Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- This is a large auditorium.
- Facilities available in the venue include: the auditorium, box office, event spaces and bars.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue does not have its own car park.
- There is a drop-off point, a public car park nearby and a taxi rank.
- The nearest parking is located off Stobcross Road.
- View information on SEC Public Car Park (opens new tab) .
- The nearest train station is Exhibition Centre.
- The nearest underground station is Kinning Park.
- The nearest bus station is Buchanan Bus Station.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
- View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
- There is an internal rear link bridge entrance to Level 1 between the Crowne Plaza Hotel and SEC Centre, although it is generally not used by the public.
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the ground floor of the auditorium, and the rear of Level 1.
- The following areas have stepped access: the upper rows of circle and gallery seating.
- Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
- Levels 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be accessed via a standard lift and stairs.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- There is seating available.
- There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
- You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
- View more information on borrowing or hiring equipment (opens new tab).
- British Sign Language Interpreters can be requested prior to your visit.
- Documents are available in the following formats: Braille (on request) and large print (on request).
- There is not a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
- There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
- Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
- Staff receive the following training: disability awareness / equality and accessibility training.
- Related Access Guides View
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There are 6 toilets with adaptations.
- Toilets with adaptations are located to the left as you enter, to the right as you enter, to the left side of level 1, to the left from the rear lift on level 2, to the right side of level 3 and to the right side of level 4.
- The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
- Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the standard toilets.
- The female step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the left side of level 1, also round to the left or right from the rear lift on level 2 and on level 4.
- The male step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the right side of level 1, to the right from the rear lift on level 2 and on level 4.
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Changing Places and Changing Facilities
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- Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations to the right of level 0.
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Washroom and Shower Facilities
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- There is a Changing Places toilet facility located in the neighbouring SEC Centre building near its reception, please refer to the separate guide for details.
Parking (SEC Public Car Park)
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Public Car Parks
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- There is a public car park located off Finnieston Street.
- The name of the car park is SEC and Hydro Car Park.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.
- There is lift access down to ground level on either side of the car park link bridge walkway.
The four internal car park lifts have slightly larger dimensions, although there is then a road to cross at the traffic lights.
Drop-off Point (SEC Courtesy Shuttle Bus)
- There is a designated drop-off point available.
- The designated drop-off point is located in the rear SEC Centre car park, off Stobcross Road.
- There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the drop-off point.
- The rear car park is separately run but there is an agreement with the venue that it can be used for drop-offs for up to 30 minutes.
- Customers can enter the SEC Centre here via its West Entrance and pass through to the main entrance which is close to the Hydro West Doors (SEC Bridge Side) entrance.
- This can be around a 400 metre journey, so a regular courtesy shuttle (Gus the Bus) service is also available from the drop-off point.
- There is a wheelchair space onboard which is accessed via a 79cm wide folding ramp.
- The ramp is steep, although assistance is available.
- There are two steps to access rear seating.
Entrance
- This entrance is located at the front of the building.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is step-free level access at the entrance.
- There are double manual doors at this entrance.
- The doors are permanently held open.
- The width of the opening is 260cm.
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
- The doors have a low visual contrast.
- There is a rotating door to the left of the door surveyed.
There are similar doors on either side of the front angle of the building.
Counter (Box Office)
- The counter is located to the left as you enter.
- The distance from the entrance is 20m.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 111cm.
- There is a lowered section at the counter.
- The height of the lowered section is 74cm.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
Getting Around
- The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the ground floor of the auditorium and the rear of level 1.
- The following areas have stepped access: the upper rows of circle and gallery seating.
- Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
- The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
- There may be background noise.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
- Seating available in the walkways includes: sofas and benches.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
- Lighting levels are adjustable in some areas.
Eating and Drinking (Forth Room)
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Location and Access
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- The Forth Room is located to the rear of the entrance foyer.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Service
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- This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered and staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
- Full table service is not available.
- Menus are wall-mounted and online.
- The following are available: takeaway cups.
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Order and Payment
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- The bar was surveyed.
- The counter is located to the rear of the room.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 123cm.
- There is a lowered section at the counter.
- The height of the lowered section is 90cm.
- The counter has a television.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- Seating available in this area includes: high stools.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
- The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
- The layouts and tables/seating combinations of all bar areas varies depending on the events.
Theatre (Auditorium)
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Theatre Information
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- Advanced bookings are available.
- Concessions are available.
- Captioned performances are available.
- Signed performances are available.
- Audio described performances are available.
- Autism friendly/relaxed performances are available.
- Sensory friendly performances are available.
- There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
- View information on access performances and provisions (opens new tab) .
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Auditorium
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- The most accessible route to the auditorium has a slight ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
- There is step-free level access to a row of seating.
- There is a designated seating area.
- The following rows have step-free access via ramps or slopes: all except the rear two rows.
- The following rows have stepped access: upper and lower rows on the upper levels.
- Seating available includes: chairs without armrests and flip-down seats with armrests.
Designated Seating (Level 0 - Stalls)
- The designated seating area surveyed is located at the rear sides of the auditorium on level 0.
