Access Guide
Summary
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Building
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- Services / Facilities within the building include; The Igloo bar, Junior Common Room (JCR) and Office, Middle Common Room (MCR), staff offices, Principal's office and The Pump Handle Room.
- Mount Oswald Hub link (new tab) - click here.
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Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
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- Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor (left transfer) and first floor (left transfer).
- Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor and first floor.
Useful Information
- Disability Support is located on the ground floor in the Palatine Centre, and provides information, advice and guidance to prospective and current students who disclose a disability as well as students who think they may have a disability.
The service is part of the Student Support and Wellbeing Directorate. - To see more information on Disability Support please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Student Support and Wellbeing please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Applying To Durham please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on College Accommodation and Facilities please click here (opens new tab).
- To see more information on Accommodation and Allocations Office please click here (opens new tab).
Getting Here (John Snow College)
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By Road
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- John Snow College is located at the Mount Oswald site, on The Approach, off the A177 South Road. The A177 links the "Cock o the North" Roundabout on the A167 Darlington Road with the south side of the City Centre.
- Parking is limited at the site. There is a site car park at the top of the site which requires a permit to park. Permits can be issued to visitors on request. There is additional parking by South College at the lower end of the site. There is also public parking at the Howlands Park and Ride on South Road, which is opposite the Mount Oswald site.
- For more information on the location of the college please click here (opens new tab).
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the campus.
- The nearest bus stops is on The Approach next to South College. It is served by bus route 42 which connects directly with Durham railway station. In addition the PR2 bus service links the Howlands Park and Ride car park with the city centre.
- For more information on the bus route 42 to South College, and PR2 to Howlands Park and Ride please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Durham.
- Durham Railway Station is located approximately 2.5Km (1.6 miles) to the north of the college, on the far side of the city centre and River Wear. Buses run from outside the station to the city centre.
This station is a category A station and has step free access to all platforms. Interchange between the platforms is via a subway. Lift access is available to the subway from both platforms. - For more information on trains to Durham please click here (opens new tab).
- For more information on Durham Railway Station please click here (opens new tab).
- AccessAble Related Links View
Building Parking
- The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
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Site/Campus Car Parks
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- There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
- The name of the car park is John Snow College car park.
- The car park is located to the side of the college buildings, off The Approach.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Site/Campus Car Park (John Snow College Car Park)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located at the top end of the Mount Oswald site off The Approach.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are John Snow College Main Building - The Heart, Blocks A3 and A4 Broadwick Street.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is block paving.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 480cm.
- The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side and the rear.
- The marked zone is 120cm wide.
- The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders, staff permit holders and student permit holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
- Signs are clearly presented.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is a designated drop off point in this car park.
- There is not a dropped kerb from the drop off point.
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Car Park Access
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- There is step free access from this car park.
- Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
- There is not a campus map available within the car park.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building opposite The Hub.
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor reception and offices.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'John Snow College Durham University'.
- 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.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key card reader is 109cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
- The exit push pad or push button is 94cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 120cm.
- 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 door opening is 129cm.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located on the ground floor to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) 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 at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- The height of the reception counter is 102cm.
- There is 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 76cm.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- There is wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
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Reception Waiting Area
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- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- There is bench seating only.
- There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There is bench and sofa seating at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are varied.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
- Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
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Safe Place(s)
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- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
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Audio
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- This venue does play background music in communal areas.
- Music is played in the bar and common rooms.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are for staff only.
- The stairs are located to the right as you enter.
- The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
- 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 not 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 at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
Lift
- The lift is located on the right as you enter the buiding.
- The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a platform 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 G and 1.
- The weight limit for the lift is 410kg 5 persons.
- 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 not 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 11in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not 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 have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
Entrance (The Igloo)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the reception.
- This entrance gives access to The Igloo.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with '006 The Igloo'.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key card reader is 110cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
- The exit push pad or push button is 105cm from floor level.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm.
Eating and Drinking (The Igloo and Junior Common Room (JCR))
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the bar.
- The bar is located at the rear of building.
- There is step-free access to the bar.
- For access there is a single automatic door which is push pad activated.
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Service and Menus
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- Tables can be booked in advance.
- There is a bar where food and drink can be ordered.
- Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
- Menu types include; written wall menus.
- Menus are clearly written.
- The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- This area does play background music.
- Background music is only played at certain times.
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
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Service Counter(s)
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- The height of the counter is 110cm.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 86cm.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
- There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
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Tables and Seating
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- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 68cm.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 72cm.
- The surface height of the lowest table is 39cm.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
- There are also coffee tables, armchairs and sofas.
- The type of flooring in this area is vinyl and laminate.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
- Lighting levels may be lower in the evening.
- Access to the additional seating area is via fire doors.
- There is additional picnic table seating externally accessed through double fire doors 155cm wide. The partition between the bar and JCR may be opened for functions and special occasions to provide greater capacity (photographs 11 to 16).
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the left as you enter via the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- 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 high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 151cm x 214cm (4ft 11in x 7ft).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are moderate to 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 81cm (2ft 8in).
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- 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) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- 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 cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- 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 high.
- 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 are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 87cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Right Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the first floor to the left as you exit the left, on the right hand side.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
- 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 high.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 231cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 7in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- 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) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- 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 cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- 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 92cm (3ft).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
- 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
- There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 86cm.
- 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 99cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located on the left as you enter via the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- 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 81cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The shared toilet is located on the first floor to the left as you exit the lift.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the lift.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.
- There are two cubicles at this location.