Access Guide
Accommodation Introduction
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Parking
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- This residence has dedicated parking.
- Secure parking is available.
- The building is limited to two parking spaces, both of which are wider spaces. The car park is within a gated area with good lighting.
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Residence Information
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- This is a privately owned halls of residence.
- The residence surveyed was The Courtrooms.
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Accessible Accommodation
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- The residence surveyed has accessible accommodation.
- Currently there is one accessible studio flat (14.5). There are further studios which have adapted units, for example; the layout is accessible and the doors are wider. Discussions with an individual would allow required aids or adaptations to be incorporated.
- The accommodation surveyed was 14.5.
- Ceiling tracking hoists are not available in accessible accommodation.
- There is standard accommodation on the ground floor.
- Ground floor accommodation does not have level access.
- Standard accommodation has ensuites with level showers.
- There is not an/are not adjoining room(s) available for the accessible accommodation.
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Amenities and Communal Facilities
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- There is a university bus service stop within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
- There is a convenience store within approximately 200 metres of the residence.
- Communal facilities within this residence include; a staffed reception, a launderette, a common room and a study area.
- The communal facilities for the accommodation surveyed include; a kitchen, a dining area and a study area.
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Auxiliary Aids and Equipment
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- None of the rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
- Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in accommodation.
- There is accessible accommodation with wheel in showers.
- Auxiliary aids can be made available on request. All residents have a Personal Emergency Egress Plan and there are refuge points on every floor with emergency intercoms.
Getting Help and Assistance
- There is a member of staff available for help and assistance.
- Staff receive disability awareness/equality training.
- There is not a member of staff trained in British Sign Language.
- Staff do not receive deaf awareness training.
- British Sign Language interpreters cannot be provided on request.
- The alternative formats documents can be provided in include: audio on request, different languages on request and large print on request.
- There is not an assistance dog toilet or toileting area at the venue/near by.
- No current residents require the use of an assistance dog, but appropriate arrangements would be made on request.
- Suitable equipment can be provided or installed with prior arrangement. Some examples include; shower aids, charging points for scooters/wheelchairs and flashing or vibrating fire alarms.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- Approaching Bristol from the M32, travel to the end of the motorway and continue ahead keeping to the right hand lanes, signposted Clifton and the City Centre. Passing the Cabot Circus Shopping Centre on your left, continue for 500m to The Bearpit Island/St James Barton Roundabout. Take the first exit and keep to the left, past the shopping area and into Bridewell Street. There is a major multi-storey car park on your right (Rupert Street Car Park), which is the nearest public parking to The Courtrooms. If you are travelling to the building car park continue for a further 100m and turn left at the traffic lights into Christmas Street. At the end of Christmas Street turn left again and the entrance to the gated car park is 30m along Quay Street, on your left. The gate has intercom access.
- There are two car parking spaces at the building, two of which are larger spaces to allow wheelchair access. The surface is block paving and there is step free access to the rear entrance of the building.
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By Bus
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- There is a bus stop within 150 metres of the venue.
- Buses serving the main university campus and the halls of residence at Stoke Bishop stop outside and The Courtrooms. Bristol City Bus Station is 500m away, close to the main hospitals. Buses from the bus station serve most parts of Bristol, Cardiff, London and further afield.
- For more information on First Group Buses please click here (opens new tab).
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By Train
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- The nearest Railway Station is Bristol Temple Meads.
- Bristol Temple Meads Station is approximately 2km from The Courtrooms.
- For more information on National Rail please click here (opens new tab).
Parking
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Parking
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- The building does have its own parking facilities.
- The car park is located in the Courtyard which is accessed from Quay Street.
- 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 block paving.
- There are city centre multi-storey car parks in the area but no on-street parking. The nearest car park is Rupert Street NCP Car Park which is approximately 100m away.
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Blue Badge Parking
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- There is a/are Blue Badge parking bay(s) available.
- 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 360cm x 480cm (11ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do need to be booked in advance.
