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Whipple Museum of the History of Science

Free School Lane, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB2 3RH

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • Both approaches to the building are step-free and level via some uneven surfaces.
  • The Whipple Museum has two entrances.
    The accessible entrance provides step-free level access to building.
    The main entrance can only be accessed via a flight of stairs in the Department of History and Philosophy of Science Building.
    Both entrances have single manual doors which are permanently held open.
  • The entrances are both signed as Whipple Museum.
  • The Accessible Entrance provides step-free level access to Level 1.
  • The Main Entrance gives access to the Department of History and Philosophy of Science stairwell.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located on level 0, ahead and to the left from the accessible entrance.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the toilet with adaptations.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the rear of the Whipple Museum, next to the accessible entrance.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are no designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • The car park consists of a single parking bay.
      If you wish to use this bay, parking must be arranged with the museum before your visit.
      There is a very limited turning space in the car park.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Accessible Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on the ground floor at the rear of the museum.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • 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 at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 100cm.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 110cm.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The door is permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 76cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Reception

  • The reception is located on level 1, to the right as you enter via the main museum entrance.
  • The distance from the lift is 22m.
  • The most accessible route to reception has doors permanently held open and narrow walkways.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 101cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • There is not 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.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead and to the right as you enter via the accessible entrance.
  • The distance from the accessible entrance is 2m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Levels 0, 1 and 2 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 a low 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 79cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 106cm (width) x 139cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a low visual contrast and tactile markings.
  • 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 low at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located immediately to the left as you enter via the accessible entrance.
  • Levels 0, 1 and 2 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 17 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 vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Exhibition Space (Whipple Museum)

  • The museum is indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: there is a slight ramp on level 0, which you must overcome to use the toilet with adaptations.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Display information includes: tactile and information boards.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the tour, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout the tour may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • Wayfinding signage is not provided throughout the tour.
  • Both guided and self-guided tours are available.
    If you would like a guided tour it must be booked online before arrival.
    If you intend to visit with a group of 10+ people you must book ahead of time for both guided and self-guided tours.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor, off the main corridor.
    • The distance from the accessible entrance is 5m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight ramp or slope.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • The door has a 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 151cm (width) x 192cm (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 78cm (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 high visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • 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 high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 87cm 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 high visual contrast.
    • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 89cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 58cm.
    • The walls and floor have a low visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.