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Huxley Building

Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, ST5 5BG

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the School of Life Sciences, Laboratories, Lecture theatres.

Location

  • This venue is situated in the main university campus.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Stoke-on-Trent.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On street marked Blue Badge bays are available.
  • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 300cm x 500cm (9ft 10in x 16ft 5in).
  • On street Blue Badge parking is located on the street outside.
  • Clearly signed and / or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • 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 door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
  • Second set of doors View
    • The automatic doors are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located at the front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.

Reception

  • The desk is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • The reception desk is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • The desk has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The desk is generally staffed.

Inside Access (Main Building)

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Other Floors (Main Building)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • The stairs are located ahead on entering the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Lift (Main Entrance)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located ahead as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 800 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 154cm x 120cm (5ft 1in x 3ft 11in).
  • 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 has 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 medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilets within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The accessible toilet is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter.
    • 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 outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The door weight is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 203cm x 220cm (6ft 8in x 7ft 3in).
    • 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 12cm (5in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency 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 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 the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There are not mirrors.
    • 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 116cm (3ft 10in) 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 poor.
    • There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on all floors.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the second floor.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • This is by lift.
    • Lighting levels in the female and male toilets are good.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Alan Gemmel Theatre Room 015)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are push pad activated.
  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the back.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is not step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • There are 6 deep steps leading down into the theatre to access the speakers area. These steps can be seen in photograph 8.
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 93cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the lecture theatre(s) ranges between 70cm and 83cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Outside Access (David Attenborough Laboratories)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right when facing the main building entrance.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • There is a level path that leads from the main building entrance to this entrance.
    • There are two similar double doors once inside the first entrance, the doors on the left lead to the Alan Gemmell Lecture theatre and toilet facilities, the door to the right leads to the lift and stairs.

Inside Access (David Attenborough Laboratories)

  • There is level access to the service.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are varied.

Other Floors (David Attenborough Laboratories)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3.
    • The stairs are located to the right on entering.
    • The stairs are approximately 8m from the new building entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on all floors and on the ground floor.
    • The lighting levels are 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.

Lift (David Attenborough Laboratories)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right on entering.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby on the ground floor.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1275 kg.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 190cm x 135cm (6ft 3in 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 have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has 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 good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (David Attenborough Laboratories)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter David Attenborough Laboratories.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the 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 signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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 265cm x 280cm (8ft 8in x 9ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 190cm (6ft 3in).
    • 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.
    • 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 disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • 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 good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 96cm.
    • 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 127cm (4ft 2in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head can be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • The colour contrast between the shower rails and wall is good.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the shower.

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 generally on duty.