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Sopwith Building

Penrhyn Road Campus, Fassett Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1 2EE

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the town or city.
  • This venue is situated in Kingston upon Thames.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Kingston.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders can booked in advance.
  • There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 360cm x 430cm (11ft 10in x 14ft 1in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the car park entrance.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Comments View
    • The car park is for staff only and spaces must be booked in advance or allocated to a member of staff.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • 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 easy.

Outside Access (Car Park Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • 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 push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 174cm (5ft 9in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the right going up.
    • The width of the ramp is 130cm (4ft 3in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 2 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the left going up.

Reception (Faculty/Student Office)

  • The desk/counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a slight ramp, with a handrail on the left going up, for access to Student Office and Meeting Room 0038.
    • The width of the ramp is 136cm (4ft 6in).
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 1.
    • There is a steep ramp, with no handrails, for access to Roberts Lecture Theatre Lift.
    • The width of the ramp is 135cm (4ft 5in).
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 2.

Other Floors (Main Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G,1, 2, 3.
    • The stairs are located through the doors next to the lift.
    • The stairs are approximately 23m from the main 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.
    • 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 (Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the left after passing reception from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G,1, 2, 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 205cm (3ft 7in x 6ft 9in).
  • 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 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.

Lift (Roberts Lecture Theatre)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you exit the main lift, through the double doors and down the corridor.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, Roberts Lecture Theatre.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 120cm (3ft 3in x 3ft 11in).
  • 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 does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.
  • Comments View
    • This lift is used for level access to the Roberts Lecture Theatre from the first floor corridor.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Roberts Lecture Theatre)

  • 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 not 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 space for an assistance dog.
  • There is not step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The entrance to the lecture theatre is located at the back, and to get to the speakers area, there are 15+ steps downwards.
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 90cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is (staggered) tiered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the (staggered) tiered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is 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 room(s) is 73cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The room does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • Access to the Lecture theatre is via either the Robert's Lecture Theatre Lift or the 15 clearly marked deep steps with handrails on either side shown in photographs 7 and 8.

Accessible Toilet(s) (SB 0002)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the corridor to the entrance to the Sopwith Building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 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 poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (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 138cm x 190cm (4ft 6in x 6ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary 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 disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 122cm and 152cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 80cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There is a smaller shelf located to the right of the toilet on the non-transfer side of the toilet at a height of 100cm.
    • There is a ceiling hoist in the cubicle which can be seen in photograph 5.

Accessible Toilet(s) (SB 1002)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the main corridor on the first floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • 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 140cm x 240cm (4ft 7in x 7ft 10in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a 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 the left.
    • There is not 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is 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.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • 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 is on the dropdown rail.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • 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 95cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (SB 2002)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the second floor corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (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 140cm x 235cm (4ft 7in x 7ft 9in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are 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 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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) to the left of the toilet and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf does not have the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 95cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • 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 can 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • 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 98cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Accessible Toilet(s) (SB 3002)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located along the third floor corridor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is written text and 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 locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • 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 140cm x 233cm (4ft 7in x 7ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are 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 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 the left.
    • There is not 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 poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • 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.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • 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 contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • 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 98cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the left hand side as you enter the building.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the left hand side as you enter the building.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.
  • Comments View
    • There are 4 identical adapted toilets available in the building, they are located in the same position on each floor.
    • There are also 4 sets of standard toilets available in the same position on each floor.

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 cannot be requested.