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Department of Chemistry (Chemistry Building)

University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road Site, Cambridge, CB2 1EW

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Access Guide

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Overview

  • About View
    • The Department of Chemistry (Chemistry Building) is very large building and has 7 floors as well as a small sub-basement in the Technology Centre. .
    • There are 5 main lifts and 2 platform lifts, as well as a goods lift, in the technology centre.
      There are 4 main staircases within the building.
      The 2 lifts towards the front left and right of the building go to floors B, G, M, 1 ,2, 3 and 4.
      The lift in the left corridor goes to floors B, G, 1 and 2.
      The lift in the right corridor lab area goes to floors B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
      The lift towards the rear right of the building goes to floors B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • The floors are signed Basement, Ground, Mezzanine, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
      There is also a sub-basement in the Technology Centre. .
    • There is a link into the Department of Chemistry (Chemistry of Health) on the second floor. .
  • Parking and Public Transport View
    • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
    • There is on-street standard parking.
    • The nearest train station is Cambridge Station.
    • The nearest bus station is Cambridge Bus Station.
  • Related Access Guides View

Getting Inside

  • There is a step-free level approach to the building with a drop kerb with no tactile paving.
  • The step-free level approach is from the car park in front of the building to the main entrance lift.
  • There is step-free level access to the main entrance via a platform lift.
    There is a set of automatic doors at the rear of the building which provide access to the lower part of the ground floor.
    This entrance has a slope in front of the entrance.
  • There is no naming or signage at the entrances.
  • The main entrance has step-free level access via a platform lift.
    A key is required to operate the lift.
    The double doors at the entrance are automatic.
    The entrance leads into the main reception and foyer area.
  • There is a stepped entrance into the Technology Centre.
    There is a sloped entrance to the rear of the building entering into the lower part of the ground floor.
  • The building links into the Chemistry of Health building on the second floor and the Centre for Molecular Informatics on the mezzanine floor and first floors.
    These building do not have external entrances that are in use.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the building on all floors.
  • There is a slight slope to access the Technology Centre on the Basement floor.
  • There is a set of eight steps between the ground floor and the rear ground floor seating area, accessible toilet and access to the BMS Lecture Theatre.
    These can be bypassed by a platform lift, the key for which is available from reception.
    There are three clearly marked deep steps with a handrail on the right to access the Centre for Atomic Imaging Rooms G02 - G10 on the ground floor.
    There are sets comprising of eight steps to access the lower area of the Basement floor, these can be bypassed by a platform lift, the key for which is available from reception.
    There is a seating area to the rear of the building that can be accessed by either of the rear staircases.
    Off the staircase to the rear right of the building there are an additional ten steps to access the prayer room from the seating area level.
    Rooms 100 - 105 are accessed from the rear staircases between floors 1 and 2.
    There is stepped access into the laboratory on the right side on floor 3 from at the front of the building. There is level access to the laboratory area and the rear of level 3 by using either the main lift or the rear right lift.
  • Many corridors with the building are blocked by laboratories which do not allow through access.
    On the ground floor the is no through access into rooms G49 - G55 due to the Part II Laboratory. These rooms can be accessed step-free by taking the lift to the rear right of the building from another floor.
    On the first floor there is no through route along the corridor as it passes directly through laboratory rooms. Step-free access to the rear right of the building is step free via the rear right lift.
    Step-free access to the first floor left corridor is only available by using the left corridor lift.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth, with the majority having a shiny finish.
    There are some areas of flooring which are patterned.
  • There are resting areas in some of the circulation routes with a mixture of seating.
  • Wall mounted directional signage in provided throughout the majority of the building.
    Maps are provided within the Technology Centre.
  • There are manual doors in the majority of corridors,.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located in the left hand corridor on the ground floor, towards the rear of the building on the lower area of the ground floor and to the front right of the building on the fourth floor.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The male toilet facilities are located towards the left of the building on the basement, ground and second floors.
      Towards the rear of the building on the second floor, third floor and on the lower part of the basement.
    • The female toilet facilities are located towards the right of the building on the ground and third floors, towards the left of the building on the first and third floors, in the Technology Centre on the ground floor, and towards the rear of the building on the lower part of the basement.
    • The shared toilet facilities are located on the lower part of the basement, in the Technology Centre in the basement and towards the front right of the building on the fourth floor.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in the ground floor toilet with adaptations.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard shower facilities are located in the technology centre on the basement floor.
    • Male toilets located to the rear left of the building on the second floor are accessed by three steps that are part of the main staircase.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Parking (Department of Chemistry)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the Chemistry Building.
    • 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 250cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 90cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 15m from the Chemistry Building main entrance lift.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for permit holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building off from the car park.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access via lift at the entrance.
  • There are 11 steps with handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrails do not extend 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 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is signage indicating the location of the lift near to the steps.
    The top three steps before the entrance have no handrails.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 90cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 163cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is an alternative set of manual double doors to the left of the automatic doors.

Lift (Main Entrance)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right of the main entrance.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from main entrance is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The lift door has a low visual contrast.
  • The lift does not have 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.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 88cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 88cm (width) x 143cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.

Reception

  • The reception is located to your right on entering the building via the main entrance.
  • The distance from main entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 76cm.
  • The reception has glazed screens.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 105cm to 120cm from the floor.
  • 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.
  • 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: sofas and benches.
  • There are security barriers which are operated by key card.

Lift (Main)

  • The lift surveyed is located to your right on entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, a lift and manual doors.
  • The basement, ground, mezzanine, 1, 2, 3 and 4 floors 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 high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 102cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 175cm (width) x 120cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high 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.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Lift (Ground Floor Level Changes)

  • The lift surveyed is located towards the rear of the building.
  • This lift is a stair lift.
  • The distance from the rear entrance is 30m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • 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.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 80cm (width) x 125cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high 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.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • There is a similar stair lift on the basement floor in the same location.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located to your right on entrance.
  • The basement, ground, mezzanine, 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to your left on entrance.
    • The distance from main entrance is 30m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has a very easy ramp slope.
    • There is step-free access via a very easy ramp or slope into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards automatically and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
    • The door has a push button 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 235cm (width) x 290cm (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.
    • The lateral transfer space is 165cm (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 are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have 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 high 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 112cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 80cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
    • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
    • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
    • 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 130cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 125cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
    • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 100cm.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.