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School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering

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

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; Computer Sciences and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) labs 1-4, 6-7 and staff offices.
    • CSEE also occupy the Network Centre adjacent to this building.
    • The Network Centre link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on levels 3A and 4B.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on level 5B.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on levels 2, 4B and 5A.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on Level 3.

Getting Here (Central Campus)

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 Network Centre / School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering.
    • The car park is located underneath the Network Centre.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Network Centre / School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located underneath the Network Centre.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Network Centre and the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering Building.
    • The car park type is sheltered.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 461cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are not clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Network Centre car park entrance.
  • Comments View
    • Only the bay nearest the entrance has hatched markings on both sides and at the rear.
    • The other two bays only have hatched markings on one side, and this is under 120cm (photographs 2 and 3).

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the northwest of Square 2.
    • This entrance gives access to Level 4.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with '2NW - Computer Science and Electronic Engineering'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 185cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The door(s) is/are permanently held open.
    • The width of the door opening is 135cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Outside Access (CSEE Brooker Laboratory 7)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the northeast of Square 1.
    • This entrance gives access to the CSEE Brooker Laboratory 7 on Level 3.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'CSEE Brooker Laboratory 7'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 113cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 115cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a ramp with a very easy incline.
  • Comments View
    • There are very slight ramps in front of the first set of doors and after the second set of doors.
    • The rest of Level 3 and all other levels within the building can be accessed from the CSEE Brooker Laboratory 7.

Reception (CSEE Student Services Office)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located straight ahead as you enter from the main entrance on Square 2.
    • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Clear signage for the reception area/desk is visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are moderate to good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 115cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is not a waiting area close to the reception point.
  • Comments View
    • There is a door to enter the reception area which opens away from you (push), is heavy, and has an opening width of 76cm (photograph 1).
    • Photograph 4 shows the corridor outside the reception area.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is sloped/ramped access to various labs and offices located on levels 3A, 4B and 5.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is laminate, vinyl and carpet.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all corridors/walkways.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are varied.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
  • Comments View
    • There is a height-adjustable desk available in CSEE Brooker Laboratory 7 (photograph 3).
    • There is some flooring in the route through CSEE Brooker Laboratory 7 with a large repeating pattern of bold contrasting colours which could be perceived as steps (photograph 4).

Ramp(s) or Slope(s)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located at the far end of the Level 4B corridor, leading to Lab 4.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access Lab 4 from the rest of the building.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are low to moderate.
    • Ramp 1 is shown in photographs 1-3.
  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 2 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located just inside the entrance to Lab 1 on Level 5 as you approach from the lift.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access Lab 1 from the rest of Level 5.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
    • Ramp 2 is shown in photographs 4-6.
  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 3 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located on Level 3A.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access some rooms at the far end of the Level 3A corridor.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
    • Ramp 3 is shown in photographs 7-8.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar ramp to ramp 1 just inside Lab 6.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located straight ahead as you enter from the main entrance on Square 2.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all levels except Level 4.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4B, 4, 5B, 5 and 5A.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps is 25cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The number of steps between floors varies between 4 and over 15.

Lift

  • The lift is located straight ahead as you enter from the main entrance on Square 2.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2, 3, 3A, 4B, 4, 5B, 5 and 5A.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1600kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on all levels except Level 4.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 139cm (4ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 166cm x 208cm (5ft 5in x 6ft 10in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 3A - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located diagonally to the left as you exit the lift on Level 3A.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • 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 high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 81cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 268cm x 206cm (8ft 10in x 6ft 9in).
    • 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not 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 high.
    • There is not a/are not wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • There is not a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is not a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • 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, nappy/incontinence items bin and clinical waste disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 119cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 103cm.
    • The shelf is not located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • 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 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 78cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a small lip on the door threshold, 2cm or below.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 4B - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located diagonally to the left as you exit the lift on Level 4B.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • 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 and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
    • The door opens by sliding (Bi-Fold).
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 91cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 147cm x 197cm (4ft 10in x 6ft 6in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 94cm from floor level.
    • 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 waste disposal bin.
    • 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 high.
    • 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 high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • 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 and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The shelf has the minimum dimensions of 12.5cm x 40cm.
    • The shelf is at a height of 100cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
    • 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is medium.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 87cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a small lip on the door threshold.

Standard Toilet(s) (Male and Female)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located on Level 4B, diagonally to the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on Level 5B, diagonally to the left as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 74cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • There is a threshold on the door, 2cm or below, for both the male and female toilets.
    • Photographs 1-5 show the male toilets.
    • Photographs 6-8 show the female toilets.

Standard Toilet(s) (Shared)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located diagonally to the left as you exit the lift on Level 3A.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There is a small lip, 2cm or below, on the door's threshold.