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Davy Building

University of Plymouth, Drake Circus, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 8AA

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Services, the School of Marine Science and Engineering, the Centre for Chemical Sciences and Cartographic Resources.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • From the end of the M5 take the Devon Expressway (A38). After 60km take the A374 towards the city centre and follow for 5km across three roundabouts to Charles Cross roundabout. Take the third exit onto Charles Street, turn left onto Glanville Street and take the first turning on the right to James Street in the centre of the University.
    • All parking on the University campus is permit parking and must be arranged in advance. The main section of visitor parking is to the left off James Street.
  • By Bus View
    • Plymouth Citybus services to and from all outlying areas including Devonport, Plympton and Saltash pass the University site.
  • By Train View
    • GWR provides services at Cornwall, Exeter, Bristol and London with links to the rest of the country.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Site/Campus Car Park (Mary Newman Hall)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located behind the Mary Newman Hall.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 380cm x 600cm (12ft 6in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the car park.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Mary Newman Building.
    • The nearest designated bay is 150m (164yd 2in) from the Main Hall/Davy Building Entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the side of the building adjacent to The House.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 178cm (5ft 10in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 165cm (5ft 5in).

Outside Access (Main Hall and Davy North Building)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in front of the entrance to the Main Hall and Davy Building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 4 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Side Entrance North)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the side of the building at the north end, opposite the Students Union Building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 3 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Entrance (Davy North from the Main Hall)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located in the foyer to the Main Hall.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm (5ft 6in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located immediately beyond the entrance.
    • There is / are 4 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides going up.
  • Comments View
    • The accessible entrance is clearly signposted from the foyer area.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the Lecture Theatre (220) on the second floor.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
    • There is a standard lift which overcomes the step(s) and ramp(s)/slope(s).
    • The ramp to the Lecture Theatre has a non slip surface. (Photographs 5 and 6).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.
    • The stairs are located opposite the lifts, ahead as you enter the Main Entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 25m from the Main Entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located on the right as you enter the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The lift is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 145cm (4ft 5in x 4ft 9in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is an identical lift at the rear of the Davy building that gives access to the eighth floor.

Lecture Theatre(s)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There are no designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • There is/are 6 medium height (11cm - 17cm) step(s) for access to the designated seating.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked and does/do not have handrails.
  • There is not 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 90cm.
  • 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 sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 69cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.

Accessible Toilet

  • Accessible toilet facilities are available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the standard toilets on the Ground and First floors. The male toilet is on the ground floor and female on the first floor. The toilets are the same dimensions. Photograph 1 shows the male toilet and Photograph 2 in the female toilet.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is not a shared toilet.
    • The accessible toilets are situated in the standard toilet facilities.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 195cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 5in).
    • There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 1110cm (36ft 5in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • 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).
    • There is a soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 120cm.
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There are no disposal facilities in the male toilet.

Standard Toilet(s) (Davy North Stairwell)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male standard toilets facilities on the second floor, the third floor, the sixth floor and the eighth floor.
    • There are female standard toilets facilities on the second floor, the third floor, the fifth floor and the sixth floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A female standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the 4th floor.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 7m from the lift.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Davy South Stairwell)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male standard toilets facilities on the first floor, the fourth floor and the seventh floor.
    • There are female standard toilets facilities on the second floor, the third floor, the fifth floor and the sixth floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the 1st Floor.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 8m from the lift.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.