Access Guide
COVID-19 Information (University of Aberdeen)
Location
- The venue is situated outside the centre of the town or city.
- This venue is situated in Aberdeen.
- The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
- The nearest mainline station is Aberdeen.
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Comments
View
- This building contains the College of Life Sciences and Medicine teaching rooms and offices, and the Medical Library.
Parking
- The venue does have its own car park.
- Parking is not free for all users.
- Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
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Venue Car Park
View
- The car park is located at the front of the building.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- There is/are 2 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 500cm x 300cm (16ft 5in x 9ft 10in).
- Designated parking bays are clearly marked.
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 47m (51yd 1ft) from the main accessible entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 56m (61yd 9in) from the main accessible entrance.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is a dropped kerb between the car park and the venue.
- The dropped kerb does not have tactile paving.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- There is not a designated drop off point.
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Comments
View
- Parking is by permit only.
- The entrance to the lower lecture theatre is directly beside the designated parking bays.
Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located on Cornhill Road.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 116cm (3ft 10in).
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Comments
View
- The automatic doors are swipe card operated.
Level Change (Accessible Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
- The ramp/slope is located leading up from the car park to the entrance.
- The ramp/slope is moderate.
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located leading from the car park to the entrance.
- There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
- There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main 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).
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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 168cm (5ft 6in).
Level Change (Main Entrance)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
- There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
- There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
- The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
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Comments
View
- There are a further 4 medium height, clearly marked steps between the 2 sets of doors. The steps have handrails on both sides.
- The 4 steps lead down to the lecture theatre from the main building although the accessible entrances bypass these.
Outside Access (Side Entrance)
- This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
- There is not level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 114cm (3ft 9in).
Level Change (Side Entrance)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located leading from the Health Science Building car park.
- The ramp/slope is moderate.
Outside Access (Auditorium Side Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The width of the door opening is 98cm (3ft 3in).
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Ramp/Slope
View
- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of and immediately beyond the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
- The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
Outside Access (Link Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located between the Health Sciences Building and Polwarth Building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- A key fob 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
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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 heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
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Ramp/Slope
View
- The ramp/slope is located leading over the bridge between the buildings.
- The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
- The width of the ramp is 145cm (4ft 9in).
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Comments
View
- There is also a 104cm wide push pad operated automatic door into the link bridge adjacent to the Health Sciences Building.
Entrance (Link Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located between the Health Sciences Building and Polwarth Building.
- There is ramped/sloped 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
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Second Set of Doors
View
- There is a second set of doors.
- 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 84cm (2ft 9in).
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Ramp/Slope
View
- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located leading over the bridge between the buildings.
- The ramp/slope gradient is easy.
- The ramp or slope is permanent.
- The width of the ramp is 145cm.
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Comments
View
- There is also a 104cm wide push pad operated automatic door into the link bridge adjacent to the Health Sciences Building.
Outside Access (Level 3 Link Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located between the Polwarth Building and Institute of Medical Sciences.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- A key fob is required for 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
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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 (with a locked extension leaf).
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
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Ramp/Slope
View
- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located leading acrossthe link bridge.
- The ramp/slope gradient is moderate.
- 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 150cm (4ft 11in).
Reception
- The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
Inside Access
- There is not level access to the service(s).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- Motorised scooters are allowed in public parts of the venue.
Level Change (Inside Access)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).
- The ramp/slope is located leading down to the auditorium on the first floor.
- The ramp/slope is easy.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 150cm (4ft 11in).
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Comments
View
- There are 2 medium steps leading up to Conference Room 3:052 on the third floor, shown in photograph 2.
Lecture Theatre(s)
- Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
- The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
- There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
- The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
- The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
- The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front and at the back.
- There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
- There is space for an assistance dog.
- There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
- There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
- The steps to the staggered seating do have handrails.
- There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
- There is a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
- There is not fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
- There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre within the lecture theatre(s).
- The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 67cm.
- A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
- There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
- Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
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Comments
View
- There are similar external doors to provide level access to the lower lecture theatre from the car park and rear lecture theatre near the accessible entrance.
- The first set of double doors are 160cm wide and open towards you operated by push pad.
- The second set of doors are 158cm wide, heavy and open towards you.
Theatre (Auditorium)
- There are designated spaces for wheelchair users.
- Designated seating is located the back of the auditorium.
- Wheelchairs are left with the patron.
- A companion may sit with you.
- It is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
- This venue does not provide audio described performances.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The hearing system is a fixed loop.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- There is a wheelchair to borrow.
