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Brunel Building

Harrow on the Hill Campus, Lowlands Road, Harrow, Middlesex, HA1 3AQ

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Access Guide

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Summary

Opening Times

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Harrow College is located on Lowlands Road, just off the A312 in Harrow on the Hill, Middlesex.
    • There is no student parking during the day on the campus, unless for disabled parking. There is limited parking available for evening students, on a first come, first served basis.
  • By Bus View
    • There are several bus stops within 150m of Harrow College. The nearest bus stops are located on Lowlands Road and Peterborough Road. The Lowlands Road bus stop is served by the ML-1 and ML-2 bus routes. The Peterborough Road bus stop is served by the 182, 186, 223, 258 and 483 bus routes.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station to Harrow College is Harrow on the Hill. Harrow on the Hill station is located approximately 200m via Lowlands Road and is operated by Chiltern Railway.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground station is Harrow on the Hill. Harrow on the Hill Underground is approximately 200m via Lowlands Road and is operated by the Metropolitan Line.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking (Rear Car Park - Brunel Building)

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by Blue Badge holders and staff.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located to the right, rear of the Brunel Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 1 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 270cm x 475cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 250cm wide.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the external entrance to Brunel.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are uneven surfaces.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Harrow on the Hill Station Car Park.
    • The car park is located Lowlands Road.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • Additional Blue Badge bay parking is located in the main car park area in front of the Armstrong Building.
    • For information on this parking refer to the Armstrong Building guide.

Outside Access (Brunel Building Rear Car Park)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the far right of the Brunel Building from the rear car park.
    • This entrance gives access to the rear of the Brunel Building near to the gym and rooms B054 and B056.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 107cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
    • Doors were not being used at time of survey (September 2021) due to Covid restrictions . At the time of survey, the automatic door function was not in operation and doors could only be opened manually.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located immediately ahead of the rear entrance doors.
    • There is/are 4 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up the step(s).
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).

Lift (Brunel Building Car Park Entrance)

  • The lift is located ahead as you enter through the Brunel Building car park entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the car park entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 410kg.
  • 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 medium.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of 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 within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • This lift allows step free access from the carpark entrance to the ground floor of the Brunel Building. The lift is located to the left of the 4 steps.

Outside Access (Courtyard Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the courtyard in the centre of the campus.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Brunel Building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Brunel Building Ground Floor'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The width of the door opening is 77cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.

Entrance (Internal Access - Armstrong Building Link Ramp into Brunel)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located beyond the ramp that leads from the Armstrong Building into the Brunel Building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Brunel Building from the Armstrong Building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 145cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 76cm.
    • The second set of doors described above are located ahead of the stairs leading to rooms B141 - B144 and the internal entrance to the White House (photograph 3).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located immediately before the first set of doors.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).

Getting Around (Ground Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is a steep permanent ramp past the Brunel Building Entrance doors to access the gym, lecture theatre and teaching rooms B050 - B065.
      This ramp is 116cm wide and has handrails on both sides (photographs 1 and 2).
      There is a second slight ramp after the one described above which also provides access to Rooms B050- B065 and the gym.
      This ramp has handrails on both sides (photographs 3 and 4).
      There is a slight permanent ramp from the ground floor accessible toilet to the lecture theatre.
      This ramp has handrails on both sides and is the width of 120cm (photograph 5).
    • There are 3 clearly marked steps to the right as you reach the top of the ramp described above.
      These steps provide access from the ground floor to the lecture theatre.
      The steps are medium height with a depth of 28cm.
      The steps have a handrail on the right side going up (photograph 6).
      There are 7 clearly marked steps opposite the lecture theatre which lead to the Image Centre.
      These steps are medium height with a depth of 15cm.
      There are handrails both sides (photograph 7).
      There are 5 clearly marked steps on the ground floor near the accessible toilet which leads to rooms B026 - B027 and Learning Support and CSU.
      These steps are medium height and have a depth of 28cm.
      The steps have handrails on both sides (photograph 7).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is laminate.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • 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 communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Lecture Theatre(s)

  • Signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is not step free access into the lecture theatre(s) from the corridor.
  • There is/are 3 medium height (11cm - 17cm) step(s) for access to the lecture theatre(s).
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked and has/have a handrail on the right leading in.
  • 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 no designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 95cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the lecture theatre(s) ranges between 68cm and 71cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There is a/are chair(s) with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • Comments View
    • Step free access into the Lecture Theatre can be obtained by entering through the adjoining Learning Support and CSU rooms.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left of the Brunel Building Rear Entrance from the car park.
    • The stairs are approximately 7m from the Brunel Building Rear Entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • 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 not 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.
  • Other Information View
    • The steps described above can be avoided by using the platform lifts to access these floors.
      There is a second set of stairs by the Image Centre.
      These stairs are medium height with a depth of 28cm.
      They have a handrail on the right side going up and provide access to the EFL Centre.
      These stairs provide the only access to this area of the building, there is no lift (photographs 2 and 3).
  • Comments View
    • There is a third staircase located ahead of the ramp leading from the Armstrong Building into Brunel (photograph 4).
    • These stairs provide access to the first floor, Rooms B141 - B144.
    • These stairs can be avoided by using the lift.

Lift (Platform Lift to Rooms B141 - B144)

  • The lift is located ahead of the stairs to Rooms B141 - B144.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Armstrong Building ramp into Brunel.
  • The lift is a platform 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 G and 1 .
  • The weight limit for the lift is 410kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 89cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 145cm.
  • 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 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 within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift does 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.
  • A key card is required to operate this lift. The key card reader is at the height of 80cm.

Lift (Platform Lift - G - 1 - 2)

  • The lift is located ahead and to the right as you enter through the courtyard entrance doors.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the courtyard entrance doors.
  • The lift is a platform 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 G, 1 and 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 410kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 89cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 145cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does 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.
  • This lift is key card operated, the height of the card reader is 80cm.

Getting Around (First Floor)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is stepped access to There are 3 steps located along the main corridor on the first floor which lead from Rooms B101 to Rooms B125.
      These steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm) and are not clearly marked.
      The steps have handrails on the right going up (photographs 1 and 2).
    • There are 2 steps located on the first floor which lead up to Rooms B120 and B1215.
      These steps are at the height of 19cm and have the depth of 28cm.
      These steps do not have a handrail (photographs 3 and 4).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is laminate.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • 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 communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground floor)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of the building opposite the Brunel ground floor access to rooms B023 and B026 level change.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the Brunel internal entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 89cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 178cm x 200cm (5ft 10in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 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) and wall is poor.
    • 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 a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • 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/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • 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 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Comments View
    • This accessible toilet also has a ceiling track hoist fitted.
    • There is an additional accessible toilet in the Brunel Building which is located in the Image Salon.
    • For further information regarding this toilet refer to the Image Salon separate guide.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the right as you reach the bottom of the internal Brunel entrance to Brunel ground floor ramp.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 19m from the internal Brunel Building entrance doors.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 90cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.