You are on Getting to the NEC and Useful Information. Skip to the next section.

Getting to the NEC and Useful Information

• For information about getting to The NEC and other useful information please click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Piazza. Skip to the next section.

Piazza

• For information about the Piazza and its facilities including food & drink and toilets please click here (opens in new tab).

You are on Entrance (Hall). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Hall)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located off the Piazza.
  • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • There are no doors at this entrance.

You are on Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Hall 5). Skip to the next section.

Event Room(s) / Space(s) (Hall 5)

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• Access to the Room View
  • The hall surveyed was Hall 5.
  • Hall 5 is located off the Piazza.
  • There is wayfinding signage for the hall.
  • There is clear signage for the room(s) (on or near the door).
  • There is numerical signage for the room(s), that is clearly visible.
  • Staff can provide assistance getting to the room(s)/space(s).
  • The corridor/walkway leading to the room(s)/space(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step-free access.
• Room Details View
  • The layout of the hall varies depending on the function or event taking place.
    The type of flooring in the hall varies depending on the function or event taking place.
    During some events there may be additional food and drink services available.
    The lighting levels in the hall varies depending on the function or event taking place.
    For some events there is flexible tiered seating.
    For these events the designated wheelchair spaces will vary depending on the layout of the seating.
  • There is stepped access from this hall into Hall 4. There are 15+, 15cm high, clearly marked steps with handrails on both sides leading up to Hall 4.

You are on Eating and Drinking (The NEC Food Bar - The Edge - Oak Kitchen & Burger and Grill). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (The NEC Food Bar - The Edge - Oak Kitchen & Burger and Grill)

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• Location and Access View
  • The following information is for the restaurant/bar.
  • The restaurant/bar is located to the right of Hall 5.
  • There is step-free access to the restaurant/bar.
  • For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
• Service and Menus View
  • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
  • Menu types include: menu boards, written wall menus and handheld menus.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Adapted cups are not available.
  • Adapted cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Background music is only played during certain functions.
  • There is a hearing assistance system .
  • The system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is located on both counters.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
• Service Counter(s) View
  • The height of the counter is 90cm.
  • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 75cm.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • There are separate counters for Oak Kitchen & Burger and Grill.
• Payment Counter View
  • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
• Tables and Seating View
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • There are some tables which are accessible to wheelchair users.
  • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 72cm.
  • The surface height of the highest table is 105cm.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • In this area there are high tables.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Eating and Drinking (Made). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (Made)

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• Location and Access View
  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the right of Hall 5.
  • There is step-free access to the café.
• Service and Menus View
  • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • Menu types include: written wall menus.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Adapted cups are not available.
  • Adapted cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Background music is only played at certain times.
  • There is a hearing assistance system .
  • The system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is located on the counter.
  • The hearing assistance system is signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
• Service Counter(s) View
  • The height of the counter is 85cm.
  • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Eating and Drinking (The NEC Food and Market Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking (The NEC Food and Market Terrace)

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• Location and Access View
  • The following information is for the café.
  • The café is located to the rear of Hall 5.
  • There is step-free access to the café.
  • For access there are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
• Service and Menus View
  • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
  • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
  • Menu types include: written wall menus.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
  • Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
  • Adapted cups are not available.
  • Adapted cutlery is not available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Background music is only played during certain functions.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system .
• Service Counter(s) View
  • The height of the counter is 126cm.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • There was no service counter available in the Food Market at the time of surveying (June 2019).
    The information above refers to the service counter located on the terrace.
• Tables and Seating View
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • The height between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 71cm.
  • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 74cm.
  • The surface height of the lowest table is 103cm.
  • The surface height of the highest table is 109cm.
  • Some tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests on both sides.
  • There are also high tables.
  • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl and tiles.
  • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
  • The lighting levels are varied.
  • The information above refers to both the Food Market (ground level) and the Terrace (level 1).

You are on Lift (The NEC Food Market to The NEC Food Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Lift (The NEC Food Market to The NEC Food Terrace)

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located in The NEC Food Market.
• 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.
• 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 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 fair.
• The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is poor.
• The clear door width is 93cm (3ft 1in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 93cm x 135cm (3ft 1in x 4ft 5in).
• 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 not 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.

You are on Step(s) (The NEC Food Market to The NEC Food Terrace). Skip to the next section.

Step(s) (The NEC Food Market to The NEC Food Terrace)

• There is a/are step(s) located in The NEC Food Market.
• The step(s) is/are used to access The NEC Food Terrace.
• There is/are 15+ step(s).
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
• The going of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on the left 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 easy to grip.
• Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
• The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.

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• Comments View
  • There is an additional set of stairs that can be used to access The NEC Food Terrace.
  • These stairs are located to the left of The NEC Food Market.
  • The 15+ steps are 15cm in height, clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Hall 5 - Right). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Hall 5 - Right)

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located to the right of Hall 5, next to The NEC food & bar.
  • 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 easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 175cm x 190cm (5ft 9in x 6ft 3in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • 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).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
  • 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 fair.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are nappy/incontinence items bin and sanitary 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.
  • 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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).
  • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
  • 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 88cm.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Hall 5 - Right). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Hall 5 - Right)

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located to the right of Hall 5, next to The NEC food & bar.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
  • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
  • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Parent and Baby Room (Hall 5 - Right). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room (Hall 5 - Right)

• There is a parent and baby room for public use.
• The parent and baby room is located to the right of Hall 5, next to The NEC food & bar.
• There is step-free access into the parent and baby room.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
• 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
• There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
• There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
• The height of the wash basin is 102cm.
• The wash basin tap type is twist/turn.
• There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
• There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Accessible Toilet(s) (Hall 5 - Rear). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Hall 5 - Rear)

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• Location and Access View
  • This accessible toilet is located at the rear of Hall 5, next to The NEC food market.
  • 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 easy to open.
  • The door is locked by a twist lock.
  • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
  • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
  • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
• Toilet Features View
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 188cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 2in).
  • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 78cm (2ft 7in).
  • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • There is spatula type lever flush.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
  • 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 fair.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
  • There is a/are sanitary and nappy/incontinence items bin 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.
  • The toilet has a backrest.
  • 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 108cm (3ft 7in).
  • 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).
  • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
  • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
  • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
  • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
  • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The height of the soap dispenser is 84cm.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Hall 5 - Rear). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Hall 5 - Rear)

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • The female and male toilets are located at the rear of Hall 5, next to The NEC Food Market.
  • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
  • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
  • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
  • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
  • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
  • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Parent and Baby Room (Hall 5 - Rear). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room (Hall 5 - Rear)

• There is a parent and baby room for public use.
• The parent and baby room is located at the rear of Hall 5, next to The NEC Food Market.
• There is step-free access into the parent and baby room.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the room.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the parent and baby room door.
• 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 91cm (2ft 12in).
• There are disposal facilities in the parent and baby room.
• There is a wash basin in the parent and baby room.
• The height of the wash basin is 100cm.
• The wash basin tap type is twist/turn.
• There is/are not chair(s) in the parent and baby room.
• There is not a toilet in the parent and baby room.
• There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
• The lighting levels are moderate to good.