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William Rankine Building

The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Thomas Bayes Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FG

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • This building is located at the King's Buildings campus off the Mayfield 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 67 bus stopping at the Hallhead Road 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 in front of the building.
    • 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) markings are faded.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 490cm x 480cm (16ft 1in x 15ft 9in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 14m (15yd 11in) from the main 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 uneven surfaces.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building leading into the first floor.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • The card reader/lock is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 168cm (5ft 6in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • 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 double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 164cm (5ft 5in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is moderate.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the right going up.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 3 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building on the ground floor.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 98cm (3ft 3in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • 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.

Entrance (Third Floor Alexander Graham Bell Link)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the third floor of the Alexander Graham Bell Building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • The main 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 78cm (2ft 7in).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • 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 flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2-3.
    • The stairs are located in front of you on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 3m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is not a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to your right on entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are B-G-1-2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on the basement floor, on the ground floor, on the first floor and on the second floor.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the 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 132cm x 132cm (4ft 4in x 4ft 4in).
  • 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 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.

Accessible Toilet (First Floor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located down the corridor to your right on entrance.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 135cm x 250cm (4ft 5in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 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 open waste paper bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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.
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • 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 fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • The lighting levels are poor.

Accessible Toilet (Second Floor)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located down the corridor to your right when you exit the lift on the second floor.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 235cm x 195cm (7ft 9in x 6ft 5in).
    • There is 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 162cm (5ft 4in).
    • 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 waste paper pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • 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 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 106cm (3ft 6in).
    • 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • 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 fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the ground floor.
    • There are female standard toilets facilities on the first floor and the second floor.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located down the corridor to your right on entrance.
    • There is a female 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 10m from the rear entrance.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • The doors to enter the toilets on the ground floor only have widths of 67cm.