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Meridian House

University of Hertfordshire, 32-36 The Common, Hatfield, Hertfordshire, AL10 0LU

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; teaching rooms, clinical skills laboratories, midwifery programmes, the Hertfordshire Intensive Care and Emergency Simulation Centre (HICESC) and paramedics first-class skills.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the first floor, second floor and the third floor.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the second floor and the third floor.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
    • Standard shower facilities are located on the first floor.
  • COVID-19 Information View

Getting Here

Rooms and Spaces Links

Building Parking (Meridian House Car Park)

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by staff and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located on the left side at the front of Meridian House.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
    • The maximum height is 285cm (9ft 4in).
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 295cm x 480cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 130cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the front entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
    • The dropped kerb between the car park and the building does not have tactile paving.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
    • The name of the car park is Lemsford Road Car Park.
    • The car park is located along Lemsford Road.
  • 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 The Common.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
    • The on street standard parking bay is 198cm wide and 35m long.

Outside Access (Front Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the right side at the front of Meridian House.
    • This entrance gives access to Meridian House.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Meridian House'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
    • 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 (by revolving).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the left of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 13cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
  • Lift View
    • The lower bell is 125cm high and the higher bell is 138cm high.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left as you enter the Meridian House.
    • The reception point is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from the front sloped entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly 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 placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 115cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 74cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is 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 a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is obstructed.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet and vinyl.
    • 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 the majority of corridors/walkways.
    • There are sofas at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly 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.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located in front and to the right as you enter the Meridian House.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the front entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • 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 not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a second lower handrail.
    • 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.

Lift

  • The lift is for staff use only.
  • The lift is located in front and to the right as you enter Meridian House.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the front entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 600kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not 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 medium.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is medium.
  • The clear door width is 73cm (2ft 5in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 137cm (3ft 5in 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.
  • There is a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not 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) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located directly in front as you enter Meridian House and past the reception.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the front 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 Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 83cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • 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 143cm x 267cm (4ft 8in x 8ft 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 64cm (2ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary 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 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 low.
    • 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 and nappy/incontinence items bin 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 128cm.
    • The shelf is located where it is reachable.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is high.
    • 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 126cm (4ft 2in).
    • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • 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 92cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available .
    • The height of the baby change table is 87cm.
  • Comments View
    • To access this toilet there is an opening that is 103cm wide (this is shown in photograph 1).

Standard Shower (Shower)

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located on the first floor and to the right as you exit the lift.
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.
  • The step to access the shower is 33cm high.
    This shower also has a toilet and a wash basin that is 85cm high.

Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor and First Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located directly in front as you enter Meridian House and past the reception.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the front entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is Braille, tactile, 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 85cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • To access the ground floor toilets there is an opening that is 103cm wide (this is shown in photograph 1).
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female toilet is located on the first floor and to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is Braille, tactile, 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 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.

Standard Toilet(s) (Second Floor and Third Floor)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the second floor and to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is Braille, tactile, 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 84cm.
    • The height of the lowered wash basin is 71cm.
    • 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 third floor and to the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 5m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is Braille, tactile, 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 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.