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National Museum of Scotland - Level 5

Chambers Street, EH1 1JF

Access Guide

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Central Museum Lifts

  • The lift surveyed is located to the rear of the entrance hall, in the middle of the museum.
  • There are 2 identical lifts opposite each other.
  • The distance from the entrance is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Levels 0, 1, 3 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • 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 110cm (width) x 180cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings, a medium visual contrast and a low visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a visual floor indicator.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

Side Lifts

  • The lift surveyed is located at the side of the main museum.
  • The distance from the main gallery lifts is 40m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, a lift, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
  • Levels 1, 3 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 112cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 160cm (width) x 120cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
  • There are similar lifts at both sides of the main exhibition galleries.

Escalators

  • The escalators surveyed are located off the central gallery area.
  • Levels 1, 3 and 5 are accessed by escalators.
  • The escalator steps are unmarked.
  • The foot (bottom) and head (top) of the escalators are not clearly marked.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Balcony Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located at both ends of the main museum.
  • The stairs lead to either side of the balcony.
  • Levels 1, 3 an 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail that switches sides.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Side Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located at the side of the main museum.
  • There are similar stairs at the other side of the main museum.
  • There are permanently held open doors to access the stairwell.
  • Levels 1, 3 and 5 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have 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 height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps have open risers.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Survival - Adventure Planet

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises, lighting effects and interactive video effects.
  • There is background noise.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
  • The chairs are fixed.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

Toilet with Adaptations (Survival - Level 5 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on level 5, next to the Survival exhibits.
    • The distance from the lift is 22m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
    • 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 low visual contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 185cm (width) x 230cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 125cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 110cm and 176cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 92cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Traditions in Sculpture - Art of Living - Design for Living

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • The following may be experienced here: lighting effects.
  • There may be background noise.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Display information includes: pictorial and information boards.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.
  • The chairs are fixed.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

Artistic Legacies - Inspired by Nature - Ancient Egypt - Exploring East Asia

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises, lighting effects and interactive video effects.
  • There is background noise.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
  • The chairs are fixed.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

Enquire - Energise

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: strobe or flashing lights, sudden loud noises, lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
  • There is background noise.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, handheld information devices, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 5 - Energise - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on level 5, next to the Enquire exhibits.
    • The distance from the lift is 22m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
    • 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 low visual contrast.
    • The door requires effort to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 200cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 108cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 43cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 85cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 115cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 112cm and 175cm from the floor.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 87cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.