- The distance from the auditorium entrance is 5m.
- There is step-free level access to the designated seating.
- The designated seating area is not clearly marked or signed.
- There are 10+ designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- The number of spaces for wheelchair users varies.
- The view from this seating area is clear from obstructions.
- Companions sit next to you.
- There is a steward available for assistance.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
- There is a toilet with adaptations close to the seating area (within approximately 50m).
- There are similar designated seating areas on either side of the auditorium.
There are also areas to the rear of the front seating section with portable seats which can be removed.
In the front row there are spaces on either side which can provide wheelchair space.
Designated Seating (Level 3 - Rear Circle)
- The designated seating area surveyed is located on level 3, just beyond the auditorium entrance.
- The distance from the lift is 20m.
- The most accessible route to the designated seating has manual doors and doors permanently held open.
- There is step-free level access to the designated seating.
- The designated seating area is not clearly marked or signed.
- There are 3 designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- The number of spaces for wheelchair users varies.
- The view from this seating area is obstructed.
- Companions sit next to you, behind you and in front of you.
- There is a steward available for assistance.
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
- Lighting levels are adjustable.
- There is a toilet with adaptations close to the seating area (within approximately 50m).
- There are similar seating areas on each side.
There is one row of step-free seating between the rear of the Rear Circle designated seating areas on Level 3.
There is also one row of step-free seating at the Front Circle balcony on Level 1.
There are further step-free designated seating areas on either side of the rear Level 4 Gallery seating section, with room for 2 wheelchair spaces in each.
Other seating on Level 4 is accessed via steps.
Stairs (Auditorium - Levels 0-1)
- The stairs surveyed are located next to the auditorium entrance.
- There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
- The levels 0 and 1 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 17cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
Lift (Levels 0, 1 and 3)
- The lift surveyed is located off the entrance foyer.
- The distance from the entrance is 20m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- The levels 0, 1 and 3 are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a high visual contrast.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
- None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 110cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 190cm (width) x 130cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
- Some of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
- There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
- There is a slight slope in the doorway to the lift.
There are similar lifts on either side of the entrance foyer.
Lift (Side - Levels 0, 1, 3 and 4)
- The lift surveyed is located off the corridor to the stalls.
- The distance from the entrance is 40m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- The levels 0, 1, 3 and 4 are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
- None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 79cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 96cm (width) x 210cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
- The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
- There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.
- There are similar side lifts on either side of the building.
Escalators (Levels 0 and 1)
- The escalators surveyed are located to the side of the entrance foyer, next to the Box Office.
- The levels 0 and 1 are accessed by escalators.
- The escalator steps are unmarked.
- The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalators are not clearly marked.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
- There are similar escalators on with side of the entrance foyer.
Stairs (Levels 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4)
- The stairs surveyed are located off the stalls corridor.
- There is a permanently held open door to access the stairwell.
- The levels 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 17cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
Eating and Drinking (Gala Bar - Level 1)
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Location and Access
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- Gala Bar is located at the front of level 1, near the lifts.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Service
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- This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered and staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
- Full table service is not available.
- Menus are wall-mounted and online.
- The following are available: takeaway cups.
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Order and Payment
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- The bar was surveyed.
- The counter is located at the rear of the bar area.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 110cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has a television and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- Seating available in this area includes: sofas.
- Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
- There may be similar bar counters located towards the rear of level 1 depending upon events.
Lift (Rear - Levels 1 and 2)
- The lift surveyed is located at the rear of level 1.
- The distance from the lift is 90m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has slight ramps or slopes.
- The levels 1 and 2 are accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a high visual contrast.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- The external lift control buttons have a low visual contrast.
- None of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 88cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 146cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
- The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
- Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
Stairs (Rear - Levels 1 and 2)
- The stairs surveyed are located at the rear of level 1.
- The levels 1 and 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
- There are 20+ steps between floors.
- The steps are unmarked and have handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The height of the highest step is 16cm.
- The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps have open risers.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Eating and Drinking (The Firths Bar - Level 2)
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Location and Access
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- The Firths Bar is located at the rear of level 2, to the left from the rear lift.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
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Service
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- This area has a bar where drinks can be ordered.
- Full table service is not available.
- Menus are digital.
- The following are available: takeaway cups.
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Order and Payment
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- The bar was surveyed.
- The counter is located beside the rear lift.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 104cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has a television, glazed screens and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
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Seating Area
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- There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
- The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, sofas and high stools.
- Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and high tables.
- The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 0 - Left Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located off the corridor to the stalls, near the side lift.
- The distance from the entrance is 45m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a medium visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 97cm.
- The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 147cm (width) x 177cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 75cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 103cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 107cm and 150cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Toilet with Adaptations (Level 1 - Right Hand Transfer)
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Location and Access
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- The toilet surveyed is located on level 1, on the left side of the building.
- The distance from the lift is 20m.
- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
- The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
- The width of the door opening is 96cm.
- The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
- Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 165cm (width) x 178cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 99cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 102cm from the floor.
- The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
- The hand dryer is 110cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 107cm and 156cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
