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Ashworth Laboratories

The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Charlotte Auerbach Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FL

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Rooms and Spaces Links

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:45 - 16:30.
  • Tuesday 07:45 - 16:30.
  • Wednesday 07:45 - 16:30.
  • Thursday 07:45 - 16:30.
  • Friday 07:45 - 16:30.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • This building is located at the King's Buildings campus off the West Mains Road in South Edinburgh.
    • 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.
  • By Bus View
    • This building is served by the number 38 bus stopping at the Mayfield Road bus stop on West Mains Road, or the number 24, 29, 42 and 67 buses stopping at the Rankin Drive bus stop on Mayfield Road.
  • By Train View
    • The King's Buildings site is approximately three miles from Edinburgh Waverley Train Station, the city's main train station. Buses are available from the station to the site.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located at the rear of the building near the rear entrances.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 363cm x 600cm (11ft 11in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 13m (14yd 8in) from the rear entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is James Hutton Road Car Park.
    • The car park is located on James Hutton Road.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on James Hutton Road.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Ashworth Laboratories.
    • 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 not available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 480cm x 600cm (15ft 9in x 19ft 8in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access to the car park from the Ashworth Laboratories.
    • This car park is not clearly signposted from the Ashworth Laboratories.
    • The nearest designated bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the main entrance.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 143cm (4ft 8in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 143cm (4ft 8in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to either side of the main entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 5 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance - Left)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not 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) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp is 121cm (3ft 12in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the step(s).
    • The lift does not bypass the ramp.
  • Comments View
    • Photographs 4 and 5 show the external ramped entrance.
    • There are 5 steps internally between the entrance, accessible toilet and main corridor.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance - Right)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear to the right as you face the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped and stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 93cm (3ft 1in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp is 92cm (3ft).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located immediately beyond the entrance.
    • There is / are 5 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.

Reception (Servitor's Lodge)

  • The Servitor's Lodge is located on the ground floor, in the centre of the building, opposite the main entrance.
  • The desk is 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • 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 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

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 4 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to staff offices on the first floor.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps are seen in photograph 1.
    • There is/are 3 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the female toilets.
    • The step(s) is/are shallow (2cm - 10cm).
    • These steps are seen in photograph 2.
    • There is/are 5 unmarked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the male toilets and Rear Entrance - Left.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • These steps are seen in photograph 3. There are 5 similar steps to the accessible toilet and Rear Entrance - Left. These steps are seen in photograph 4. A stair lift overcomes these steps.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is not clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is no directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is poor 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 a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • There are fixed loops in Classroom 80 and Lecture Theatre 1.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.

Lift (Rear Entrance - Left (Out of use))

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located between the main corridor, accessible toilet and Rear Entrance - Left.
  • The lift is a stair lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 225kg.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the rear entrance.
  • Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 84cm x 102cm (2ft 9in x 3ft 4in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There are wall mounted controls at the top and bottom of the level change which are operated by a member of staff.
    • There are moderate ramps to enter and exit the lift on both levels.
    • At the time of survey (December 2021) this lift was out of use.

Other Floors (Main Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • The stairs are located in the centre of the building, opposite the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on the ground floor and on the first floor.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • The stairs divide at the first landing.
    • The stairs have handrails on both sides to the first landing.
    • After the first landing the stairs have handrails on the side opposite the wall only.

Other Floors (Rear Staircase)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, M and 1.
    • The stairs are located to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 32m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on the first floor.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • There is a landing.
  • Other View
    • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are female standard toilets.
  • Comments View
    • The female standard toilets are at mezzanine landing level.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located left as you exit the accessible entrance lift.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 450kg.
  • The lift is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 93cm x 117cm (3ft 1in x 3ft 10in).
  • 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 not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

Accessible Toilet(s) (Rear Entrance Left - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter, next to the rear entrance - left.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • 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 fair.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 175cm x 203cm (5ft 9in x 6ft 8in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are 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 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • 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 general waste (with no lid) 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.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 94cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • 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 is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (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 poor.
    • 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 109cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Lecture Theatre 1 - Right Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter the building via the main entrance, by the Lecture Theatre 1.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • 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 no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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 250cm x 223cm (8ft 2in x 7ft 4in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are 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 156cm (5ft 1in).
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 105cm and 148cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 78cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • 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 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • 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).
    • The height of the wash basin is 73cm (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 good.
    • 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 101cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 103cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 108cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a second wash basin 75cm high with lever mixer tap, handrails to both sides with good contrast and a mirror above, next to the hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female toilet is located on the right staircase landing between level 1 and 2.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 35m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The male toilet is located to the right as you enter via the main entrance, next to the rear entrance - right.
    • There is stepped access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 20m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.