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Confluence Building

Lower Mountjoy, South Road, Durham, DH1 3LE

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Access Guide

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Summary

Getting Here (Lower Mountjoy Site)

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Small Engineering Car Park.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the Christopherson Building.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Additional parking is available in the University Car Park, at the front of the Higginson Building.

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear of Christopherson Building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Christopherson Building, Advanced Computer Research - The Lodge.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by 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.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • 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.

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the Higginson Building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Higginson Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 230cm x 470cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 117cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by 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.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • 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.
    • The nearest designated bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Higginson Main Entrance.

Approach (Main Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles and block paving.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to level 1.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • 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 105cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm.
    • There is also a single manual door next to this one.
    • The location of the external card reader can be seen in photograph 2, to the left of the doors on the entrance wall.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 13cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • There is level access via a very slight ramp (1.9 degrees) to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp has handrails on both sides and is 150+cm wide.

Entrance (Chemistry Building First Floor Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of the Chemistry Building, in the Security entrance foyer.
    • This entrance gives access to level 1 of the building, and the basement rooms CM001, CM002, and CM003.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 162cm (5ft 4in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 124cm.
    • There are no doors at this entrance.
    • The width of the door opening is 137cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 89cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 137cm (4ft 6in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

Entrance (Chemistry Building Ground Floor Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the Chemistry Building.
    • This entrance gives access to level 0.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Access to Mathematical Sciences'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 172cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located immediately beyond the entrance.
    • There is/are 15+ step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do 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 good.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is sloped/ramped access to Rooms CM223 - CM247.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the building.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • There is a kitchen on floors 1 and 2.
    • The worktops in these rooms are adjustable in height between 71cm and 90cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the ground floor to the left of the Chemistry Building entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Chemistry Building entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is 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 no 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 115cm.
    • 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 a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing system is available only on request.
    • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There are sofas only in the waiting area.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Other Floors (Main Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter the building via the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0, 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 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 the right going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
    • There is a chair stair lift to overcome the stairs.

Other Floors (Right Hand Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located at the right hand side of the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 22m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 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 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 the right going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do 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.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • There are similar stairs at the rear right of the building as you enter via the main entrance giving access to levels 0, 1, 2, with doors on level 0.

Lift (Main Stairs Chair)

  • The lift is for staff use only.
  • The lift is located ahead as you enter the building.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • The lift is a chair stair lift.
  • A member of staff needs to be notified for use of the lift.
  • A member of staff is required to operate the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1 and 2.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • There are 2 chair stair lifts. The first gives access to the half landing from level 1, the second gives access from the half landing to level 2.

Lift

  • The lift is located along the left hand corridor of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) 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 G, 1 and 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 87cm (2ft 10in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 142cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 8in).
  • 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 moderate to good.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Level 2)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located on level 2, along the left hand corridor of the building as you exit the lift.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access Rooms CM223 - CM247.
    • 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 width of the ramp/slope is 131cm (4ft 4in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 1 - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 1, along the right hand corridor of the building as you enter via the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) 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 good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 92cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 220cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 100cm from floor level.
    • 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • 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 good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not 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 good.
    • 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 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • 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 good.
    • 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 98cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is fair.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2 - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 2, to the left hand side of the building as you exit the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the 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 good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 204cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 121cm from floor level.
    • 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 96cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not 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 poor.
    • 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).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • The wash basin tap type is twist turn mixer.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is a handheld soap dispenser available.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 123cm (4ft).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is good.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on level 1, to the rear left of the foyer as you enter, just before the stairs.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby change facilities are available in the female toilets.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 97cm.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located on level 1, to the right hand side of the building.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • 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 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.