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Joseph Black Building

University of Glasgow, University Place, Glasgow, G12 8QQ

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the school of chemistry, lecture theatres, teaching rooms, library and laboratories.

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here (Gilmorehill Campus)

  • By Road View
    • The University of Glasgow Gilmorehill Campus is located to the west of Glasgow city centre.
      From Carlisle, Newcastle and the south, exit M74 on to the M73, joining the M8 at the Old Monkland junction.
      M8 exits for the University are J18 if travelling from the south, Edinburgh and the north and J19 if coming from Glasgow Airport and the west.
      Other main routes serving the University include Great Western Road (A82, north of campus), Clydeside Expressway (A814, south) and Byres Road (B808, west).
    • Car parking at the University Campuses is limited and a Vehicle Management and Enforcement Scheme is in operation.
      There is limited pay and display on street parking across the campus and a long stay pay and display public car park in Lilybank Gardens.
      There are designated bays for disabled staff, students and visitors across the campus car parks. Please see University of Glasgow parking notes for further details.
  • By Bus View
    • Buchanan bus station is the main bus terminus in Glasgow for inter city coach services.
      First Group buses Simplicity services 4 and 4A , bus routes 15 and 370 and Stagecoach bus services X25, X25A, X76 and X77 all stop on University Avenue by the Main Gate opposite the library.
  • By Train View
    • The nearest train station to the University is Partick to the west of the campus approximately 0.9 miles away (18 minutes) via Byres Road. There is step free access throughout the station via lifts and ramp access for trains. There is an induction loop at the booking office.
      The nearest train station to the east of the University campus is Charing Cross approximately 0.9 miles away (19 minutes) from Bank Street via Woodlands Road. There is step free access throughout the station via lifts and ramp access for trains. There is an induction loop at the booking office.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest underground station is Hillhead on Byres Road. The station has stepped and escalator access to platforms only.
      The nearest underground station to the east of the campus is Kelvinbridge, the station has stepped and escalator access to platforms only.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by permit holders.
    • The car park is located to the side of the building, near the A-wing entrance.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • 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 not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The building parking was in use by temporary construction vehicles at the time of survey in July 2022 and could not be fully surveyed.

Outside Access (Wing A Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is 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 double.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 139cm (4ft 7in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 128cm (4ft 2in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
    • The step(s) is / are located to the right of the ramp.
    • There is / are 6 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 have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.

Outside Access (Wing C Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is 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 double.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 153cm (5ft).
  • 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 141cm (4ft 8in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located leading up from the left and right of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • 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 left going up the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • 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 3 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
    • The ramp on the right offers a handrail to the right.

Outside Access (Stepped Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the side of the building.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • There is 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 double.
    • The door(s) is / are permanently held open (at the time of the survey).
    • The width of the door opening is 157cm (5ft 2in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) both ways.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 133cm (4ft 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 8 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.

Reception (Janitor's Box)

  • Janitor's Box (Chemistry) is located on Level C, opposite the stepped entrance.
  • The desk is 80m (87yd 1ft) from the Wing C entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is step free access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are moderate to good.
  • 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 not staffed.
  • There is not a bell to attract attention.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is/are 3 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to Level 2 C Wing.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a steep ramp, with no handrails, for access to Level 2 C Wing.
    • The width of the ramp is 122cm (4ft).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • The ramp is shown in photograph 3, with the steps in photograph 4.
    • There are no 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 poor colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • Induction hearing assistance loop systems are fitted in rooms B4-19 (Main Lecture Theatre) and C3-05 (Carnegie). Infrared hearing assistance systems are fitted in rooms A5-04 (Theoretical), B4-08, B4-19, C3-05 and C4-07 (Agricultural).
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 3, 4 and 5.
    • The stairs are located opposite the A Wing entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 7m from the A Wing entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between 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 are further staircases throughout the building.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right from the Wing A entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2, 3, 4 and 5.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 975kg.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Wing A entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 139cm x 128cm (4ft 7in x 4ft 2in).
  • 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 has a hearing enhancement system.
  • The lift does 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.

Library (Level 5)

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is an ordering service.
  • The library does not have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are not available for computer users.
  • Comments View
    • The library is open between 09:00-17:00 from Monday-Friday.
    • The library is not staffed between 13:00-14:00.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located within the male and female standard toilets on Level 4, to the left from the lift.
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located to the right from the A Wing entrance, just beyond the lift. on Level 4, to the right from the lift..
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on Level 4, to the left from the lift, and on Level 5, to the right from the lift..
  • Male standard toilet facilities are located on Level 5, to the left from the lift, just beyond the Wing C doors..

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the Level 2 female toilets, to the right from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the lift.
    • There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 180cm x 150cm (5ft 11in x 4ft 11in).
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on the right.
    • There is not 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) to the right of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 162cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 111cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • 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 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 good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is not a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 4)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located just inside the Level 4 male toilets door, to the left from the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 31m (33yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a male toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 199cm x 182cm (6ft 6in x 5ft 12in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to 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 127cm (4ft 2in).
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is fair.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 43cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
    • 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 107cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 107cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is fair.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar accessible toilet offering alternative transfer space just inside the female toilets opposite, shown in photographs 9 to 16.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located to the right from the A Wing entrance, just beyond the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the A Wing entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • 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 75cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The door has a no smoking sign and 'A3-A6' on it.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female and male toilets are located on Level 4, to the left from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 30m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Emergency Evacuation Information