north side of Tavistock Square.
  • By Bus View
  • By Train View
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground station is Euston.
    • The nearest step-free underground station is King's Cross St. Pancras.
    • Euston underground station is approximately 350 metres from the venue and services the Northern and Victoria Lines.
      King's Cross St. Pancras is approximately 750 metres from the venue and services the Circle, Hammersmith and City, Northern, Metropolitan and Victoria Lines.
      There are a number of alternative tube stations situated nearby including Euston Square (step-free access from westbound only) and Russell Square.
    • For more information on underground services please click here (opens new tab).

Getting Help and Assistance

  • There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
  • There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
  • There is a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
  • The place of safety is located on the basement floor, next to the Dickens Room.
  • There are fixed hearing assistance systems available in multiple meeting rooms/event spaces.
    There are portable hearing assistance systems available that can be made available across all meeting rooms/event spaces without fixed loops. Please contact the venue for further information regarding hearing assistance systems.
  • There is a member of staff available for help and assistance from reception.
  • Water bowls for assistance dogs are available from reception.
  • A wheelchair is available from reception.

Parking

  • Parking View
    • The building does have its own parking facilities.
    • The car park is located at the centre of the building, off Tavistock Square.
    • The car park type is multi storey.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • There are a total of 30 spaces cross the two levels of the car park.
      21 spaces are available to book in advance for visitors to the venue.
      Staff do not have general use of the car park unless for a specified reason.
      9 spaces are rented out by tenants of the venue.
      There are 2 electric charging points within the lower level car park with the ability to charge 4 cars (2 ports per charging point).
      The electric charging ports and controls are between 120cm-125cm in height.
  • Blue Badge Parking View
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
  • Paying View
    • There are no parking charges for the car park.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • Access from the ground level of the car park is via the vehicle access slope used to access the car park.
      This slope is long and steep.
      This slope can be bypassed via lift if required, please contact the venue in advance for more information.
      Access from the basement level of the car park is also via the vehicle access slope leading down from the ground level of the car park.
      This slope is also long and steep.
      Alternatively, there is stepped access (13 total) up to the ground level of the car park.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the north corner of Tavistock Square.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'British Medical Association, Main Entrance'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the opening is 140cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Reception (Main)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead and to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 109cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 72cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 06/02/2023.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet and tiles.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is a seating area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the seating area is unobstructed.
    • There are chairs with armrests and bench seats available.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the seating area.
    • There is a water dispenser and a television in the waiting area.
      There are security gates located next to the reception that access the majority of the ground floor.
      The standard gate is 64cm in width.
      The wider gate is 88cm in width.
      The security gates are key card activated.
      The key card reader is at a height of 102cm.
      There are 2 welcome desks that are used for events located either side of the reception.
  • Comments View
    • The closest accessible toilet to the reception is the ground floor – south corridor – left hand transfer.
    • The closest standard toilets to the reception is the ground floor – south corridor.
    • The closest standard shower to the reception is the ground floor – south corridor - shared.

Lift (South East)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right as you enter via the main entrance, beyond the security barriers, along the south corridor.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
  • The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

Other Floors (South East)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are for public use.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter via the main entrance, beyond the security barriers, along the south corridor.
    • The stairs are approximately 55m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • The service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the female standard toilets on the stairwell landing between the ground and basement level.

Hall / Chamber (Great Hall)

  • Access View
    • The room surveyed was the Great Hall.
    • The Great Hall is located on the first floor, to the right as you exit the South East lift.
    • There is wayfinding signage on route to the room(s).
    • Signage for the room(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • The corridor/walkway outside the room(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • There is step-free access into the room(s).
  • Hall / Chamber Details View
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) for the room(s) is/are not push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is/are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the room(s).
    • The door has a closer and maybe difficult for some to open.
    • Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
    • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 73cm.
    • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the lectern is 102cm.
    • The lectern is not height adjustable.
    • There is a hearing assistance system for the room(s).
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • This room has a projector screen.
    • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the room(s).
    • There is fixed furniture within the room(s).
    • There is are; fixed rows of flip down seats with armrests on both sides.
    • There is not staggered seating within the hall / chamber.
    • The minimum width between the rows of seating is 80cm.
    • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
    • There is not a designated space available for wheelchair users.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There is space for an assistance dog.
    • The type of flooring in the room(s) is carpet.
    • Floor coverings in the room(s) are not even.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.
    • The seating is all on one level and not staggered.
      There are 120cm wide walkways along either side of the seating for access.
      There is a slight slope leading up to the seating from these walkways.
      The walkway on the left hand side of the room is where wheelchair users are situated.
      Rows of seating can be removed to widen rows if required.
      There is a slight slope leading up to the seating from these walkways.
      There are 7 steps on either side of the stage to access the speaker's area.
      A raised platform accessed via ramp can be installed at the front of the seating below the speaker's area for mobility impaired guests/speakers if required.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Floor Ramp to Great Hall)

  • There is a ramp/slope located between the Great Hall entrance foyer area and the Great Hall.
  • The ramp/slope is used to access the Great Hall.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are adjustable.

Step(s) (Speaker's Area/Stage)

  • There is a/are step(s) located on either side of the speaker's area/stage.
  • The step(s) is/are used to access the speaker's area/stage.
  • There is/are 7 step(s).
  • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The depth of the steps are 27cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
  • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
  • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • Handrails are not easy to grip.
  • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (First Floor - Great Hall - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet was out of use at the time of the survey.
    • This accessible toilet is located within the Great Hall, at the rear of the hall to the left as you face the stage.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the South East lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is low.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 218cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the left of the toilet and wall is medium.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is medium.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 94cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 92cm (3ft).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor - Great Hall)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located within the Great Hall, to the right as you face the stage.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 50m from the South East lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.