Access Guide
COVID-19 Information
- The information in this section was taken in November 2021.
- There is a member of staff available at the entrance.
- There is hand sanitiser available at the entrance.
- The hand sanitisers are free standing.
- The height of the hand sanitiser is 100cm.
- Hand sanitisers are available inside the venue.
- There is a limited number of people allowed inside.
- There is a Track and Trace system in place.
- There is not a one-way system throughout.
- There is clear signage inside to help with social distancing.
- There are protective clear screens located at desks/counters.
- Toilets are available.
- For more information about the measures in place for Covid-19 please click here (new tab) .
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include A museum of Science and Media with Cafés, a Shop and also housing three Picturehouse Cinema screens.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Bradford Interchange.
Opening Times (Museum and Shop)
- Monday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Wednesday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Thursday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Friday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 18:00.
- Sunday 10:00 - 18:00.
Opening Times (BFI Mediatheque)
- Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.
Opening Times (Media Cafe)
- Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own car park.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
- The name of the car park is Sharpe Street Public Car Park.
- The car park is located at the rear of the building on Sharpe Street.
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
- The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 375cm x 750cm (12ft 4in x 24ft 7in).
- On street Blue Badge parking is located in front of the building.
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On Street Standard Parking
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- Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (National Science and Media Museum Main Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 173cm (5ft 8in).
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Second set of doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 173cm (5ft 8in).
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Comments
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- There are 2 sets of automatic doors at this entrance.
- One set of automatic doors is to the left and one to the right.
- In the centre of the automatic doors is a set of manual double doors.
Outside Access (Sharpe Street Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on Sharpe Street.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
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Second set of doors
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- The automatic doors are push pad activated.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 165cm (5ft 5in).
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Comments
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- This entrance gives access to the foyer between the two sets of doors to the Pictureville Cinema.
Level Change (Sharpe Street Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located leading from Sharpe Street to the entrance.
- There is/are 5 step(s) to the area/service.
- There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Comments
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- There is tactile paving at the top of the steps only.
Reception (National Media and Science Museum)
- The desk/counter is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Inside Access
- There is not level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Comments
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- There is seating available throughout the building.
Level Change (Pictureville Cinema)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter from the Main Entrance, beyond the Shop and Media Café.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on the left going up.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter from the Main Entrance, beyond the Shop and Media Café.
- There is/are 2 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are in the centre of the step(s).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Comments
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- There are also handrails on both sides of the steps.
Level Change (Lower Ground Floor)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located to the rear of the lower ground floor, leading to Insight Collections and Research Centre.
- There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
- There is a lift to access this area/service.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
- The lift does not bypass the ramp/slope.
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Comments
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- There are also 6 medium height steps with handrails on both sides to the right of the Kodak Gallery.
- The steps are shown in photographs 5 and 6.
- There is a platform lift to overcome these steps.
Lift (Lower Ground Floor Platform Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the right of the Kodak Gallery.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The platform lift accesses a small level change.
- The lift is approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the main lift.
- Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 71cm (2ft 4in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 71cm x 80cm (2ft 4in x 2ft 7in).
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
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Comments
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- There is a similar platform lift to overcome the 15+ steps at the rear of the Kodak gallery as shown in photographs 3 and 4.
Eating and Drinking (Media Cafe)
- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located at the rear left of the entrance foyer as you enter from the Main Entrance.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 63cm (2ft 1in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
- The standard height for tables is 70cm.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic / takeaway cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
Shop
- The shop is located in the main foyer, to the left as you enter from the Main Entrance.
- There are no doors.
- There is level access to the shop.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There are some medium height display units.
- There are some high display units.
Counter (Shop)
- The counter is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is a lowered section.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG-G-1-2-3-4-5-6.
- There are 10 steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are medium.
Lift (Main Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the rear right of the foyer as you enter from the Main Entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G-1-2-3-4-5-6.
- The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the Main Entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 144cm x 230cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 7in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The controls are 90cm - 152cm from the floor.
- The lift does have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
Lift (Back Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at the rear of the building.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-1-3-5.
- The lift is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the main lift.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 123cm (4ft).
- The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 286cm (4ft 7in x 9ft 5in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The controls are 110cm - 140cm from the floor.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
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Comments
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- Not all floors can be accessed by this lift as it only goes to odd numbered floors.
