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Essex Record Office

Wharf Road, Chelmsford, Essex, CM2 6YT

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Access Guide

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Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town or city.
  • This venue is situated in Chelmsford.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Chelmsford.

Opening Times

Parking

  • This venue does not have its own car park.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
  • There are 3 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 2.4m x 4m (7ft 10in x 13ft 1in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 30m (33yd) from the main entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
  • The car park surface is block paving.
  • The patron does not have to cross a road.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.

Public Car Park

  • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
  • The maximum height is 220cm (7ft 3in).
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is/are 0 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
  • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
  • Access from the car park is via footpath(s), a gap past bollards and direct access to street/road pavement.
  • The exit(s) is/are located Wharf Road.
  • The width of the exit is 100cm.
  • There is a ramp or slope to exit which is located at the footbridge, at the rear of the car park.
  • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
  • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • There are exits located on Baddow Road and also on the riverside footpath(Kings Head Walk).
  • Comments View
    • There are 2 electric car charging points(photographs 7-12) within the car park.
    • Photographs 17-28 show the pedestrian route from the car park to the records office entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located on Wharf Road.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are single width.
  • The door opening is 126cm (4ft 2in) wide.
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The doors open automatically.
    • The doors are single width.
    • The door opening is 126cm (4ft 2in) wide.

Reception (Main)

  • The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • 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.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Reception (Public Searchroom)

  • The desk/counter is 7m (7yd 1ft) from the lift.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • Level access to the desk/counter is via lift.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • Members of the public wishing to visit the Public Searchroom need to report here to gain access.
    • This reception extends into the Searchroom, where it acts as a helpdesk. The desk is low here.

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.
  • Comments View
    • The doors leading into the Public Searchroom on the 1st floor are automatic.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the left side of the reception foyer.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Accessible Toilet (1st Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the Public Searchroom on the 1st floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 135cm x 190cm (4ft 5in x 6ft 3in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • 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 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 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located off the left side of the reception foyer.
    • 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 dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 170cm (5ft 11in x 5ft 7in).
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • 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.
    • 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 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 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are baby changing facilities in this adapted toilet, 99 cm high.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.