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Block 5

Halesowen College, Whittingham Road, Halesowen, West Midlands, B63 3NA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include teaching rooms, staff offices, Exams, Registry, Software Development, Commercial and Procurement offices, Estates and Facilities, Health & Safety, Operations, Finance, Payroll and Personnel departments.
  • There is a stepped link to Block 4 on the first floor of this building.
  • Block 4 link (new tab) - click here.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floors off the main corridor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floors off the main corridor.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • From the A458 Stourbridge to Quinton / Birmingham Road, turn north onto Furnace Lane at the roundabout, just north of Halesowen town centre.
      Continue along Furnace Lane, past The Earls High School and up the hill.
      Turn left into Whittingham Road just past the common.
      The entrance to the college is on the right.
    • Parking is available for staff and visitors.
      Generally, students are not permitted to use the College car parks, but are allowed in special circumstances.
      Please contact the college if this is required.
  • By Bus View
    • The College provides a free bus service from a wide range of areas.
      The service operates at the beginning and end of each College day and at lunchtime.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Old Hill, although Cradley Heath and Rowley Regis have step free access.
      These stations are served by London Midland trains from Stourbridge, Kidderminster, Dorridge, Worcester, Stratford-upon-Avon and Birmingham.
      Buses are available from these stations to bus stops close to the college.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available within the car park.
    • The name of the car park is Car Park C.
    • The car park is located on the far side of Block 4.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Car Park C)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in the far left hand corner of the college site, accessed off of Whittingham Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Blocks 4 and 7.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) markings are faded.
    • There is/are 4 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 280cm x 470cm (9ft 2in x 15ft 5in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and staff permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is ramped access to the car park from the Block 4 rear entrance.
    • This car park is clearly signposted from the campus.
    • The nearest designated bay is 26m (28yd 1ft) from the Block 4 rear entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the front left corner of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 162cm (5ft 4in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located in the entrance lobby.
    • The stairs are approximately 3m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on the second floor.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • 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.
    • There are similar stairs at the far end of the building (shown in photographs 4 and 5).
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are Exams, Registry, Software Development, Commercial and Procurement offices, Estates and Facilities, Health and Safety, Operations, Finance, Payroll and Personnel on the second floor.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located off the ground floor corridor, to the right of the main entrance as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0 and 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 800 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 126cm x 135cm (4ft 2in x 4ft 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 not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

Entrance (Block 4 First Floor)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the first floor of Block 4, at the end of the corridor to the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is one set of manual, double doors, which may be difficult to open between the lift and this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 132cm (4ft 4in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 122cm (4ft).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located between the 2 sets of doors.
    • There is / are 6 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides going up.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located off the ground floor corridor, just past the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free 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 good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 142cm x 220cm (4ft 8in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 180cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 114cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, off the main corridor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 214cm (4ft 11in x 7ft).
    • There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • 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 female sanitary and waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 181cm from the floor.
  • 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 the right.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not 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 not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 98cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • 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 toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor and the first floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A female standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located off the ground floor corridor.
    • There is a male standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 19m from the main entrance.
    • There is a/are cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the seat and a vertical rail on the right.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar toilets in the same location on the first floor, except without ambulant cubicles.