Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include student accommodation, common room, laundry rooms, staff offices.
Opening Times (A Block and C Block House Offices)
- Monday 08:30 - 15:00.
- Tuesday 08:30 - 15:00.
- Wednesday 08:30 - 15:00.
- Thursday 08:30 - 15:00.
- Friday 08:30 - 15:00.
- Saturday Closed.
- Sunday Closed.
Opening Times (A Block and C Block House Offices - RA Times)
- Monday 18:00 - 19:00.
- Tuesday 18:00 - 19:00.
- Wednesday 18:00 - 19:00.
- Thursday 18:00 - 19:00.
- Friday 18:00 - 19:00.
- Saturday 18:00 - 19:00.
- Sunday 18:00 - 19:00.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- Pollock Halls of Residence is located towards the south of Edinburgh, off Holyrood Park Road and the A7 (Dalkeith Road).
- The Transport and Parking Office of the University of Edinburgh manages parking at the University. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only and are subject to the university’s parking regulations. Permits are available for visitors to the university.
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By Bus
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- Pollock Halls of Residence is served by the numbers 2, 14 and 30 buses stopping at the Royal Commonwealth Pool bus stop on the A7 (Dalkeith Road).
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By Train
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- Pollock Halls of Residence is approximately 1.3 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, the city's main train station. Buses and taxis are available from the station to the site.
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Useful Links
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- To see the university's webpage for travel and parking information for the Pollock Halls of Residence please use this link.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Useful Information
- To see more information on The Advice Place please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0131 650 9225.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on The Student Disability Service please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0131 650 6828.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Student Recruitment and Admissions please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0131 650 4360.
- To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0131 667 1971.
- Email: [email protected].
- Staff receive Disability Equality Training.
Site/Campus Car Park (Car Park 2)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the rear left of the Pollock Halls site as you enter from the main road, behind Chancellor's Court.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Chancellor's Court.
- 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 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 271cm x 410cm (8ft 11in x 13ft 5in).
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by visitors and 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.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is sloped access to the car park from the Chancellor's Court.
- This car park is not clearly signposted from the Chancellor's Court C Block - The Crags entrance.
- The nearest designated bay is 120m (131yd 8in) from the Chancellor's Court C Block - The Crags entrance.
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Comments
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- The car parking immediately behind the Chancellor's Court building, including the Blue Badge Bay, is for guests only.
Outside Access (A Block - Arthur's Seat - Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front left of the building.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The card reader/lock is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- 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 113cm (3ft 8in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Second Set of Doors
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- 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 131cm (4ft 4in).
Outside Access (A Block - Arthur's Seat - Lower Ground Floor Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building, on the lower ground floor.
- There is step free access at this entrance.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The card reader/lock is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
Outside Access (B Block - The Crags Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front centre of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The card reader/lock is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
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Second Set of Doors
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- 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 130cm (4ft 3in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
- The ramp is permanent.
Outside Access (C Block - The Crags Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the right hand wing of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The card reader/lock is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- 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 117cm (3ft 10in).
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Second Set of Doors
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- 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 124cm (4ft 1in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
- The ramp is permanent.
Reception (A Block Office)
- A Block Office is located immediately ahead as you enter the A Block - Arthur's Seat - Main Entrance.
- The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the Main Entrance - A Block - Arthur's Seat.
- The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to this reception area.
- The lighting levels in the reception area are moderate to good.
- The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- The desk is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Reception (C Block Office)
- C Block Office is located to the right as you enter the C Block - The Crags entrance.
- The desk is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Crags entrance - C Block.
- The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to this reception area.
- The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
- The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
- There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
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Getting Around
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- 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 some flooring in corridors 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 the majority of corridors.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- This building does not play background music.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG-G-1-2-3-4.
- The stairs are located ahead on the right as you enter the A Block - Arthur's Seat - Main Entrance.
- The stairs are approximately 6m from the A Block - Arthur's Seat - Main Entrance.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- There are similar stairs throughout the building accessing all floors. There is a similar staircase in the Common Room area accessing floors LG-G.
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Comments
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- Access to the stairwell on the lower ground and ground floor is by keycard.
- The height of the keycard reader is 124cm.
Lift (A Block)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead as you enter the A Block - Arthur's Seat - Main Entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G-1-2-3-4.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on the lower ground floor.
- The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the A Block - Arthur's Seat - 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 141cm x 195cm (4ft 8in x 6ft 5in).
- 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 loop system.
- The lift does 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 medium.
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Comments
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- Access to the lift on the lower ground and ground floors is by keycard swipe.
- The height of the keycard reader is 139cm.
Lift (B Block)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead as you enter the B Block - The Crags entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G-1-2-3-4.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the B Block - The Crags 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 141cm x 195cm (4ft 8in x 6ft 5in).
- 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 loop system.
- The lift does 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 medium.
Lift (C Block)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located ahead as you enter the C Block - The Crags entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG-G-1-2-3-4.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the C Block - The Crags 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 141cm x 195cm (4ft 8in x 6ft 5in).
- 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 loop system.
- The lift does 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 medium.
Accommodation (G.030)
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Location of Accessible Accommodation
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- The establishment provides 26 accessible room(s) with ensuite facilities and/or separate accessible bathroom.
- The accessible facilities are located to the left of the court.
- There is level access from an accessible entrance.
- The room number viewed was G030.
- The width of the door to the room is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the clear floor space are 150cm x 300cm (4ft 11in x 9ft 10in).
- The bed is 54cm high.
- The measurement between the bed base and floor is 19cm (7in).
- Light switches are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- There is not a functional emergency alarm in the room.
- Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in accessible accommodation.
