Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include Lower Ground - Chelmsford Library and Register Office.
Upper Ground - Reception and Electronic Information Services.
The public will only generally access the ground floor with staff and appointments only.
Opening Times
- Monday 09:30 - 17:30.
- Tuesday 09:30 - 17:30.
- Wednesday 09:30 - 17:30.
- Thursday 09:30 - 19:00.
- Friday 09:30 - 17:30.
- Saturday 09:00 - 17:00.
- Sunday Closed.
Location
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- The nearest National Rail station is Chelmsford.
Parking
- The venue does not have its own car park.
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Drop-off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Market Road - Main Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the venue.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- 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 200cm.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the venue.
- 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.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located leading up from Market Road to the entrance.
- There is/are 11 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are 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 second lower handrail.
Outside Access (Market Road - Lower Ground Floor Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located within Market Road.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm.
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 150cm.
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located on Market Road, to the left of the steps.
- 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.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 160cm (5ft 3in).
- The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
View
- The step(s) is/are located leading down from Market Road to the entrance on the lower level.
- There is/are 7 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the step(s) is/are 16cm.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are 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 second lower handrail.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
Outside Access (County Hall Car Park - Rear Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of County Hall.
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The main automatic door(s) is/are push pad or push button activated.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 130cm.
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Comments
View
- This entrance gives access from the council members car park to the library and main reception.
Reception (Main)
- The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 04/08/2021.
- The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
Reception (Security Office)
- The desk/counter is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are good.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
- The lighting levels are good.
Level Change (Lower Ground Floor to Upper Ground Floor)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located between the lower and upper ground floors.
- There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a lift to access this area/service.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
Lift (Rear)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located immediately beyond the rear entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, M, UG.
- The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the rear entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 105cm (4ft 7in x 3ft 5in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The controls are 105 - 140cm in height.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
Other Floors
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Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, UG, 1, 2, 3, 4.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- The lighting levels are good.
Lift (Central Area)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the foyer beyond the reception desk.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are UG, 1, 2, 3, 4.
- The lift is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 94cm x 210cm (3ft 1in x 6ft 11in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The controls are 105 - 140cm in height.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The lighting level in the lift is good.
Entrance (Library - Lower Ground Floor)
- This information is for the entrance located on the lower ground floor.
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Entrance
View
- There is step-free access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is/are double width.
- The width of the door opening is 135cm.
Reception (Library)
- The desk/counter is 12m (13yd 4in) from the library entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Library
- This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in large print.
- This library does have a regular supply of books in audio format.
- There is an ordering service.
- The library does have computers with accessible software.
- Accessible software includes JAWS and Zoomtext.
- Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
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Comments
View
- Within the library is the Registration Office, located beyond the reception desk to the far right.
- Photographs 9 - 11 show the Registration Office.
Accessible Toilet (Upper Ground Floor)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 50m (54yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the upper ground floor.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from the cleaner.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 94cm (3ft 1in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 215cm (5ft 7in x 7ft 1in).
- There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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).
- 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).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
Accessible Toilet (Lower Ground Floor)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the lower ground floor entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located immediately beyond the Market Road lower ground floor entrance, on the left.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 155cm x 270cm (5ft 1in x 8ft 10in).
- There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- 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 58cm.
- The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 102cm (3ft 4in).
- 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).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Baby Change Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 94cm (3ft 1in).
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Comments
View
- This toilet is generally for the use of people visiting Chelmsford Library or the Registration Office.
- A security pass is needed for access to the area in which this toilet is situated.
Standard Toilet(s) (Upper Ground Floor- Staff Only)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are not available.
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Baby Change Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located in a separate room next to the toilets.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 102cm (3ft 4in).
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the baby change facility.
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Comments
View
- Access to Baby Change Facilities is via the security team based in E block atrium.
- No toilet facilities are available for public use throughout the complex.
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Documents can be requested in Braille.
- Documents can be requested in large print.
- A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
- This service can be requested.