Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include Library, Teaching Rooms and Offices.
- Lift access in this building only provides access to the Basement, Mezzanine and Ground floors. The lift requires assistance to be operated. There is only stepped access to the Lecture Theatre on the first floor and all other services above ground floor level.
Rooms and Spaces Links
Getting Here
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By Road
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- The Central Area is located on the south side of the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem, and parking is strictly controlled. Options to driving into the city centre include Park & Ride tram and bus car parks at the edges of the city.
- A number of University car parks are located in the Central Area. 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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- Buses from all over the city travel to the Central Area of the university. The University also provides a shuttle bus for staff and students between the Central Area and the King's Buildings. The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses. Up to the minute "real time" bus timetable information is now available at the majority of bus stops across the city. Information panels provided next to the majority of bus stops let you know when the next bus services will be arriving, or if there has been a delay.
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By Train
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- The Central Area of the university is 0.7 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Station. It should be noted that some of the walking routes may feature paths with steep gradients or steps given the landscape. Edinburgh has rail links throughout the UK. The East Coast mainline, which links Edinburgh and London King’s Cross, is the UK's fastest intercity railway: you can travel between the cities in around 4 hours. A sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week. There are intercity links to other cities including Glasgow (45 minutes), and York, Newcastle or Aberdeen (all 2 hours). All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, although some trains also stop at Haymarket, which is a smaller station in the West End.
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By Tram
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- The Edinburgh tram service runs from Edinburgh Airport in the west, to York Place in the east end of the city centre, presently being extended to Leith north east of the city centre. The nearest stop to the Central Campus Area is Princes Street. The nearest stop to the Lauriston Campus and the ECA buildings, or to the Western General site, is West End.
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Useful Links
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- To see the university's webpage for travel by public transport to the Central Area and relevant links please use this link.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- To see the university's webpage for driving and parking information for the Central Area and relevant links please use this link.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- To view the university's campus maps and walking information 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 (Appleton Tower)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the left of Appleton Tower, accessed off Chapel Street.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Appleton Tower, 50 George Square.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- There is/are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 480cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders 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 Chapel Street.
- This car park is not clearly signposted from the Appleton Tower Building.
- The nearest designated bay is 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Appleton Tower Building.
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Comments
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- Permits are not free and will need to be purchased from the University.
- There are 2 Blue Badge parking bays adjacent Appleton Tower and a further 3 Blue Badge parking bays in the car park between Appleton Tower and 50 George Square.
- The Blue Badge parking bays are over 50m from the Bayes Centre.
Building Parking
- The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
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On Street Parking
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- Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 200cm x 600cm (6ft 7in x 19ft 8in).
- The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on George Square.
- Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
- The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 200cm x 600cm (6ft 7in x 19ft 8in).
- The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on George Square.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located off George Square.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
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Step(s)
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- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
- There is / are 8 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 (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do not have handrails.
Outside Access (Entrance Lift)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the West side of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- The intercom is not in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
- The intercom is at a height of 88cm.
- A key card is required for access at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
- The ramp is permanent.
Lift (Entrance Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the west of the building.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are B-M-G.
- The lift is approximately 1m (3ft 3in) from the accessible entrance.
- Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 100cm (4ft 7in x 3ft 3in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does have an audible announcer.
- The lift does not have a hearing loop 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 bright.
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Comments
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- There is a small ramp to exit the lift on the basement floor.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to Female toilets G.Z10 and G14, G15, G15A HCN Lab/Office.
- The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
- The steps can be seen in photograph 1.
- There is/are 8 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the left going up, for access to S17 - S33 from the Central and East staircases.
- The step(s) is/are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps for the East staircase can be seen in photograph 2.
- 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 high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are good.
- This building does not play background music.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- There is a hearing loop located within F.21.
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Comments
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- There is step free access via lift throughout the majority of the Basement Floor as well to large areas of the Ground Floor including the Library.
Reception (Psychology Reception)
- Psychology Reception is located next to the main entrance.
