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John Snow House

South Road, Durham University Science Park, Durham, DH1 3YG

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Access Guide

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Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • John Snow House is located within the Durham University Mountjoy Campus which is at the top of the hill, in the Science Park, just off of the A177, on South Road.
      After entering the campus, go through the security barriers and continue up the hill towards the Mountjoy Centre.
      Take the first left at the top of the hill and John Snow House is on the left.
    • John Snow House has its own dedicated parking with 2 Blue Badge bays and ample standard parking bays.
      Parking must be booked in advance using the internal booking system or by contacting the main reception desk.
  • By Bus View
    • The nearest bus stop is approximately 650 metres away on South Road. It is served by the 6 Sapphire, 42 and ED5, with direct links to Durham and surrounding areas.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station is Durham, approximately 1.5 miles away to the north. The station has direct links with the East Coast Main Line and with Newcastle and surrounding areas.
  • Useful Links View

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Tuesday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Wednesday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Thursday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Friday 08:00 - 16:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Parking (Front Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the front of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) surveyed are 250cm x 470cm (8ft 2in x 15ft 5in).
    • There is a 120cm hatched zone around the Blue Badge parking bay(s).
    • The dimensions of other designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
    • There is an additional car park for staff.
    • The staff car park is located at the rear of the building.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the car park.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is block paving.
    • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
    • The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • All parking has to be booked in advance using the internal booking system or by contacting the main reception desk.

Parking (Rear Car Park)

  • Parking View
    • The venue does have a dedicated car park.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park does not have a barrier control system.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is not a/are not Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
    • There are additional car parks for staff and visitors.
    • The main car park is at the front of the building.
  • Paying View
    • There are not parking charges for the car park.
  • Access from the Car Park View
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The entrance is not clearly visible from the car park.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is clearly signposted.
    • The surface on the approach to the entrance is tarmac and block paving.
    • There is no tactile paving on dropped kerbs between the car park and the entrance.
  • Comments View
    • This car park is only used if the front car park is full.
    • All parking has to be booked in advance using the internal booking system or by contacting the main reception desk.
    • There are arrowed signs throughout the car park showing the direction of the main reception.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Rear Car Park Approach Path)

  • There is a/are steep ramp(s)/slope(s) to access the building.
  • The ramp(s)/slope(s) is/are located at the front right of the rear car park.
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp/slope.
  • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
  • The width of the ramp is 111cm.

Bus Stop(s) and Drop-off Point(s)

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance Details View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 121cm.
  • Ramp/Slope Details View
    • The ramp/slope is located leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
  • Comments View
    • The second set of doors are kept locked.
    • Access is via a key fob or using the intercom to contact the reception desk.
    • The height of the key fob reader is 106cm.
    • The height of the intercom is 122cm.
    • Both the key fob reader and the intercom are located on the wall to the right, in the entrance lobby between the 2 sets of doors.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the low section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
    • Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are not provided in the reception area.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The type of flooring is carpet and tiles.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • The waiting room / area does not have background music playing.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the waiting room / area.
    • There is not a television.
    • Vending machines are not available.
    • A water dispenser is not available.
    • There is not a play area or toys/books for a child to play with.
    • There is space for an assistance dog to rest within the seating area.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Getting Around The Building

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are not doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in walkways and corridors is carpet, tiles and stone.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in public areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • Internal corridor doors are automatic and accessed by using a key fob.
    • The height of the key fob readers is 105cm.
    • Exit from corridors is via a door release button at a height of 101cm.
    • Doors are single with a locked extension leaf and are 73cm wide.
    • No internal doors need to be used to access any of the accessible or standard toilet facilities.

Staff Eating Area

  • The staff area is located on the ground floor, on the right, at the beginning of the corridor to the left of the main reception desk.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are double automatic doors to enter the staff area.
  • One of the doors is locked.
  • The door width of the open door is 77cm.
  • There is a key fob reader to enter at a height of 110cm, located on the wall to the right of the doors.
  • There is a door release button to exit, located on the wall to the right, at a height of 105cm.
  • The flooring in the staff eating area is vinyl and stone tiles.
  • There is a work surface and a sink.
  • The work surface is 93cm high.
  • There is not a lowered worksurface.
  • There are low level cupboards.
  • The height to the handles on the low level cupboards is 69cm.
  • The height of the sink is 93cm.
  • The sink has a twist/turn mixer tap.
  • There is a freestanding fridge.
  • The height of the fridge handle is 144cm.
  • There is a freestanding dishwasher.
  • The height of the handle to the dishwasher is 77cm.
  • There is a water cooler.
  • The height of the top control of the water cooler is 91cm.
  • The height of the dispenser tray to the water cooler is 53cm.
  • There is a vending machine.
  • The vending machine dispensing tray is 44cm.
  • The height of the top control of the vending machine is 160cm.
  • The seating is a mixture of seats with and without armrests.
  • The height to the underside of the tables is 71cm.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The going of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • 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 of the building are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the main foyer, to the right as you enter.
  • Signs indicating the location of this lift are not clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not 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 good.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is good.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 108cm x 140cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 7in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 81cm - 93cm.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor Reception Lobby - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, at the rear right of the reception lobby.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • 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 locked by a twist lock.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 140cm (5ft 2in x 4ft 7in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 139cm from floor level.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 98cm from the floor.
  • 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 are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is not a standard shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • 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 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 93cm.
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (First Floor Lift / Stair Lobby - Left Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, in the lift / stair lobby area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • 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 locked by a lever twist.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 158cm x 152cm (5ft 2in x 4ft 12in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The toilet has 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 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 88cm from floor level.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord 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 toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 94cm from the floor.
  • 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 are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • There is not a standard shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a colostomy changing shelf for standing users next to the toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • 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 97cm (3ft 2in).
    • 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).
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 101cm.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor Reception Lobby)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, at the right of the reception lobby.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor Lift / Stair Lobby)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s) View
    • The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the first floor, in the lift / stair lobby area.
    • The female and male toilets are approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
    • This is by lift.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet with wall mounted grab rails is not available.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilets.
    • Lighting levels are good.