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Chelmsford County Hall and Library

County Hall and Library, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 1QH

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Access Guide

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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.

Outside Access (Market Road - Main Entrance)

  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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)

  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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)

  • 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.
  • 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

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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).
  • 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)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are not available.
  • 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.
  • 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.