- The desk is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the entrance lift.
- Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the lift.
- There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
- The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
- The reception desk/counter is high (110cm+).
- There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Reception (Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre)
- Alzheimer Scotland Dementia Research Centre Reception is located to the rear of the building in its centre.
- The desk is 42m (45yd 2ft) from the entrance lift.
- Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the lift.
- There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
- The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
- The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Library
- This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
- This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
- This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
- There is an ordering service.
- The library does not have computers with accessible software.
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Comments
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- The library is located along the corridor on the ground floor to the east of the building. Its on the West between main entrance and access lift.
Other Floors (West Staircase)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, F, S.
- The stairs are located to the West of the building.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- The steps are not clearly marked.
- The steps are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
- There is a landing.
- There is a similar staircase located nearby, which can be seen in photograph 2.
This staircase has a few additional steps on the second floor to reach room S5A that are shown in photograph 3.
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Comments
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- These staircases can be used to access F.01-F.21 and S.1-S.15.
Other Floors (Central)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
- The stairs are located in the centre of the building.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on the ground floor, on the first floor and on the second floor.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
- There is a landing.
- There is a separate set of stairs located through a heavy single door that leads between the B, G floors. The stairs can be seen in photograph 3.
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Comments
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- The staircase offers access to the rooms on both the east and west of the first and second floors.
- However there are 15+ stairs in between the east and west sides of the floors on the staircase on both first and second floors.
- The stairs between these areas on the first floor can be seen in photograph 2.
- F1-F21 should be accessed via the Central or West staircases.
Other Floors (East Staircase)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, LG, F, UF, S, US.
- The stairs are located to the east of the building.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on the basement floor, on the ground floor, on the first floor and on the second floor.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- There is a separate staircase between B - US. This staircase is the only way to reach S39-S41 without passing through room S38. These can be seen in photograph 2.
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Comments
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- The LG - UF - US floors are accessed via single doors.
- Rooms F22-F33 should be accessed from the East staircase only
- S39 - S41 can be accessed from the staircase on the East of the building.
- Rooms F1 –F21 should be accessed from the Central or West staircase only.
Reception (CCACE)
- CCACE is located to the west of the building on the first floor.
- The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the staircase furthest to the west on the first floor.
- Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the entrance.
- There is stepped access to this reception area.
- The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
- The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low counter.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Comments
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- There are two desks located here. The desk in photograph 1 is the secretary's reception.
- The desk in photograph 2 is the manager's reception.
Toilet with Adaptations (Basement Floor (B.26))
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
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- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 75m (82yd 1in) from the entrance lift.
- This accessible toilet is located to the rear west of the building.
- 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 unisex toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens inwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 200cm x 267cm (6ft 7in x 8ft 9in).
- 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 left.
- The lateral transfer space is 112cm (3ft 8in).
- 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 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 female sanitary and general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
- 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 a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- 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 112cm (3ft 8in).
- 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).
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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 bright.
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Comments
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- The door is marked only as B.26.
- There is a door within the cubicle leading into a standard shower. The standard shower is accessed by a deep step. This can be seen in photographs 2 & 3.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor (GZ.13))
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
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- 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 42m (45yd 2ft) from the entrance lift.
- This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the psychology reception area.
- 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 unisex 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 214cm (4ft 11in x 7ft).
- 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
- 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 not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are female sanitary and 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.
- 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 a mirror.
- Mirrors are not 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 not a hand dryer.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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).
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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 bright.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Location of Standard Toilet(s)
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- There are shared standard toilets facilities on the basement floor and the lower ground floor.
- There are additional standard toilets on the upper first floor.
- There are female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor, the first floor and the second floor.
- There are male standard toilets facilities on the ground floor, the first floor and the second floor.
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Standard Toilet Surveyed
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- A shared standard toilet was surveyed.
- The toilet surveyed is located to your right on exiting the lift.
- There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
- The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 18m from the entrance 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.
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Comments
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- There is step free access to the male toilets on the ground floor but not the female toilets.