Access Guide
Overview
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About
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- The venue is a leisure centre .
- Facilities available in the venue include: a gymnasium, swimming pool, sports hall, group cycle, squash and badminton courts, dance studio, sauna, a cafe and all weather pitches.
- View information on opening times.
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Parking and Public Transport
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- The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
- There is a drop-off point.
- The nearest train station is Rickmansworth Station.
- This station has step-free access.
- For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Traveline (opens new tab).
- Rickmansworth station is step free category B3 with step free access to some platforms only.
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Getting In and Around
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- There is step-free access via a slight ramp at the most accessible entrance.
- The most accessible entrance is the main entrance.
- There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
- There are manual doors along circulation routes.
- Basement and floors 0 and 1 can be accessed via a standard lift.
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Getting Help and Assistance
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- Seating is available.
- There is a fixed hearing assistance system.
- There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
Parking
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the left of the leisure centre entrance.
- The car park is open air/surface.
- The car park surface consists of tarmac.
- There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
- The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
- The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
- The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
- There is a marked zone to one side and the rear.
- The width of the marked zone is 120cm.
- The nearest designated bay is 40m from leisure centre entrance.
- The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp.
- This route has narrow walkways.
- There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- Parking is free for all users.
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Electric Vehicle Charging Points
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- Electric Vehicle charging points are not available.
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Drop-off Point
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- There is a designated drop-off point available.
- The designated drop-off point is located at the front of the leisure centre.
- There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the drop-off point.
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Public Parking
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- There is a public car park located opposite the leisure centre.
- The name of the car park is Shepherds Lane car park.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available in the car park.
- Electric vehicle charging points are available in the car park.
Entrance
- This entrance is located on Shepherds Lane.
- The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
- The entrance area is clearly signed.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
- There is ramped and stepped access at the entrance.
- The ramp bypasses the steps.
- The ramp has a slight gradient.
- The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide.
- There is a handrail on the right going up.
- There are 7 steps.
- There are handrails on both sides.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The handrails extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps have tactile markings at the top and bottom.
- The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
- The depth of the steps is between 30cm-45cm.
- There are double automatic doors.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 180cm.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
- There is a second set of double automatic doors.
- The doors open by sliding.
- The width of the opening is 188cm.
- The doors have a low colour contrast.
Toilet and Changing Facilities
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Toilet Facilities
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- There are 4 toilets with adaptations.
- The toilets with adaptations are located in the basement and on floor 0 and floor 1.
- The transfer space varies between toilets with adaptations.
- The basement facility is also a 'Changing Places' facility.
- Female and male step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the basement and floor 0.
- Gender neutral step-free standard toilet facilities are located on floor 1.
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Changing Places Facilities
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- Changing Places facilities are located in the basement pool changing area.
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Changing Facilities
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- Standard changing facilities are located in the basement adjacent to the pool and on floor 0.
- Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the basement pool changing area and in the toilets with adaptations on floor 0.
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Washroom and Shower Facilities
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- Shower facilities with adaptations are located within the standard male dry changing area on floor 0.
- Standard shower facilities are located in the basement pool changing area and in the dry changing area on floor 0.
Reception
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Location
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- The reception is located ahead as you enter the leisure centre.
- The distance from the entrance is 15m.
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Route
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- The most accessible route to the reception has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
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Access
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- There is step-free level access to the reception.
- The height of the reception desk is 105cm.
- There is a lowered section at the desk.
- The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
- The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested and working at the time of the survey.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- The flooring is patterned.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- Seating available in this area includes: sofas.
- There are security barriers with a wider opening which are operated by key card.
- The wider gate width is 120cm.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step-free access between floors via lift.
- There is step-free level access throughout walkways.
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Circulation
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- There are manual doors along circulation routes.
- The contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high along circulation routes.
- There may be background noise.
- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signage is consistent throughout.
- Seating available in the walkways includes: chairs without armrests.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Lift
- The lift surveyed is located to the right of reception through the double doors.
- The distance from the reception is 30m.
- The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
- There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
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Standard Lift
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- Basement, floor 0 and floor 1 can be accessed by this lift.
- The lift door has a medium colour contrast.
- The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
- The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
- The external lift control buttons have tactile and Braille markings.
- The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
- All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The lift door opening width is 90cm.
- The internal dimensions of the lift are 113cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
- The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings.
- The control buttons have a low colour contrast.
- All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
- The lift has a separate door to exit.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Eating and Drinking (Cafe)
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Location and Access
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- The cafe is located to the right of reception as you enter the leisure centre.
- The most accessible route has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into this area.
- There is open plan access.
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Order and Payment
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- This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
- The service counter was surveyed.
- The counter is located at the rear of the cafe.
