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West Building

Lower Mountjoy, South Road, Durham , DH1 3LE

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; lecture theatres, teaching rooms, laboratories, and staff offices.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located ground floor corridor leading to the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR), opposite seminar room 010.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor on the front left corridor as you enter via the north west entrance.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor on the front left corridor as you enter via the north west entrance.
    • Gender neutral toilet facilities are located along the corridor leading to the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR).

Getting Here (Lower Mountjoy Site)

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located in front of the West Building - Geography and to the side of the IHRR building, opposite the Rochester Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are signposted but have no markings.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff and students within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Lower Mountjoy - South Road Entrance.
    • The car park is located at the South Road entrance of the Lower Mountjoy site.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Stockton Road.
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 200cm x 4000cm (6ft 7in x 131ft 3in).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Lower Mountjoy - South Road Entrance)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in Lower Mountjoy off South Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Ogden Centre West, Physics Rochester.
    • 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 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.

Approach (South Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach .
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 186cm.
    • The bollard(s) has/have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.

Outside Access (South Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the first floor and reception.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Geography West Building'.
    • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 130cm.
    • There is a ramp with a very easy incline.

Approach (Ramped South Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach .
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 186cm.
    • The bollard(s) has/have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Outside Access (Ramped South Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the Applebey Lecture Theatre.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not 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 87cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter and exit the main automatic doors.
    • The entry push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 79cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • 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 width of the ramp/slope is 122cm (4ft).

Approach (Right Hand North Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach .
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 188cm.
    • The bollard(s) has/have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope on the approach.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent, has a slight gradient and has no handrails.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Outside Access (Right Hand North Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front right of the building, facing the Bill Bryson Library.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Geography West Building'.
    • 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 128cm.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Approach (Left Hand North Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is block paving.
    • There is a/are fixed bollard(s) on the approach .
    • The minimum width between the bollards/wall is 201cm.
    • The bollard(s) has/have a high colour contrast to prevent them being hazardous to visually impaired people.
    • The bollards are located at the top of the slope.
    • There is step-free access on the approach.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 11cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.

Outside Access (Left Hand North Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building, opposite the Bill Bryson Library.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Geography West Building'.
    • 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) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 102cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 103cm.

Entrance (Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR))

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the Institute of Hazard, Risk and Resilience (IHRR), in the stairwell.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor link corridor.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with an open extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 132cm.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the first floor, to the right as you enter via the south entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the south 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 77cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is not staffed.
    • There is not a bell to attract attention.
    • 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 stone.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is not step-free access throughout the building .
    • There is sloped/ramped access to rooms W004 - W008.
  • 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 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 some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • 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.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • 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.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located on the ground floor, to the right as you enter via the Right Hand North entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access rooms W004 - W008.
    • 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.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.

Step(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Stepped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located on the ground floor, along the corridor between the Right Hand North and Left Hand North entrances.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access W019 from the Right Hand North entrance. These steps can be overcome by using the Left Hand North entrance to access the building.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.

Other Floors (Right Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located ahead on the right as you enter via the Right Hand North entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 3m from the Right Hand North entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, UG, 1, M and 2.
    • 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 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 not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Other Floors (Left Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located ahead as you enter Left Hand North entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 2m from the Left Hand North entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1, M, 2, 2M 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 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.
    • Handrails do 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.

Lift (Left Stairs)

  • The lift is located ahead as you enter via Left Hand North entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the Left Hand North entrance.
  • The lift is a 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 LG and G.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • 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 81cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 81cm x 105cm.
  • There are 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 an audible announcer.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
  • This lift is shown in photographs 1 - 3. There are 2 similar lifts giving access to floors G (shown in photographs 4 - 6)and 1 (shown in photographs 7 - 9).

Lift (Right Stairs)

  • The lift is located to the left as you enter via the south entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the south entrance.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are M and 1.
  • This lift gives access to the Applebey Lecture Theatre from the reception area.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Link Corridor - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor in the link corridor from the West Building ground floor to the IHRR lift and link stairs.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) 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 and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 95cm.
    • 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.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 315cm x 234cm.
    • 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 244cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is no dropdown rail.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not 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 poor.
    • 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 not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 179cm from the floor.
  • 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 backrest.
    • 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • 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 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 low.
    • 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 92cm.
    • 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 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head cannot be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • A shower chair is available.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 62cm.
    • There are not horizontal and/or dropdown rails available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • There is not a vertical grab rail for the shower.
  • Comments View
    • The alarm for the room is located near the shower area.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the ground floor, along the front corridor to the left as you enter via the Right Hand North entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the Right Hand North entrance.
    • 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 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Link Corridor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the lower ground floor in the link corridor from the West Building ground floor to the IHRR lift and link stairs.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the lift on the lower ground floor.
    • 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 79cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There are two facilities here, each with two cubicles.