Access Guide
Summary
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Building
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- Services / Facilities within the grounds include; Bar & Cafe, Staff Offices, Ballroom, Purple Radio, Art Room.
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Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
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- Accessible toilet facilities are located on Floor C and D.
- Female standard toilet facilities are located on Floor A, B and C.
- Male standard toilet facilities are located on Floor A, B and C.
- Shared standard toilet facilities are located on Floor D.
- Baby changing facilities are located on Floor D.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- Elvet Riverside is Located on New Elvet Street via the A690 located off the A177 roundabout taking the exit to Mount Joy Crescent. Follow the road down to the traffic lights, go straight and your destination will be on your left.
- There is Parking located to the right of Elvet Riverside 1. There is parking located on New Elvet Street, Paying for parking is required for Pay and Display, Payment machines are located on the road. Pay By Phone is an option of payment (location 804602)
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the building.
- Bus routes 57, 56, X12, 57A all go to the bus stop outside (Bust Stop Three Tuns). From here it is a 1 minute walk to 77 Hallgarth Street.
- For more information on Bus routes 57, 56, X12, 57A please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Durham.
- Get on at Durham Railway Station, you would board 20 at Durham Millburngate "Stop L" and get off at Hild-Bede College then it is a 8 min walk to Old Elvet.
- 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
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).
Building Parking
- The building does have its own dedicated parking.
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Building Car Park
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- The car park can be used by permit holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- The car park is located to the right of the 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 not available.
- The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
- The car park surface is concrete.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the centre of the building.
- This entrance gives access to Floor B.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- This entrance is signed with 'Durham Student Union'.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection 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.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The width of the door opening is 168cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) is/are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 92cm.
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the building.
- There is/are 7 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 25cm.
- 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 the right going up the step(s).
- Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the left of the building.
- This entrance gives access to Floor A.
- The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped 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.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 126cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located to the left 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 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).
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 4 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are 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.
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Comments
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- There are manual double doors to enter and exit this entrance as well as automatic doors.
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 tiles, carpet and vinyl.
- There is some 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 all areas.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
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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 not play background music in communal areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located ahead as you enter via the main entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step-free access to the reception point.
- There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
- There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors 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 clear knee recess beneath the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.
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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 obstructed.
- There is bench seating only.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
Eating and Drinking (Kingsgate)
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the café/bar.
- The café/bar is located to the rear of the building.
- There is step-free access to the café/bar.
- For access there are double manual doors which is permanently held open.
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Service and Menus
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- Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
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Service Counter(s)
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- The height of the counter is 120cm.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 89cm.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
- There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
- The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
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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 standard height for the underside of dining tables is 73cm.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests on both sides.
- There are also coffee tables, high tables, long tables and high stools.
- The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are good.
Eating and Drinking
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the café/bar.
- The café/bar is located Floor C.
- There is step-free access to the café/bar.
- For access there are double manual doors which is permanently held open.
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Service and Menus
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- Tables cannot 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; handheld menus.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- There is not a hearing assistance system .
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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 49cm.
- The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 80cm.
- The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 80cm.
- The surface height of the lowest table is 50cm.
- The surface height of the highest table is 81cm.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
- There are also coffee tables, high tables and bench seats.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet and vinyl.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
- There is a ramp to access the higher platform in the café and bar, it is at a slight slope at 102cm wide.
Other Floors (Kingsgate)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located G and 1.
- The stairs are approximately 21m from the Café/Bar Entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to exit the stairwell on the first floor.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
- There are 14 steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 20cm.
- 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 left going up.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are not easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- 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.
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Other Information
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- The area(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the seating area.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are located to the centre of the building.
- The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
- The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are A, B, C and D.
- 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 in the centre.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do not 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 moderate to good.
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Other Information
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- Going down the stairs the stairs stand out visually, however when going up the stairs due to the text which is written on them will be difficult to see.
Lift
- The lift is located on the left or right of each staircase.
- The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the main 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 A, B, C and D.
- The weight limit for the lift is 325kg.
- 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 control plate and the wall is low.
- The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand 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 Floor D.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the Floor D stairs.
- 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 good.
- 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 good.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 217cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 1in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 50cm (1ft 8in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal 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.
- There is a/are female sanitary and pedal bin 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 poor.
- 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 96cm (3ft 2in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
- 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 97cm.
- 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 poor.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 97cm (3ft 2in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
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Baby Changing Facilities
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- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- There is a flip down baby change table available .
- The height of the baby change table is 80cm.
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Comments
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- There is also a accessible toilet on Floor C, it is a right hand transfer toilet which is also accessible by wheelchair.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The male toilet is located on the left hand side as you past reception.
- 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.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The female toilet is located on the left hand side as you past reception.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 25m 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.
- Lighting levels are good.
Standard Toilet(s)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The gender neutral toilet is located on Floor D.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the Floor D stairs.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
- 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 good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The male toilet is located on Floor C.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the Floor C stairs.
- 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 available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.