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Department of Pathology (Pathology Building)

University of Cambridge, Downing Site, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge, CB2 1QP

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff, students and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Downing Site Car Park.
    • The car park is located around the University of Cambridge, Downing Site.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Tennis Court Road.
  • Comments View
    • There is a car park with limited availability around the University of Cambridge, Downing Site.
    • This is managed externally from the University and permits are required to park.
    • There is a Blue Badge bay at the rear of the Pathology Building that can be used with a permit.
    • This Blue Badge bay is approximately 5m from the accessible entrance to the main Pathology Building.
    • Please contact the University of Cambridge for further information about parking here.

Site/Campus Car Park

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located around the Downing Site with a Blue Badge bay located to the rear of the Courtyard Building.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Department of Archaeology (Courtyard Building McDonald Institute) and the Sedgwick Building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is concrete.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 250cm x 615cm (8ft 2in x 20ft 2in).
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders, permit holders and staff permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are not provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is sloped access to the car park from the Downing Site.
    • The nearest designated bay is 25m (27yd 1ft) from the Courtyard Building main entrance.
  • Comments View
    • There is car parking located throughout the Downing Site.
    • Car parking is restricted and over-subscribed.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 161cm (5ft 3in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 169cm (5ft 7in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 139cm (4ft 7in).
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is / are 1 step(s) to access the entrance.
    • There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the step(s).
    • The step(s) is / are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do not have handrails.
  • Comments View
    • There is a gate with one leaf permanently held open before reaching this entrance (as shown in photograph 6).
    • The gate opening is 81cm wide followed by a slight slope downwards (as shown in photograph 7).
    • This entrance does not have step free access.
    • The accessible entrance is at the rear of the building.

Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated when exiting.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 138cm (4ft 6in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 122cm (4ft).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on the right going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 109cm (3ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • The route to the accessible entrance is via the right side of the building with uneven tarmac in places.
    • In addition to the key card to enter the first set of doors, there is also a phone that can be used to call reception placed 139cm high.
    • The first and second set of doors should both be power assisted, however at the time of survey this was not working and due to be repaired.
    • The push pad to exit the first set of doors was working.

Reception

  • The main reception is located to the right of the accessible entrance and to the left of the main entrance.
  • The desk is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • The hearing system is available only on request.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.
  • Comments View
    • When entering the building via the main entrance there are 2 medium, clearly marked steps to reach the reception (as shown in photograph 3).
    • There are security gates at the reception area to enter and exit the building via the main entrance. One has a width of 84cm and the other a width of 59cm (as shown in photographs 4, 5 and 6).
    • Card readers are placed at 96cm high at the security gates.
    • There is no step free access via the reception area to enter or exit the building through the main entrance, the accessible entrance is at the rear of the building and provides step free access to the reception.
    • When entering the building via the accessible entrance there are no security gates to pass through.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There is a steep ramp, with no handrails, for access to the Link Building from the Pathology Building on the ground floor.
    • The width of the ramp is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • The portable hearing loop is located at the main reception.
    • The hearing system is available only on request.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.

Other Floors (Main Stairs)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located in the main reception foyer.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a further staircase to the right of the building which provides access to floors G, 1, 2, 3 and Roof (as shown in photographs 4, 5 and 6). The steps are clearly marked, medium and have a handrail on the right going up.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the accessible entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3 and Roof.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 450kg.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the accessible entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 123cm x 81cm (4ft x 2ft 8in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lift controls are between 112cm - 132cm high.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Lecture Room)

  • Directional and locational signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible.
  • The corridor outside the lecture theatre(s) is sufficiently wide enough (150cm+) to allow wheelchair users to pass.
  • There is step free access into the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door opening width(s) is/are 75cm+ for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The door(s) for the lecture theatre(s) is/are not push pad activated.
  • There are designated spaces for wheelchair users within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The designated spaces for wheelchairs users are located at the front.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • There is/are 3 medium height (11cm - 17cm) step(s) for access to the designated seating.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked and has/have a handrail on the right going up.
  • There is space for an assistance dog.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The height of the speaker's desk/table is 75cm.
  • The speaker's desk/table is not height adjustable.
  • The height of the lectern is 93cm.
  • The lectern is not height adjustable.
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is not a visual fire alarm beacon in the lecture theatre(s).
  • There is fixed furniture within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The clear floor space beneath tables in the room(s) is 73cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are not even.
  • There is stepped access to the rear of the lecture theatre. This is through a door which opens towards you, is double with one locked leaf, heavy and 66cm wide (as shown in photograph 9).
    There are then 4, clearly marked steps to access the rear of the lecture theatre (as shown in photograph 10).
  • Comments View
    • The designated space for wheelchair users is shown in photograph 6.
    • Level access to the designated space for wheelchair users is via a platform lift located to the left on entering through the front entrance to the lecture room by the steps leading into the seating area (as shown in photographs 7 and 8).

Lift (Lecture Room)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left on entering the lecture room via the front entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The lift is approximately 2m (2yd 7in) from the lecture room front entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 85cm (2ft 9in).
  • The lift door is manual, light and opens outwards.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 135cm x 117cm (4ft 5in x 3ft 10in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.
  • Comments View
    • This platform lift overcomes the steps leading down from the front entrance of the lecture room to the seating area at the front of the lecture room where the designated space for wheelchair users is located.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor to the right on entering through the accessible entrance.
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor to the right on entering through the main entrance and on the second floor in the main stairwell..
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the third floor restricted access level..

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor to the right of the accessible entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 195cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and storage items.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary, general waste (with no lid) and pedal bin disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 120cm and 174cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 97cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 119cm (3ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the right on entering through the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 74cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the second floor in the stairwell.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 17m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • It was not possible to access the female toilet.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 93cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.