- The designated parking bays are for the use of students with specific needs, by arrangement only. The bays are not clearly marked but have a contrasting block paving surround. The single standard bay is also unmarked.
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Access from the Car Park
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- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
- The entrance is clearly visible from the car park.
- The surface on the approach to the entrance is block paving.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The nearest designated Blue Badge parking bay is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the rear entrance.
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Drop-off Point(s)
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- There is not a/are not clearly marked drop-off point(s).
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Comments
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- There is a very easy slope from the parking bay(s) to the rear entrance.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the corner of Rupert Street and Christmas Street.
- The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
- There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
- There is 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 not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- The bell/buzzer is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The height of the intercom is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key fob reader is 110cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 98cm.
- There is a member of staff available for assistance at this entrance.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located on Christmas Street, to the right as you face the main entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
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Step(s)
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- The step(s) is/are located in front of the main entrance.
- There is/are 4 step(s).
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
- The going 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 both sides of the step(s).
- 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.
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Comments
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- The ramp is 150cm wide over most of its length with some short restrictions of 120cm. The entrance to the ramp is 100cm wide as it is restricted by steps to a staff only entrance.
Outside Access (Rear Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the back of the building, in the Courtyard.
- 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
- A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the key fob reader is 100cm.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is/are single width.
- The door(s) may be difficult to open.
- The width of the door opening is 95cm.
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Ramp/Slope
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- The ramp/slope is located between the designated parking bays and the rear entrance.
- The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
Reception
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Reception
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- The reception point is located immediately inside the main entrance.
- The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) 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 no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
- The counter is placed in front of a plain background.
- The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
- There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
- There is not a lowered section of the counter.
- The counter is staffed.
- Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
- There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
- Signs and universally accepted symbols or pictograms, indicating lifts, stairs, WCs, circulation routes and other parts of the building are provided in the reception area.
- The type of flooring in the reception area is tiles.
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Reception Seating Area
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- There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
- Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
- There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to flat numbers 1-7, on the ground floor.
- The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
- The going of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
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Circulation
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- There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
- The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and vinyl.
- 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.
- The lighting levels are good.
- Access to other floors/levels is via stairs and lift.
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Signage
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- Wayfinding signage is provided.
- The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
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Audio
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- This venue does not play background music in public areas.
- There is not a hearing assistance system in the public areas of the building.
Other Floors
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Stairs
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- Stairs can be used to access other floors.
- The stairs are for public use.
- The stairs are located to the left as you enter the main entrance.
- The stairs are approximately 40m from the main entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
- There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell from the first floor upwards.
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
- 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 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 at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
- Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
- Handrails are easy to grip.
- Handrails do 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.
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Other Information
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- The room(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are flats 1-7.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left as you enter the main entrance.
- Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
- The lift is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the main entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9.
- There are manual, single doors which may be difficult to open to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
- Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
- There is 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 medium.
- The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is Medium.
- The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 120cm x 150cm (3ft 11in x 4ft 11in).
- There are no separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- There is not a hearing loop system.
- The lift does not 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.
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Comments
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- The lift serves all floors except Flats 1-7 on the ground floor, which are approached by 3 steps.
Kitchen/Dining Area (Cluster Flats)
- The kitchen/dining area is accessed by a single door with an opening width of over 75cm.
- The door is not push pad activated.
- Lowered work surfaces are not available.
- The height of the lowest work surface is 72cm.
- The kitchen does have an unobstructed floor space of at least 150cm × 150cm.
- There is not a knee recess under a work surface.
- There are some low level cupboards.
- There are easy to grip handles or taps for the sink.
- The height of the dining table is 71cm.
- There are dining chairs without armrests only.
- Appropriate adaptations can be made with prior arrangement.
Accessible Accommodation (Studio Flat)
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Location and Features of Accessible Accommodation
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- This information refers to a Studio Flat.
- The accessible facilities are located on Floor 1.
- There is level access from an accessible entrance.
