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Edinburgh Zoo - Education Centre

Edinburgh Zoo, 134 Corstorphine Road, Edinburgh, EH12 6TS

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Access Guide

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Getting Help and Assistance

Entrance (Education Centre)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'EDUCATION CENTRE'.
    • 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 not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 79cm.
    • 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) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the opening is 78cm.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face 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 ramp does not have resting areas.
    • There is a double gate at the bottom of the ramp with one leaf locked, 87cm wide, that opens towards you (pull) and is easy to open. The gate is locked by a slide bolt.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located on the left as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the 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 no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The counter is not placed in front of a plain background.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 106cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Seating Area View
    • There is not a seating area close to the reception point.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is a steep ramp, with no handrails, for access to the rear left of the building and lecture theatre.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 125cm (4ft 1in).
    • The ramp does not have resting areas.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the rear right of the building.
    • 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.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps are 27cm.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
    • The ramp is shown in photograph 2.
      The steps are shown in photograph 3.
    • There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the rear rooms.
    • 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.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps are 24cm.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
    • There is a platform lift which overcomes the steps.
    • The rear steps are shown in photographs 9 - 12.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
    • Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not 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 public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear left of the building.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • There is not 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 Medium.
  • The clear door width is 82cm (2ft 8in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 82cm x 105cm (2ft 8in x 3ft 5in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • A flashing light and alarm will sound throughout the duration of the lifts operation.

Auditorium (Lecture Theatre)

  • Access to Seating View
    • The auditorium is clearly signed.
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear left of the building.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are light.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm.
    • The entrance door(s) is/are permanently held open before and after events.
    • There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance before and after events.
    • This entrance gives access to the front row.
  • Auditorium Information View
    • The type of flooring is carpet.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The width of the rows of seating is 35cm.
    • The lighting levels before and after events are good.
    • The nearest accessible toilet is located to the rear left of the building.
    • There is step free access to a row of seating.
    • The row(s) with step free access is/are the front and rear rows.
    • The access to the majority of seating is located either side of the seats (against wall).
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access to the majority of seating.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • There are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
    • There is/are 1 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • Designated Seating Area(s) View
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are located in the front row.
    • The designated seating area(s) is/are not clearly marked/signed.
    • There is step-free access to the designated seating area(s).
    • There is/are 10 designated space(s) for wheelchair users in this screen.
    • Wheelchairs may be left with the patron.
    • The visibility of the screen from this seating area is good.
    • Companions/carers sit next to the patron and behind the patron.
    • There is sufficient space for an assistance dog to rest next to you.
    • There are clearly marked single steps to access central rows from the ramps.
      The rear row also has a single step to access on the left side only, as shown in photographs 11 and 12.

Event Room(s) / Space(s)

  • Access to the Room View
    • The room surveyed was the Grasslands/Immersive Room.
    • The Grasslands/Immersive Room is located to the rear left of the building.
    • There is not wayfinding signage for the room.
    • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
    • There is written signage for the room(s), in block capital lettering, that is clearly visible.
    • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
    • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
    • There is step-free access.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 82cm.
    • The colour contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The colour contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
  • Room Details View
    • There is not a hearing assistance system available for the room.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to turn within the room.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
    • The colour contrast between the walls and floor is Medium.
    • The lighting levels are adjustable.
    • There are video projection screens on all walls in this room.

Toilet with Adaptations (Education Centre - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear left of the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) from the entrance.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 92cm (3ft).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 231cm x 214cm (7ft 7in x 7ft).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 148cm (4ft 10in).
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • 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 low.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
  • Additional Fixtures and Fittings View
    • 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 sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 108cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 low.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 100cm.
    • 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 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • 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 96cm.

Standard Toilet(s) (Education Centre)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located down to the rear left of the building.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m from the entrance.
    • 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 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Step(s) (Education Centre Standard Toilets)

  • There is a/are step(s) located leading down to the standard toilets.
  • There is/are 8 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 14cm.
  • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • 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.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • There is a handrail on the left going down to the male toilets (photograph 1).
    There is a handrail on the right going down to the female toilets (photograph 6).