Outside Access (BFI Mediatheque Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on level 6, to the left as you exit the lift.
- There is level access into the venue.
- Level access is via lift.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 199cm (6ft 6in).
Reception (BFI Mediatheque)
- The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the BFI Mediatheque entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
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Comments
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- There is seating to the right of the reception desk.
- The seating does not have armrests.
BFI Mediatheque
- The BFI Mediatheque is located at the front right of the building on level 6.
- There are 7 viewing pods.
- There are 6 standard viewing pods with seating for 3-4 people.
- There is 1 accessible viewing pod, number 7, with a single seat and room for 2 wheelchairs (photographs 2, 3 and 4).
- The accessible viewing pod is 15m from the BFI Mediatheque entrance.
- The keyboard and mouse are on a fully adjustable shelf.
- The screen is height adjustable.
- Access is via ticket, which is issued from the BFI Mediatheque reception.
- Pods can be booked in advance.
Museum
- Exhibits cannot be audio described.
- Tactile signage for exhibits is not available.
- Braille signage for exhibits is not available.
- Touch tours are not available.
- Video tours are not available.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- A deposit is required for the hearing system.
- Concessions are available.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow.
- To borrow the wheelchair, ask at reception.
Changing Places
- The facility is located to the right as you enter from the Main Entrance.
- The facility is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the National Science and Media Museum Main Entrance.
- The facility is in addition to standard and accessible toilets.
- The facility is located close to other managed facilities (e.g. reception or service counter).
- There is level access to the facility.
- The facility surveyed is for the sole use of disabled people.
- The colour contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- You do need a key for the facility.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from the security office adjacent to the facility.
- There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is easy to open.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The width of the door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the facility are 441cm x 262cm.
- The ceiling height is not at a minimum of 2.4m.
- There is a clear 200cm x 180cm manoeuvring space in the facility.
- The facility has a non-slip floor.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
- The facility toilet is peninsular.
- The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 155cm (5ft 1in).
- The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 230cm (7ft 7in).
- Dropdown rails are provided.
- As you face the toilet the dropdown rail(s) is/are on both sides.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- As you face the toilet there are vertical grab rails on both sides.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the wall-mounted grab rails to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a spatula flush.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- There is an emergency alarm for the toilet.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
- The facility changing bench is wall mounted.
- The facility changing bench height is adjustable.
- The length of the facility changing bench is 185cm (6ft 1in).
- The facility hoist is powered overhead.
- The overhead hoist covers all areas in the cubicle.
- There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
- The shower head is height adjustable.
- The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
- There is no seat for the shower.
- There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
- A privacy screen is available.
- The type of wash basin is adjustable.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Wall mounted grab rails are available at the wash basin.
- As you face the wash basin, the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 107cm.
- Wide tear off paper roll is available.
- The wide paper roll dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 160cm.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the hand dryer is 100cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser is at the recommended height of 80cm-100cm.
- The height of the towel dispenser is 82cm.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and clinical waste disposal units.
- There is an emergency alarm for the facility.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is within reach and fully functional.
- There is a coat hook.
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 109cm and 164cm from the floor.
- There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Comments
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- The height of the ceiling is 218cm.
Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor. Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the Main Entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located to the rear right of the entrance foyer.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 81cm (2ft 8in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 215cm (5ft 11in x 7ft 1in).
- There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 111cm (3ft 8in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 130cm (4ft 3in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 96cm (3ft 2in).
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Comments
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- There are additional accessible toilets on levels -1, 3, 5 and 7.
Accessible Toilet (Level 5. Left Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main lift.
- This accessible toilet is located at the rear of level 5 as you exit the lift.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 81cm (2ft 8in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 159cm x 192cm (5ft 3in x 6ft 4in).
- There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 93cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the toilet roll holder is 106cm (3ft 6in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
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- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the rear right of the entrance foyer.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the Main Entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels in the female toilets are moderate to good.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
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- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the rear right of the entrance foyer.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 21m (22yd 2ft) from the Main Entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels in the male toilets are moderate to good.
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Baby Change Facilities
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- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located in the standard female and male toilets.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 112cm (3ft 8in).
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Comments
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- There are also standard toilets on levels -1, 3, 5 and 7.
Additional Info
- Documents are not available in Braille.
- Documents are not available in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
- This service cannot be requested.