- There is step-free level access to the counter.
- The height of the counter is 90cm.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds which may affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The card payment machine is at a height of 102cm.
- The payment machine is portable.
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Service
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- This area also has staff who can provide assistance with ordering.
- Full table service is available on request only.
- Menu types include: countertop.
- The following dietary requirements can be catered for: dairy free and vegetarian.
- The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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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 in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
- There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
- The walls and floor colour contrast varies between low and high.
- Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
- 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 suitable for wheelchair users.
- There may be background noise in this area.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Gym
- The gym is located ahead as you go past reception .
- There is step-free level access into the gym.
- There is a reception desk located to the right as you enter the gym. The height of the desk is 92cm There is an exit door release button at 134cm.
- There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 120cm.
- There are double manual doors.
- The doors open towards you.
- The doors are easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 156cm.
- The doors have a medium colour contrast.
- There is step-free level access throughout.
- There are no doors to open along circulation routes.
- Access throughout may include pillars and permanent physical obstructions.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- The gym is staffed when open.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- There is some clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
- Equipment includes free weights, cable resistance machines, upper body machines where fixed seats can be removed and arm cycles.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- There is background noise in this room.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
Pools
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Pool 1
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- To access the pool area there are double doors that open outwardly. The opening is 92cm wide and there is a locked leaf.
- This is an indoor pool.
- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Some flooring is shiny.
- Seating available around the pool includes: chairs without armrests.
- There is an emergency alarm poolside.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
- The pool has step-free access via hoist only.
- Alternatively, access into the water is via 3 steps or a ladder.
- There are handrails on both sides, which are within reach.
- The handrails are easy to grip.
- The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The following adaptations are available for disabled people: a hydraulic hoist and a submersible wheelchair.
- The pool is staffed at all times.
- Additional facilities include: a children's pool.
Changing Places
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Location and Access
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- The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on the basement floor.
- The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
- There is a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
- The distance from the lift is 10m.
- The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
- There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- A RADAR key is required for access to this facility.
- The door opens outwards and has a medium colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 81cm.
- The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
- Internally the door has a medium colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
- The dimensions of the facility are 550cm (width) x 264cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
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Toilet Details
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- There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however they are obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space on the left is 100cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- The lateral transfer space on the right is 414cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the left transfer side.
- There are horizontal grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The horizontal grab rails have a medium colour contrast.
- There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
- There are dropdown grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
- The dropdown grab rails have a medium colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- There is not a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
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Changing Bench and Hoist Details
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- The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
- The length of the changing bench is 180cm.
- The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
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Shower Details
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- There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
- The shower controls are lever mixer.
- There is a flip-down shower seat.
- The shower seat is 54cm from the floor.
- There are no grab rails for the shower.
- There are dropdown rails for the shower.
- The dropdown rails for the shower have a medium colour contrast.
- There is no emergency alarm.
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Other Facilities
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- There is a height adjustable wash basin.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a medium colour contrast.
- There is a wash basin mounted soap dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser has a medium colour contrast.
- The towel dispenser is 104cm from the floor.
- A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
- The wide paper roll dispenser is 108cm from the floor.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 108cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a long mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are multiple coat hooks.
- The coat hooks are 94cm and 130cm from the floor.
- A privacy screen is available.
- The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Toilet with Adaptations (Left Hand Transfer)
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Location
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- The toilet surveyed is located to the left of reception on floor 0.
- The distance from reception is 30m.
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Route
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- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
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Access
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- 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 high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 82cm.
- The door has a locking handle.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 240cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 85cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a lever flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the non-transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a low colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
- The vertical grab rail has a low colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown grab rail has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 44cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet has a padded backrest.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 108cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 75cm from the floor.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the left side of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rail has a low colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a low colour 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 colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 114cm from the floor.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
- There is a long mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
- There are no coat hooks.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 90cm.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Standard Changing Room (Wet Side - Basement)
- The changing room surveyed is located on the basement floor next to the pool.
- The distance from the lift is 15m.
- The most accessible route to the changing room has a lift.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into the changing room.
- The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 56cm.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- Washing and toilet facilities available in the changing room include: a wheel-in shower and a standard shower.
- Changing facilities available in the changing room include: a dry seat for changing, a baby changing table and a locker.
- The toilet seat has a low colour contrast.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a medium colour contrast.
- There is also a mirror in the room.
- There is a wheel in shower in the changing room.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
- There is no emergency alarm.
- There is a fixed shower head.
- The shower controls are push.
- There is no shower seat.
- There are no grab rails for the shower.
- There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
- The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
- There are also separate male and female group changing areas and individual showers .
Parent and Baby Room
- The room is located poolside in the wetside changing area.
