Access Guide
Summary
- Services/facilities within the venue include a Museum and Café.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- The Museum is located off Chambers Street in Edinburgh City Centre.
- There is parking along Chambers Street.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- The nearest bus stop is the National Museum of Scotland stop on Chambers Street which serves route number X55.
Located nearby is the Chambers Street bus stop which serves route numbers 23, 27, 41, 42 & 67. - For more information on Lothian Buses please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Edinburgh Waverley.
- The Museum is 0.4 miles from the station.
The route from the station involves overcoming several slopes and ramps. - For more information on Edinburgh Waverley Station please click here (opens new tab).
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By Tram
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- The nearest tram stop is Princess Street.
- The Museum is 0.4 miles from Princess Street The route from the Princess Street involves overcoming several slopes and ramps.
Public Parking
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On Street Blue Badge Parking
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- There is a/are clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Chambers Street.
- The dimensions of the on street Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
- There are not parking charges for the on street Blue Badge parking bay(s).
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
- There are two areas one (approx.) 1200cm by 240cm and the other (approx.) 800cm by 250cm marked as for, "For Disabled Badge holders only" close to the accessible entrance to the museum. The bays are marked as "disabled" on the road, and on a sign identifying the bays as for "For Disabled Badge holders only". There are no hatched zones.
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On Street Standard Parking
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- Standard on street parking is available.
- The standard on street parking is located on Chambers Street.
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Public Car Park
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- There is a car park for public use within approximately 200m (219yd).
- The public car park is located on Chambers Street.
- The name of the car park is Chambers Street.
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Drop-off Point(s)
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- There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- There is a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- There is a member of staff trained in basic British Sign Language.
- There is not a member of staff trained in Irish Sign Language.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: large print and different languages.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/nearby.
- Water bowls for assistance dogs are not available.
- There are mobility aids available.
- The mobility aids available include wheelchairs.
- To obtain mobility aids please contact Reception.
- There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people who may feel scared or at risk.
- Large print labels and gallery guides are available on request.
Opening Times (National Museum of Scotland)
- Monday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Tuesday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Wednesday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Thursday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Friday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Saturday 10:00 - 17:00.
- Sunday 10:00 - 17:00.
Other Floors (Gallery)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are Levels 1, 3 and 5.
- The stairs are located at either end of the Gallery.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are good.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- There is a landing.
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Comments
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- The handrails on the stairs vary.
- There are identical staircases on the other side of the Gallery.
Lift (Gallery)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the rear of Level 0.
- The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are 0, 1, 3 and 5.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 130cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 3in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The controls for the lift are within 82cm - 106cm of the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
- There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
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Comments
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- There are 2 lifts at the rear wall, one to the left and one to the right.
Other Floors (Galleries 3 and 4)
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are for public use.
- The stairs are located in Galleries 3 and 4 on Level 1.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are Levels 1, 3 and 5.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The steps do have open risers.
- The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
- There is a landing.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
- The lighting levels at the steps are good.
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Comments
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- There are two similar staircases; one in Gallery 3 and one in Gallery 4.
Escalators (Levels 1, 3 and 5)
- Clear overhead/bold signage is only available for the escalator/s going up.
- The floors which are accessible by escalator/s are Levels 1, 3 and 5.
- The escalator steps are not clearly marked.
- The foot and head of the escalator/s are clearly marked.
- Clear signage for the lift is not available at the escalator/s.
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Comments
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- Up to 16.45 daily, the escalators are used for going up.
- After this time they are used for going down to help with exiting the building.
Lift (Galleries 3 and 4)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in Galleries 3 and 4.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the Gallery lift.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are Levels 1, 3 and 5.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is High.
- The clear door width is 112cm (3ft 8in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 142cm x 132cm (4ft 8in x 4ft 4in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
- There is a/are similar lift(s) available.
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Comments
View
- There are two separate similar lifts; one in Gallery 3 and one in Gallery 4.
Lift (Learning Centre)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located next to the Learning Centre.
- The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the Gallery lifts.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are Levels 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
- Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
- The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
- The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is medium.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 137cm x 150cm (4ft 6in x 4ft 11in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does have tactile markings.
- The lighting levels in the lift are good.
Getting Around (Level 3)
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Access
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- There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
- There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to Level 3 from the Learning Centre lift.
- The ramp can be seen in photographs 1 and 2.
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Circulation
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- There are not doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is wood and laminate.
- There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some corridors/walkways.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Access to other floors/levels is via stairs, escalator and lift.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is not consistent throughout the building.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in public areas.
Attraction / Exhibit (Animal Senses / Restless Earth)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- The type of flooring in this area is wood and laminate.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some areas.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
- There is a high colour contrast between some walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are varied.
