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Solar Physics Observatory

University of Cambridge, Madingley Rise , Cambridge, CB3 0HA

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free with some uneven surfaces.
  • There are 2 entrances into the building.
    Both entrances provide step-free access into the building via steep slopes and single manual doors.
    The accessible entrance to the right of the 2 entrances is key card released.
    The second entrance to the left may only be opened with a key, but can be used as an exit without a key.
  • The entrances are not named or signed.
  • Both entrances provide access to the main access corridor on the ground floor.

Getting Around

  • There is a single access corridor on the first floor.
    There is only stepped access to the first floor inside the observatory dome.
  • There is a ramp with a steep gradient in the main access corridor on the ground floor.
  • There is patterned flooring in the observatory laboratory.
  • There is moveable seating without armrests available within the building.
  • There is no wayfinding signage within the building.
  • There are manual double doors into the observatory laboratory on the ground floor.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located on the ground floor, off the main access corridor.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a right hand transfer space.

Parking (Battcock/Kavli/Solar Physics)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off A1303 Madingley Road, in between the Battcock Centre, Kavli Institute and the Solar Physics Observatory.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 238cm (width) x 478cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 9m from the entrance to the Solar Physics Laboratory.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a steep ramp or slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff and permit holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Main)

  • This entrance is located to the front 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 step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a steep gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 118cm.
  • There is a bell at a height of 126cm.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 95cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 134cm.
  • There is a 4cm step down at the threshold of the doorway.
  • There is a second single manual door.
  • The second door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • The second door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Stairs

  • The ground floor and the first floor inside the observatory dome can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 10 steps between floors.
  • The steps have low visual contrast markings and have 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 height of the highest step is 22cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Lighting levels may be adjusted between white and red.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the left after the main entrance.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a steep ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • The door has a twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a low visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 158cm (width) x 258cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 46cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low 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 a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm 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 high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 103cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot 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 low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 108cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 120cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 177cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.