- The distance from the pool is 25m.
- The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into the room.
- There is a single manual door.
- The door opens away from you.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 88cm.
- The door has a medium colour contrast.
- Internally the door has a medium colour contrast.
- The height of the baby change facility when in use is 70cm.
- There is also a wash basin, a mirror and a coat hook in the room.
- The wash basin has a twist/turn mixer tap.
- The room has a nappy/incontinence items bin.
- The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Spa
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About
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- The spa facilities are located within the pool area.
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Getting Around
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- There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
- There may be background noise.
- There is wayfinding signage.
- Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
- Seating available in the building includes: benches.
- Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
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Sauna
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- The sauna is located poolside 15m from the pool on floor 0.
- The most accessible route to the sauna has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into the sauna.
- There is a single manual door.
- The door opens away from you.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 86cm.
- The door has a low colour contrast.
- There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 122cm.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a push button emergency alarm.
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Steam Room
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- The steam room is located within the health suite on floor 0 .
- The most accessible route to the steam room has step-free level access.
- There are no doors to open along the most accessible route.
- There is written text signage on or near the door.
- There is step-free level access into the steam room.
- There is a single manual door.
- The door opens away from you.
- The door requires effort to open.
- The width of the opening is 86cm.
- The door has a low colour contrast.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a push button emergency alarm.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
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Location
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- The toilet surveyed is located to the left of reception opposite the sports hall.
- The distance from the reception is 40m.
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Route
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- The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
- There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
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Access
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- 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 high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 86cm.
- The door has a locking handle (with a RADAR key to access).
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- There is a grab rail on the internal door, with a high colour contrast.
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Dimensions and Features
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- The dimensions of the cubicle are 265cm (width) x 265cm (depth).
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
- The lateral transfer space is 204cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
- There is a spatula flush for the toilet.
- The flush is on the transfer side.
- There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
- The horizontal grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a vertical grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
- The vertical grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- There is a dropdown grab rail on the transfer side.
- The dropdown grab rail has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
- The toilet seat has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The toilet roll holder has a high colour contrast.
- The toilet roll holder is 84cm from the floor.
- The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
- The wash basin and tap can be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
- There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin grab rails have a high colour contrast.
- There is a wall mounted soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
- The soap dispenser has a high colour contrast.
- The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a high colour contrast.
- The hand dryer is 92cm 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 sanitary bin.
- There is one coat hook.
- The coat hook is 158cm from the floor.
- The walls and floor have a high colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
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Shower Facilities
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- There is a wheel in shower in the cubicle.
- There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower.
- There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
- There is an adjustable shower head.
- The shower controls are lever mixer.
- There is a flip-down shower seat.
- The shower seat is 52cm from the floor.
- There are grab rails for the shower.
- The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
- There are dropdown rails for the shower.
- The dropdown rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
Standard Changing Room (Dry Side - Floor 0)
- The changing room surveyed is located along the corridor to the left of reception.
- The distance from the reception is 55m.
- The most accessible route to the changing room has step-free level access.
- There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into the changing room.
- The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 84cm.
- There is a second door.
- The door opens inwards and has a high colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 84cm.
- Internally the door has a high colour contrast.
- Washing and toilet facilities available in the changing room include: a standard shower.
- Changing facilities available in the changing room include: a dry seat for changing, a changing table/bench, a locker and a locker at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
- The wash basin has a push tap.
- The toilet seat has a medium colour contrast.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
- The hand dryer has a low colour contrast.
- There is also a coat hook in the room.
- There is a shower in the changing room.
- There is step-free level access to the shower cubicle.
- There is a fixed shower head.
- The shower controls are push.
- There is a shower seat.
- The shower seat is 53cm from the floor.
- There are grab rails for the shower.
- The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
- There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
- The walls and floor have a medium colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
Shower with Adaptations
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Access
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- The shower surveyed is located in the male dry side changing area.
- The distance from the reception is 40m.
- The most accessible route to the shower has step-free level access.
- There is a manual door along the most accessible route.
- There is step-free level access into the facility.
- There is not any signage on or near the door.
- The door opens inwards and has a low colour contrast.
- The door is easy to open.
- The width of the opening is 72cm.
- The door has no lock.
- Internally the door has a low colour contrast.
- There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
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Dimensions and Features
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- There is a fixed shower head.
- The shower controls are twist turn mixer.
- There is a flip-down shower seat.
- The shower seat is 50cm from the floor.
- There are grab rails for the shower.
- The grab rails for the shower have a high colour contrast.
- There are no dropdown rails for the shower.
- There is no mirror.
- There is no shelf.
- The cubicle has no disposal facilities.
- There are no coat hooks.
- The walls and floor have a low colour contrast.
- Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
