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Bernard Katz Building

Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT

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Access Guide

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Evacuation and Fire Safety Provisions

Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free via slight slopes.
  • The Bernard Katz Building has one main entrance that is in use.
  • Other entrances into the building are not used and signage is shown at the entrances directing visitors to the main entrance.
  • The main entrance is signed as the Bernard Katz Building.
  • The main entrance provides step-free access to the reception foyer on level 2.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors.
  • There is a slight ramp leading to rooms 2.19 - 2.21 on level 2.
  • Level 2 offices 2.1 - 2.9 are located at the rear of the building and they are accessed by a staircase from level 1 of the building.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth, with some having a shiny finish.
  • There are resting areas in some circulation and lobby areas with a mixture of seating.
  • Overhead and wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
  • There are manual doors in some corridor and lobby area.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on level 2 to the rear of the building and on levels 1 and 4.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on level 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6.
    • The male step-free standard toilet facilities are located on level 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard shower facilities are located on level 6.

Parking

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a steep gradient.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 132cm.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 127cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 160cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 140cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception

  • The reception is located to your left on entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 3m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: sofas.
  • The seating is fixed.

Lift (Main)

  • The lift surveyed is located in the reception area, to your right on entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The levels 2, 4, 5 and 6 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 100cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 100cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system and a visual floor indicator.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs (Main)

  • The stairs surveyed are located to your right on entrance to the building.
  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • Levels 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Second Level - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the rear of the building on Level 2.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 142cm (width) x 186cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 42cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 98cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 78cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a push tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 94cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 116cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.