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Accessible Bathroom
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- The information relates to the ensuite.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 235cm x 150cm (7ft 9in x 4ft 11in).
- The door opens outwards.
- The width of the door to the bathroom is 86cm.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- There is a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a toilet roll holder.
- There is a wash basin.
- 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet pan the wall mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There are mirrors.
- The mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- Disposal facilities are available.
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Bath and Shower
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- There is not a bath.
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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 twist/turn.
- There is no shower seat.
- There are handrails available for the shower.
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Colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms
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- The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Colour contrast and lighting in accessible bathroom
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- The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is high.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is high.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Auxiliary Aids - General
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- Some of the rooms have auxiliary aids for people with sensory impairments.
- Available auxiliary aids include flashing alarms and vibrating pillows.
- Flashing fire alarms are in rooms.
- Vibrating fire alarms are available on request.
- The accommodation does provide other auxiliary aids for people with mobility impairments.
- Other auxiliary aids available are power assisted doors to access the corridor, accessible rooms and pantry on the lower ground floor of A Block.
- Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in standard rooms.
- There is / are 0 accessible room(s) with a bath.
- There is / are 26 accessible room(s) with a wheel in shower.
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Ground Floor Rooms
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- Ground floor rooms do have level access.
- None of these rooms are accessed by platform lift.
- Adjoining rooms are not available.
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Standard Rooms on Other Floors
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- There are standard rooms on other floors.
- The other floors can be accessed by lift.
- There is level access to standard rooms on other floors.
- Adjoining rooms are not available.
Accommodation (LG.001)
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Location of Accessible Accommodation
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- The establishment provides 26 accessible room(s) with ensuite facilities and/or separate accessible bathroom.
- The accessible facilities are located on the lower ground floor.
- There is level access from an accessible entrance.
- This is by lift.
- The room number viewed was LG001.
- The width of the door to the room is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the clear floor space are 275cm x 175cm (9ft x 5ft 9in).
- The bed is 54cm high.
- The measurement between the bed base and floor is 19cm (7in).
- Light switches are within 120cm (4ft) from floor level.
- There is a functional emergency alarm in the room.
- Other accessible facilities available in the bedroom are The door to open the bedroom is automatic.
- Assistance dogs are welcome to stay with residents in accessible accommodation.
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Accessible Bathroom
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- The information relates to the ensuite.
- The dimensions of the bathroom are 300cm x 300cm (9ft 10in x 9ft 10in).
- The door opens inwards.
- The width of the door to the bathroom is 86cm.
- The door may be difficult to open.
- There is not a functional emergency alarm in the bathroom.
- It is out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor).
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- 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 in height.
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- There is a mixer tap.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is not a flush on the transfer side.
- Wall mounted grab rails are not available for the toilet.
- There are mirrors.
- The mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- Disposal facilities are available.
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Bath and Shower
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- There is not a bath.
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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 twist/turn.
- The shower seat is flip-down.
- There are no handrails available for the shower.
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Colour contrast and lighting in accessible rooms
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- The colour contrast between the external room door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- The colour contrast between the internal room door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between external ensuite / bathroom door and wall is high.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Colour contrast and lighting in accessible bathroom
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- The colour contrast between the internal bathroom door and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the walls and floor in the bathroom is high.
- The colour contrast between the dropdown rails and wall is high.
- The colour contrast between the grab rails and wall is high.
- Lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- The wash basin and shower seat are height adjustable.
LG Pantry 1
- This pantry serves rooms LG001 to LG011.
- The pantry has a power assisted door that opens inwards with a width of 87cm.
- The door is opened automatically with a key card or fob with a reader at a height of 110cm.
- There is a push button to exit the room that is not clearly labelled. The height of the push button is 106cm.
- There are low level light switches.
- There are lower level worktops. The height to the worktop is 83cm.
- The height to the sink is 84cm. The taps are lever mixer.
- There are tables. The height of the lowest table is 39cm. The height of the highest table is 67cm.
- This pantry has a washer/ dryer available.
- For those using the rooms on the lower ground floor, the access key for the washer / dryer is available from A Block House Office.
- There is seating in the pantry. Some of the seating has armrests.
- There are additional pantries throughout the building on all levels. Each pantry is for the use of specific rooms. The additional pantries do not have lower level facilities.
Common Room
- The common room is located on the lower ground floor of A Block.
- There are tables and chairs.
- The height of the lowest table is 30cm. The height of the highest table is 70cm.
- Some of the chairs have armrests.
- There are sofas. The sofas have armrests.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- There is a wall mounted television.
Laundry
- There is a laundry room on the lower ground floor of each block.
- The laundry room surveyed is in A Block.
- There are 3 washing machines and 3 dryers in the laundry room.
- The height to the coin slot is 114cm.
- The controls are 58cm from the front of the machine.
- The detergent slot is located on the top of the washing machines.
- The height to the detergent slot is 95cm.
- The washing machines and dryers are front loading.
- The height to the door latch is 91cm.
Toilet with Adaptations (Right Hand Transfer)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the lift (A Block).
- This accessible toilet is located on the lower ground floor of A Block, at the far end of the common room.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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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.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door may be difficult to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 201cm (5ft 2in x 6ft 7in).
- 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
- There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- The shelf is higher than 95cm (3ft 1in).
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- 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 116cm (3ft 10in).
- 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 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- 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 poor.
- There is a poor colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Location of Standard Toilet(s)
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- There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the lower ground floor.
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Standard Toilet Surveyed
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- A female standard toilet was surveyed.
- The toilet surveyed is located on the lower ground floor in A Block, at the far end of the common room.
- There is a male standard toilet in the same location.
- There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
- The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 23m from the lift (A Block).
- 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.