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The Department of Biological Sciences and Kimmy Eldridge Building

University of Essex, Wivenhoe Park, Colchester, Essex, CO4 3SQ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include labs, Wallace Meeting room, seminar room and Darwin Common room, School of Health and Human Sciences (Kimmy Eldridge Building).
  • Comments View
    • The fax number is: UK 01206 872592, International 01206 872592.

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00 - 19:00.
  • Tuesday 07:00 - 19:00.
  • Wednesday 07:00 - 19:00.
  • Thursday 07:00 - 19:00.
  • Friday 07:00 - 19:00.
  • Comments View
    • The building has restricted access after 17.00, via keypad entry..

Location

  • The venue is situated within the centre of the campus.
  • This venue is situated in Colchester.
  • The venue is in a pedestrian area.
  • The nearest mainline station is Hythe.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
  • Comments View
    • Although not as close as Hythe, most visitors choose to arrive at Colchester North station where bus and taxi connections are more readily available.

Parking

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
  • 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 heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 154cm (5ft 1in).
  • Comments View
    • The door to access this building is automatic to access and push pad operated to exit.
    • This entrance opens into Level 4 of the building.

Inside Access

  • There is level access to the service(s).
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • This venue does not play background music.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

Reception (General Enquiries Office)

  • The desk/counter is 17m (18yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are medium.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter is staffed.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2-3-4-5-6.
    • 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 deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Outside Access (Kimmy Eldridge Building)

  • This information is for the entrance located to the rear of the building off the main corridor.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main doors open towards you (pull).
  • The doors are double width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 147cm (4ft 10in) wide.

Level Change (Kimmy Eldridge Building)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does not have handrails.

Reception (Kimmy Eldridge Building)

  • The reception desk is 14m (15yd) from the entrance.
  • There is level access to reception from the entrance.
  • The reception desk is high height.
  • Lighting levels are bright.
  • The desk has a lowered section.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Lift (1)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2-3-4-5-6.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 184cm x 132cm (6ft x 4ft 4in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 does not have a hearing loop 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.

Lift (2)

  • The lift is located left as you enter, at the end of the corridor.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 4-5-6.
  • The lift is 56m (61yd) from main entrance.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 138cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 6in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 controls do not have Braille markings.
  • The lift controls do have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within reach for a wheelchair user.
  • The lighting level in the lift is medium.

Accessible Toilet (Cubicle in Standard Toilets)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the standard male and female toilets on level 5.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 148cm x 210cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 11in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is not clear in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is located on level 6 to your right as you exit lift 1.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
    • This is by lift.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 79cm (2ft 7in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 232cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 7in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 84cm (2ft 9in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • There is a fair colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are medium.

Accessible Toilet (Kimmy Eldridge Building)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) within this venue designated for public use.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located next to the Kimmy Eldridge building reception.
    • There is not level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 240cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 10in).
    • Floor manoeuvring space is clear in the accessible toilet.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is sensor.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a mirror.
    • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • The lighting levels are bright.

Standard Toilet(s)

Additional Info

  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not generally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.
  • Staff are Text Relay aware.
  • Comments View
    • Staff may receive disability awareness training.
    • The photographs show the Darwin Common room and Wallace Meeting Room.