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Chemical Engineering

Edgbaston, Birmingam, B15 2TT

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About this venue

University of Birmingham, S W Campus, Birmingham B15 2TT

Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include lecture theatres, teaching lab, seminar rooms, meeting rooms, a gamer suite, a computer suite, a video conferencing suite and a coffee shop.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • Approaching from the north west or south east along the M6: Leave at Junction 6 (signposted Birmingham Central) to join the A38(M) At the end of the motorway, keep to the right, go over a flyover, then through some underpasses to join the A38 Bristol Road. The University is on your right, two and a half miles from the city centre. Approaching from the M42 north: Leave at Junction 8 to join the M6 northbound and follow the instructions above. Approaching from the south west: Leave the M5 at Junction 4 signposted Birmingham SW) to join the A38. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway. Approaching from the M40: It is easier to turn south on the M42 and leave at Junction 1, heading north on the A38 Bristol Road. The University is approximately eight miles from the motorway.
    • There are various staff car parks located throughout the campus; all require a staff permit.
      All Blue Badge holders can park on Campus (without a permit) and must use the intercom to Security to pass through the security barriers at each entrance.
      The nearest visitor parking is located at the North East Car Park off Pritchatts Road at B15 2SA which is 1 mile and a 20 minute walk from the building, through the Green Heart of Campus (with extended sections at a gradient).
  • By Bus View
    • Nxbus numbers 48 and X20 Platinum, X21 Platinum and X22 Platinum run from the city centre and stop near to the University Railway Station on Vincent Drive for the University and QE hospital, bus stop ID: nwmapjgj. This is 0.3 miles, a walk of around 7 minutes across campus (with extended sections at a gradient).
  • By Train View
    • From Birmingham New Street Station around six trains an hour call at University Station and take 8 - 10 minutes. The final destination for trains are Bromsgrove, Redditch, Hereford and Cardiff Central. The Chemical Engineering Building is a 6 minute walk from University station across Campus (with extended sections at a gradient).
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

  • The interactive campus map and link to the mobility map are available here. The interactive map is also available on an app to download to your phone.https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/contact/directions/index.aspx

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by staff and visitors.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located at the rear 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) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 342cm x 589cm (11ft 3in x 19ft 4in).
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
    • The nearest designated bay is 2m (2yd 7in) 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 car park surface is tarmac.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • The nearest visitor parking is located at the North East Car Park off Pritchatts Road at B15 2SA which is 1 mile and a 20 minute walk from Chemical Engineering.
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • 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.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 double.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 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 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.

Outside Access (Automatic Doors)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is not 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 double.
    • The width of the door opening is 134cm (4ft 5in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • 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 double.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm (4ft 6in).
  • 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 128cm (4ft 2in).
  • 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 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 height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.

Outside Access (Side Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is 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) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 134cm (4ft 5in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located both sides as you face the entrance.
    • There is / are 14 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.
  • Comments View
    • Handrails are on the left or right depending which set of stairs used.

Reception (Chemical Engineering Reception)

  • Chemical Engineering Reception is located straight ahead down the main foyer and to the left as you enter the Accessible Entrance.
  • The desk is 14m (15yd 11in) from the Accessible 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 medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the main foyer from the rear entrance..
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a steep ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the main foyer from.
    • The width of the ramp is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • There is both steps and a ramp located in the main foyer to access the reception area from the rear entrance.
    • 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 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 not a hearing assistance system.

Eating and Drinking (Self-Serve Vending Machines)

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the self-service area.
    • The self-service area is located on the first floor.
    • There is step-free access, via lift, to the self-service area.
  • Service and Menus View
    • This area does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
    • There is not a portable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the lowest dining table is 26cm.
    • The distance between the floor and the underside of the highest dining table is 110cm.
    • There are also armchairs and sofas.
    • The surface height of the lowest table is 28cm.
    • The surface height of the highest table is 110cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • The type of flooring in this area is vinyl.
    • There is flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • The lighting levels are good.

Other Floors (Main Foyer)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G,1.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you face the main reception.
    • The stairs are approximately 12m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G,1,3.
    • The stairs are located to the left as you enter the Accessible Entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 8m from the Accessible Entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on the ground floor.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter the accessible entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1015kg.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Accessible 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 190cm x 117cm (6ft 3in x 3ft 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 have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement 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 low.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floors..
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located along the main corridor on the first floor..

Toilet with Adaptations

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor to the left as you enter the accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is required for the accessible toilet.
    • The key is a radar key.
    • The key can be obtained from main reception.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 160cm x 201cm (5ft 3in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 low.
    • 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 low.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary 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.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder is on the dropdown rail.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • 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 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is low.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • 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 81cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on the ground floor to the left of the main reception.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the Accessible Entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 77cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the ground floor to the left of the main reception.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the Accessible Entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the first floor on the right side of the building.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Toilet(s) (First Floor - Shared)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located along the main corridor on the first floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 70m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 89cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.