- This is by lift.
- The room number viewed was 14.5.
- The narrowest width of the corridor leading to the room surveyed was 120cm.
- The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is good.
- The door is key fob activated.
- The fob/card reader height is 100cm.
- The width of the door to the room is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are adjustable.
- The type of flooring is vinyl/laminate.
- The bed height is not adjustable.
- The bed height is 58cm.
- The bed is not moveable.
- The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm next to the bed.
- The desk is not height adjustable.
- The desk knee recess has the recommended dimensions of 70cm (height) x 50cm (depth).
- The room surveyed had a height adjustable chair with armrests.
- Wardrobes have been adapted to allow use from a seated position.
- Light switches are between 75cm and 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- Electric sockets are between 40cm and 100cm (4ft) from floor level.
- The window control type(s) for the room is a/are standard lever(s).
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the room.
- There is a functional emergency alarm in the room.
- The emergency alarm rings to the corridor and the reception desk.
- Arrangements are made to suit the individual resident and if necessary with input from an occupational therapist. Some studios are 'future adaptable' meaning that space has been allowed in key dimensions to allow for required adaptations.
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Accessible Bathroom
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- This information relates to the ensuite.
- The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is good.
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door to the bathroom is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The door weight is light.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is good.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is good.
- The lighting levels are adjustable.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 260cm x 220cm (8ft 6in x 7ft 3in).
- The accessible bathroom does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The bathroom has a non slip floor.
- There is a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
- The emergency alarm rings to the corridor and the reception desk.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- There is a rail with a padded back rest.
- There is not a toilet roll holder.
- There is a wash basin.
- There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
- The colour contrast between the wash basin grab rails and wall is good.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There is a mixer tap.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- The measurement of lateral transfer space is 160cm (5ft 3in).
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is not a spatula type lever flush.
- Wall mounted grab rails are available.
- As you face the toilet pan the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- The colour contrast between the toilet grab rails and wall is good.
- There are mirrors.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
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Wheel In Shower
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- There is a wheel in shower.
- The shower head height is adjustable.
- The type of shower controls used are lever.
- The shower seat is flip down.
- The shower seat height is 45cm (1ft 6in).
- Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
- The colour contrast between the shower grab rail(s) and wall is/are good.
- The colour contrast between the shower dropdown rail(s) and wall is/are good.
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Photograph Descriptions
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- Photograph 1 shows the bedroom area.
- Photograph 2 shows the bathroom.
- Photograph 3 shows the toilet.
- Photograph 4 shows the ramp into the shower cubicle.
Standard Accommodation (Studio Flat)
- There is step free access to standard accommodation.
- The standard accommodation surveyed is located Room 44.5.
- The standard accommodation surveyed has an ensuite with a shower.
- The step leading into the shower cubicle is 14cm high.
Standard Accommodation (Cluster Flat)
- There is step free access to standard accommodation.
- The standard accommodation surveyed was Room 15.1.
- The standard accommodation surveyed has an ensuite with a shower.
- The kitchen/dining facilities are shared. The step leading into the shower cubicle is 14cm high.
Common Room
- There is a Common Room on the ground floor with a range of seating options, a television and a pool table.
- There are tables of varying heights and room to manoeuvre.
- Lighting is adjustable.
Study Room
- There is a quiet Study Room available on the ground floor.
Toilet with Adaptations
- There is an/are accessible toilet(s) for public use.
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Location and Access
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- The accessible toilet surveyed is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- This accessible toilet is located in the lobby adjacent to the Common Room.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is light.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 88cm.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 230cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 7in).
- The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm in front of the seat.
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 96cm.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- There is a spatula type lever flush.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- There is not a flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
- Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
- There is a/are general domestic waste and female sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the left.
- There is not 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.
- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- There is not a shelf next to the toilet.
- The toilet has a cistern.
- 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).
- 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 vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
- The wash basin tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
- 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 placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
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- Standard toilet facilities are not available.