- To borrow a wheelchair,contat a member of staff.
- Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.
Other Floors
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Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- 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 both sides.
- There is a landing.
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Other
View
- The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the computer classroom accessed via steps from the Coffee Shop.
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Comments
View
- The details here are for the Central Stairs, located next to the main entrances.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located next to reception.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 17m (18yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 125cm x 137cm (4ft 1in x 4ft 6in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of 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 loop system.
- The lift does not have Braille markings.
- The lift does not have tactile markings.
- The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The height of the lift controls are between 130cm and 150cm.
- The lighting level in the lift is medium.
Accessible Toilet (First Floor)
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
View
- The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the lift.
- This accessible toilet is located to the right as you exit the lift.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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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 twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 161cm x 276cm (5ft 3in x 9ft 1in).
- 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 right.
- The lateral transfer space is 96cm (3ft 2in).
- 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 not available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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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 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 a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- 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 76cm (2ft 6in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
View
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
- 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
View
- There is an ambulant disabled toilet located opposite the side entrance on the ground floor.
Accessible Toilet (Auditorium)
- There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
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Location and Access
View
- The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the auditorium side entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located next to the entrance to the auditorium.
- There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
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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 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is light.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 223cm x 240cm (7ft 4in x 7ft 10in).
- 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 both sides.
- The lateral transfer space is 91cm (2ft 12in).
- 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 not 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
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 not a mirror.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (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 102cm (3ft 4in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a toilet roll holder.
- The toilet roll holder cannot 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 cannot 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
View
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female Toilet(s)
View
- The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right of the exit lift.
- The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 28m (30yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Access to Standard Male Toilet(s)
View
- The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you exit the lift.
- The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 29m (31yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
View
- There are two sets of standard toilets on each floor.
- All toilets are well lit and have level access,
- There are also standard toilets next to the lift in the library.
- Male toilets are located on the ground and second floors.
- Female toilets are located on the first and third floors.
Library (Medical 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.
- The library does have computers with accessible software.
- Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
- A height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
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Comments
View
- The library is located on floors G - 3, but the entrance and issue desk are on the first floor.
- There is a security point, 86 cm wide, with a moderate ramp, at the entrance to the library.
- Books here are ordered through the specific departments rather than the library staff.
- There are 2 height adjustable tables, but the terminals here have no assistive technology.
- The terminals here must be booked in advance, but people with disabilities are given priority access.
- The library is open 09.00 - 22.00 Monday - Thursday, 09.00 - 20.00 Fridays, 09.00 - 22.00 Saturday and 13.00 - 22.00 Sundays.
Reception (Library Issue Desk)
- There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- The desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
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Comments
View
- The issue desk is 6 metres from the library entrance.
- It has a lowered section on the left hand side as you face the desk.
Other Floors (Library)
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Steps
View
- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- 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 the right going up.
- There is a landing.
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Comments
View
- There stairs are used to access the different floors of the library.
Lift (Library)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the library.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2 and 3.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- There are manual, light, double doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 66cm (2ft 2in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 92cm x 112cm (3ft x 3ft 8in).
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of 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 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 low.
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Comments
View
- The outer lift call button is 132cm high.
- The lift is 20 metres from the entrance to the library.
Restaurant Bar Internal (Social Space)
- Once inside, there is not level access to the service.
- There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests.
- The nearest table is 12m (13yd 4in) from the level 2 steps platform lift.
- The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
- The distance between the floor and the highest table is 112cm (3ft 8in).
- Menus are not available in Braille.
- Menus are not available in large print.
- Menus are clearly written.
- Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
- The type of food served here is self service and vending machines.
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Comments
View
- The Coffee Shop is located on the second floor.
- The nearest table is 40 metres from the main building entrance.
Level Change (Social Space)
- There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
- There is/are 11 step(s) to the area/service.
- The lighting levels at the step(s) are bright.
- The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
- There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
- The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
- There is a lift to access this area/service.
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Comments
View
- The steps mentioned above lead up from the main lift.
Lift (Social Space)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located on the steps leading up to the Social Space.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2 and U2.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The platform lift accesses a small level change.
- The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
- Staff do need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 86cm (3ft 5in x 2ft 10in).
- 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 not have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not 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 bright.
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Comments
View
- There is an identical platform lift on the first floor to overcome 7 medium height steps to access rooms 1:031 - 1:042.
Additional Info
- Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
- Documents can be requested in Braille.
- Documents can be requested in large print.
- A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
- This service can be requested.