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Exit
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- Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
Attraction / Exhibit (Performance and Lives / Facing the Sea)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some areas.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
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Exit
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- Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
Attraction / Exhibit (Making and Creating)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- The type of flooring in this area is wood.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some areas.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
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Exit
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- Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
Attraction / Exhibit (Technology By Design / Communicate)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are no doors, however there is an open width of 75cm+ for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is not clearly signed.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- The type of flooring in this area is wood.
- Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are provided in some areas.
- This area does not play background music/sound.
- There are not resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are some exhibits which start from the floor level.
- There is a high colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
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Exit
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- Visitors can exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is not clearly signed internally.
Attraction / Exhibit (Special Exhibition Gallery 1)
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Entrance / Opening
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- There are double, manual doors with an opening width of 75cm+, which are easy to open for access to this area/attraction.
- The entrance/opening is clearly signed.
- The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
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Attraction / Exhibit
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- There is step-free level access throughout this area.
- Clear directional signage is not provided in this area.
- During busy periods this area can become congested.
- The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- This area does play background music/sound.
- Strobe lighting/flashing lights are used in this area.
- There are resting/seating areas within this area.
- Explanations for the exhibit(s) is/are in information board and television/screen format.
- No exhibits can be audio described.
- There are no exhibits which start from the floor level.
- During relaxed viewings the noise volume of the exhibits will be lowered where possible.
The noise will be a combination of music, game noise and other visitors, with some games being loud.
Some areas have bright screens in a low light environment.
Some games/areas have a Content Warning - age restriction or potentially triggering content. - There is a low colour contrast between the walls and the floor in this area.
- The lighting levels in this area are adjustable.
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Exit
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- Visitors exit via a separate set of doors/opening.
- The exit is clearly signed internally.
- There are double, manual doors with an opening width of 75cm+, which may be difficult to open when exiting this area/attraction.
- The exit is step-free.
- There is a ticket counter to the right of the entrance, which is 90cm from the floor.
Exhibition Shop
- The Exhibition Shop is located next to Special Exhibition Gallery 1.
- There is level access with no doors to enter the Shop.
- There is clear manoeuvring space for wheelchair users.
- There is a minimum width of 100cm between aisles.
- There height of the service counter is 90cm.
- There is not a lowered section on the service counter.
- There is not a hearing loop at the service counter.
Eating and Drinking (Balcony Café)
- The following information is for the café.
- Full table service is not available.
- Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
- Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
- There is not a lowered section at the counter.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the Gallery 3 and 4 lifts.
- The standard height for tables is 73cm.
- Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
- Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- Menus are wall only.
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Picture menus are not available.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is sandwiches, baguettes, cakes and snacks.
Toilet with Adaptations (Gallery - Level 3 - Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located off the Gallery on Level 3.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the Gallery lift.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- 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 door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 96cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 126cm x 160cm (4ft 2in x 5ft 3in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has not got a non-slip floor.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 140cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by the non-infectious waste bin.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- 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 flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 113cm and 182cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
View
- 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.
- 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 next to the toilet.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin 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 70cm (2ft 4in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 97cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Baby Changing Facilities
View
- Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 89cm (2ft 11in).
Toilet with Adaptations (Making and Creating - Level 3 - Left Hand Transfer)
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located within the Making and Creating area on Level 3.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the Gallery lift.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- 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 door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 94cm.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 110cm x 160cm (3ft 7in x 5ft 3in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The toilet has not got a non-slip floor.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 71cm.
- The transfer space is obstructed by the 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 dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are non-infectious waste and female sanitary disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
- There are coat hooks in the toilet at 113cm and 185cm from the floor.
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Position of Fixtures
View
- 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.
- 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 next to the toilet.
- The toilet has a backrest.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin 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 72cm (2ft 4in).
- There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- Taps have clear markings to indicate hot and cold settings.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are low to moderate.
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Comments
View
- There is a slight lip in the doorway to be aware of where the surface changes.
Standard Toilet(s) (Making and Creating - Level 3)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the Making and Creating area on Level 3.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the Gallery lift.
- There is step-free access into the female and male toilet(s), via lift.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- There is not a lowered urinal in the male toilet(s).
- An ambulant toilet with wall-mounted grab rails is not available.
- There is not a lowered wash basin.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Baby Change Facilities
View
- Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
- Baby change facilities are located in the standard female and male toilets.
- There is step-free access into the baby change facilities, via lift.
- The baby change table is not set against the wall, permanently fixed at 75cm from the floor.
- The baby change table is not height adjustable.
- The height of the baby change table once extended is 86cm (2ft 10in).
Related Access Guides
- To view other AccessAble Detailed Access Guides that are related to this one please use the links below.
- National Museum of Scotland - Level 0 Entrance Hall link (new tab) - click here
- National Museum of Scotland - Level 1 link (new tab) - click here
- National Museum of Scotland - Level 5 link (new tab) - click here
- National Museum of Scotland - Learning Centre link (new tab) - click here
- National Museum of Scotland - Tower link (new tab) - click here