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The Student Union

Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Opening Times (Main Building)

  • Monday 08:30 - 00:15..
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 00:15..
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 00:15..
  • Thursday 08:30 - 00:15..
  • Friday 08:30 - 01:00..
  • Saturday 10:00 - 01:30..
  • Sunday 10:00 - 00:15..

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the city.
  • This venue is situated in the Riccarton Campus.
  • The nearest mainline station is Curriehill.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • Comments View
    • The Riccarton Campus is located on the western edge of Edinburgh.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • There are 0 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
  • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is not a dropped kerb / non stepped access from the car park to the venue.
  • The patron does not have to cross a road.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are single width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 82cm (2ft 8in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • The main entrance consists of 2 individual single doors, each of which open from left to right.

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp or slope to access this service.
  • The ramp or slope is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • There are slopes leading down to the building from the grounds.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the venue.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are single width.
  • The door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in) 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 100cm (3ft 3in) wide.

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting level is medium.
    • The steps are deep.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • The first photograph shows the door leading to the stairs, which is light and opens outwards.
    • The offices of the Student Union Officers are located on level 1.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located right as you enter the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1.
  • The lift is 6m (19ft 8in) from main entrance.
  • The clear door width is 88cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 139cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift controls do not have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 17m (19yd) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to your far left as you enter the building opposite Geordies.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 212cm (6ft 7in x 6ft 11in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is twist/turn.
    • There is not a mixer tap.
    • There is a functional emergency alarm available.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There are mirrors in the accessible toilet.
    • 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 not a hand dryer.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The towel dispenser is 102cm (3ft 4in) high.
    • 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 sink.
    • The sink can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The sink is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the grab rails 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.
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a baby changing facility available.

Standard Toilet(s)

Eating and Drinking (Geordies)

  • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Geordies entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 52cm (1ft 8in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold snacks.

Eating and Drinking (Libertys)

  • The following information is for the cafĂ©.
  • The bar does serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Liberty's entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 114cm (3ft 9in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold snacks.

Eating and Drinking (Zero)

  • The following information is for the bar.
  • The bar does not serve food.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 75cm (2ft 6in).
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Comments View
    • This venue has weekly student club nights, theme nights, live bands and comedy nights.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.
  • Staff are Text Relay aware.

SafeZone

  • SafeZone is a free app based system for students and staff that enhances their personal safety. SafeZone extends the reach of campus safety and security, to cater for the real time needs of the people who use campus every day. It provides a quick and easy way for users to alert SafeGuarding Services, when help or assistance is needed.
  • For information about the SafeZone please click here.