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Research Wing

Heriot-Watt University, Scottish Borders Campus, Nether Road, Galashiels, TD1 3HF

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town.
  • This venue is situated in Galashiels.
  • The nearest mainline station is Edinburgh Waverley.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking (University)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There are 4 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 480cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 55m (60yd) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest designated bay is 70m (77yd) from the main entrance.
  • 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 dropped kerbs.
  • 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.
  • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • This small area of parking is for Blue Badge holders.
    • There is a large public car park behind this area that can also be used.

Parking (Public)

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There are 8 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 360cm x 600cm (11ft 10in x 19ft 8in).
  • The nearest designated bay is 75m (82yd) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest designated bay is 105m (115yd) from the main entrance.
  • 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 dropped kerbs.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is a dropped kerb / non stepped access from the car park to the venue.
  • The dropped kerb does have tactile paving.
  • The patron does 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 level access into the venue.
  • The intercom is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
  • The main doors open automatically.
  • The doors are single width.
  • The door opening is 94cm (3ft 1in) wide.
  • Comments View
    • The automatic door is for disabled access only and is push pad activated.
    • There is a 2cm metal threshold in the doorway.
    • Alternative access is via the adjacent revolving door.
    • When exiting via the automatic door there is a push button as opposed to a pad.

Outside Access (Research Wing Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located in a corridor off the atrium.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 144cm (4ft 9in) wide.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • Lighting levels are varied.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
  • Comments View
    • There is level access to the back of the small lecture theatre.
    • The other rows of seating are each accessed via a clearly marked, medium step,
    • .

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 0-1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting level is medium.
    • 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.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located halfway along the Researck Wing corridor.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0-1.
  • The lift is 16m (17yd) from Research Wing entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 145cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 9in).
  • 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 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 low.

Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)

  • 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 2m (6ft 7in) from the Research Wing entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located in the area immediately outside the Research Wing entrance.
    • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 128cm x 245cm (4ft 2in x 8ft 0in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is not clear in the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a lateral transfer space.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
    • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (0ft 4in) from floor).
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are not mirrors in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • 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 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 bright.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor )

  • 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 lift.
    • The accessible toilet is located on the first floor of the wing.
    • There is level access to the accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 226cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not a functional emergency alarm available.
    • It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (0ft 4in) from floor).
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a coat hook.
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are not mirrors in the accessible toilet.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is 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 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 bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.

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.