You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • The Department of Genetics Building is a large building with 5 floors.
  • There is 1 main lift and 2 main staircases within the building.
  • The floors are signed as Basement, Ground, 1st, 2nd and 3rd.
  • View information on Department of Genetics Building.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • The name of the nearest car park is Downing Site Car Park.
  • View information on University of Cambridge Car Parks - Central Sites (opens new tab) .
  • The nearest train station is Cambridge.
  • The nearest bus station is Cambridge Bus Station.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on Department of Genetics Building - Department of Genetics Library (opens new tab) .

You are on Getting Inside. Skip to the next section.

Getting Inside

• The approach to the building is step-free level.
• The Department of Genetics Building has three entrances. The main entrance provides step-free level access (via an enclosed platform lift) to the ground floor. This has a single push-pad automatic door, followed by double automatic doors and double manual doors to enter the building. The rear entrance provides access to the ground floor via a steep ramp and steps. It has double manual doors (with one leaf locked), followed by a single manual door with a locked extension leaf. The right entrance provides stepped access to a mezzanine level on the right stairs, from which there are 7 steps up to the ground floor and 10 steps down to the basement floor. The entrance itself has one step and double manual doors (with one leaf locked).
• The entrances are not differentiated by name for this building.
• The main entrance provides step-free level access (via an enclosed platform lift) to the ground floor.
• The rear entrance provides access to the ground floor via a steep ramp and steps. The right entrance provides stepped access to a mezzanine level on the right stairs, from which there are 7 steps up to the ground floor and 10 steps down to the basement floor. The entrance itself has one step.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• There is not step-free level access throughout the building.
• On the basement floor, there is a steep ramp, with no handrails, to access rooms B3 to B17 from the main lift.
  There are 3 clearly-marked steps, 16cm high and with a tread depth between 30cm and 45cm, to access rooms B10 and B11. These steps have a handrail on the right going down.
• On the ground floor, there is a steep ramp with no handrails leading up to rooms G6 (Part II Teaching Room), G7 and G8 (Seminar Room).
• On the second floor, there are 3 steps up to access rooms 208 and 209. These are 16cm high, have a tread depth under 30cm, a partial handrail on the right going up, and have markings with a low colour contrast. On the third floor, there are 8 clearly-marked, 17cm-high steps to access the Genetics Server Room. These have a partial handrail on the left going up and a tread depth under 30cm.
• Floor surfaces along circulation routes consist of carpet, vinyl, laminate, concrete and wood, with the former all being low pile and the latter four all being hard, smooth and with 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, but at irregular intervals.
• There are manual doors in some corridor and lobby areas throughout the building.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
  • The toilet with adaptations is located on the ground floor, straight ahead as you enter through the main entrance, next to the main lift.
  • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located within the standard female toilets on the basement floor, and within the standard male and female toilets on the ground floor and first floor.
  • The male and female toilet facilities are located on the basement, ground, first and second floors.
• Washroom and Shower Facilities View
  • Standard shower facilities are located next to the standard male and female toilets on the first floor.

You are on Rooms and Services in the Building. Skip to the next section.

Rooms and Services in the Building

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• Lecture Theatres View
  • View information on Biffen Lecture Theatre (Found at Basement Floor) (opens new tab) .
• Other Rooms/Services View
  • View information on Genetics Library (opens new tab) .

You are on Entrance (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

• This entrance is located at the front of the building, facing the courtyard opposite the Department of Plant Sciences.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free level access via lift at the entrance.
• There are 6 steps with handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are not 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 steps are clearly marked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is an intercom at a height of 100cm.
• There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 112cm.
• The intercom and key fob/card reader are only required for out of hours access.
• There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
• The door opens towards you.
• There is a push pad at a height of 98cm.
• The width of the opening is 88cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a medium visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 88cm.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors .
• The second set of doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 104cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is a third set of doors to enter the building beyond reception. These are double (with one leaf locked), manual, and open towards you. They have a low colour contrast and an opening width of 77cm. There is a key card reader to enter through these doors at a height of 132cm. There is a push button to exit at a height of 133cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Entrance (Rear Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Rear Entrance)

• This entrance is located to the rear of the building.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is ramped and stepped access at the entrance.
• The ramp has a steep gradient.
• The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There are 5 steps with no handrails.
• The steps are unmarked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 15cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• There is a key lock at a height of 113cm.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance, however one door is locked.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 61cm.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 113cm.
• There is a door knob you must twist to exit at a height of 113cm.
• There is a second single manual door.
• The door has a locked extension leaf.
• The second door opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 80cm.
• The second door has a medium visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 125cm.
• There is an intercom at a height of 141cm and a key card reader at a height of 125cm on the second set of doors.
• There is stepped access as you enter.
• There are 4 steps with a handrail on the right going up.
• The handrail is easy to grip.
• The handrail does not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The steps are unmarked.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 15cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There are 2 steps up, and then 2 steps down. There is a handrail on right for those going up, and no handrail for those going down.

