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Institute of Criminology

University of Cambridge, Sidgwick Site, Sidgwick Avenue, Cambridge, CB3 9DA

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free and level.
  • There is a single accessible entrance providing level access to the ground floor.
    The accessible entrance has push button activated automatic doors.
    There is a second, non-accessible entrance to the side of the building which provides access to the left-hand stairwell on the ground floor.
    There are manual single double doors which may be difficult to open to enter and exit the stairwell.
  • The accessible entrance is not named but is signed as The Institute of Criminology.
    The second, non-accessible entrance is not named or signed.
  • The accessible (surveyed) entrance provides step-free level access to the reception on the ground floor.
  • The non-accessible entrance is on a slope with a very slight gradient.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors.
  • A key card is required in the lift or stairs for access to the first floor upwards.
  • There is only stepped access between the ground floor and first floor within the library.
    Step-free access between the ground floor and the first floor within the library is via the main building lift.
  • Floor surfaces along circulation routes are generally smooth with a shiny finish on the ground floor and basement, with short pile carpet on the first floor upwards.
  • There are resting areas in some circulation and lobby areas on all floors with a mixture of seating.
  • Wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided near the lift and stairs on all floors.
  • There are manual doors that are permanently held open along circulation routes throughout the building.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 5 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on all floors.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The toilets with adaptations on the ground floor and in the basement lobby have a transfer space on the left hand side.
      The toilets in the front stairwell on the first, second and third floors have a transfer space on the right hand side.
    • The male and female toilet facilities are located on the basement floor.
    • The shared toilet facilities are located from the first floor upwards.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard shower facilities are located on the basement floor.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Entrance

  • This entrance is located on the corner of the building off the main pedestrian concourse, opposite The Faculty of Law building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance, however one door is locked.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 106cm.
  • The width of the opening is 105cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 106cm.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 193cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.
  • There is an alternative entrance to the side of the building which is open 24 hours a day via swipe card.
    Access at the alternative entrance is on a slope with a very easy gradient.
    There is a single manual door that opens outwards at this entrance which may be difficult to open.

Counter (Reception)

  • The counter is located straight ahead after the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 7m.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 107cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 88cm.
  • The counter has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • 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.
  • The reception counter is open 09:00 - 1700 Monday to Thursday, and 09:00 - 16:45 on Friday.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left of the reception counter.
  • The distance from the reception counter is 4m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The basement, ground, first, second and third floors 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 high 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 126cm (width) x 137cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high 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 visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the front of the building.
  • The basement, ground, first, second and third floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20 steps between floors.
  • The steps are unmarked and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails 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 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There is a similar set of stairs towards the rear of the building.
    There are further staircases near the front of the building between the ground floor and the basement floor, and towards the centre of the building from the first floor upwards.
    There are 20+ steps between the ground floor and the basement floor with handrails that are not easy to grip.
    The staircase from the first floor upwards had lighting levels which were uneven at the time of survey, with pools of light and shade.
    The further staircases do not have handrails that extend horizontally between the first and last step.
    There is a further staircase between the ground floor and first floor within the Radzinowicz Library, please see the link in the Room and Services within the Building section of this guide for more information.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor off the front stairwell.
    • The distance from the reception counter is 7m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 146cm (width) x 246cm (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, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (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 medium visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high 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 88cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 77cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • The vertical grab rail is on the left as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has a medium 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 94cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 76cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 146cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.