You are on Entrance (Right Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (Right Entrance)

• This entrance is located to the right of the building.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is stepped access at the entrance.
• There is 1 step with no handrails.
• The step is unmarked.
• The height of the step is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 21cm.
• There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 137cm.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance, however one door is locked.
• The doors open towards you.
• The width of the opening is 59cm.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 139cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.
• This entrance takes you onto a mezzanine level, halfway up the right stairs between the basement and ground floors. There are 7 steps up to the ground floor and 10 steps down to the basement floor from this mezzanine level.

You are on Reception. Skip to the next section.

Reception

• The reception is located immediately to the right as you pass through the second set of doors at the main entrance.
• The distance from the main entrance is 3m.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 75cm.
• The reception has windows and glazed screens.
• 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.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• 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: chairs with armrests.
• Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.

You are on Lift (Platform Lift - Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Platform Lift - Main Entrance)

• The lift surveyed is located to the left as you face the main entrance.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from the main entrance is 3m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and a very easy ramp or slope.
• The courtyard and the ground floor are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have a medium visual contrast and tactile markings.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 95cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 115cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit and a visual floor indicator.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is a slight ramp up into the lift on the courtyard level. As this is an outdoor lift, lighting levels may vary depending on the time of day and/or weather conditions.

You are on Stairs (Main Stairs). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Main Stairs)

• The stairs surveyed are located straight ahead as you enter through the main entrance.
• The ground, first, second and third floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are unmarked and have a handrail on the right going up.
• The handrail is easy to grip.
• The handrail does not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail does 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 15cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• These stairs only access the Genetics Server Room area of the third floor. To access the third floor staff offices, use either the right stairs, or leave these stairs on the second floor, enter the Laboratory, and take the stairs - second floor to third floor - access to staff offices from second floor laboratory, immediately on the left.
  Between the second floor and the third floor, the stairs are 17cm high, clearly marked, and with handrails on both sides.
  The first two steps from the ground floor have no handrails.

You are on Stairs (Access to Basement - Rear of Building). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Access to Basement - Rear of Building)

• The stairs surveyed are located to the rear of the building, leading down from the rear entrance on the ground floor to the basement.
• The ground floor and basement can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 15 steps between floors.
• The steps are unmarked and have a handrail on the left going down.
• The handrail is easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail extends horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 16cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Lift (Main Lift). Skip to the next section.

Lift (Main Lift)

• The lift surveyed is located straight ahead and on the left as you enter through the main entrance.
• The distance from the main entrance (third set of doors) is 3m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• Floors -1, G, 1, 2 and 3 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 external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 98cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 114cm (width) x 105cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium 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, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Stairs (Second Floor to Third Floor - Access to Staff Offices from Second Floor Laboratory). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Second Floor to Third Floor - Access to Staff Offices from Second Floor Laboratory)

• The stairs surveyed are located immediately to the left as you enter the second floor laboratory from the main lift or main stairs.
• The second floor and third floor can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 13 steps between floors.
• The steps have low visual contrast markings and have a handrail on the left going up.
• The handrail is easy to grip.
• The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is not between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 21cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Stairs (Right of Building). Skip to the next section.

Stairs (Right of Building)

• The stairs surveyed are located to the right of the building.
• The basement, mezzanine, ground, first, second and third floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the left going up.
• The handrail is not easy to grip.
• The handrail does not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrail does 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 16cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• On the lower part of the stairs between the second and third floors, the stairs are unmarked and 18cm high.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located immediately to the left as you pass through the third set of doors at the Main Entrance, next to the main lift.
  • The distance from the main entrance (third set of doors) is 1m.
  • 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 78cm.
  • The door has a lever twist 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 143cm (width) x 193cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 74cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a lever flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has varying visual contrasts.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 92cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 96cm 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 100cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • 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 low visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • The toilet does have a padded backrest, but it is obstructed by the lid.