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Life Sciences Building

The University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZB

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; laboratories, workshops, lecture theatres, seminar rooms and tutorial rooms.
    • This building is linked to Biosciences Building on the ground, first, second and third floors. Please see the separate guide for more information on access in and around the Biosciences Building.
    • Biosciences Building link (new tab) - click here.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on the basement, ground, first, second and third floors, close to the main lift.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the ground, first, second and third floors, close to the main lift.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground, first, second and third floors, close to the main lift.

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 within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Crown Street Staff Car Park 18.
    • The car park is located in front of the building.
  • 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.
    • Unmarked on street parking is available on Crown Street.

Site/Campus Car Park (Crown Street Staff Car Park 18)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in front of the Life Sciences Building, off Crown Street.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is block paving.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 255cm x 365cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side but not at the 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, permit holders and staff.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • 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 7m (7yd 1ft) from the Life Sciences Building main entrance.
    • Access to this car park from Crown Street is barrier controlled. There is a card reader 93cm high at the barrier, and also an intercom 110cm high (photograph 6).

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, off the car park.
    • This entrance gives access to the lower ground floor of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'LIFE SCIENCES BUILDING'.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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 160cm.
    • 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 double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 160cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Outside Access (Out Of Hours Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, directly to the left of the main entrance as you face it.
    • This entrance gives access to the lower ground floor of the building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Swipe Access from 1730 to 0830 hours'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is 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.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 117cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • 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.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 100cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

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.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • 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 a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
    • The system is infrared.
    • Hearing assistance systems are fitted in the following rooms: Teaching Labs A, B and C, and Seminar Room 1 on the first floor; Teaching Labs D, E, F, and Seminar Rooms 2, 3, 4 and 6 on the second floor; Seminar Room 17 and Masters Room (SR12) on the third floor.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
    • There are 2 height adjustable desks available in the Computer Teaching Centre on the first floor. Photograph 7 shows Teaching Lab B on the first floor. Photograph 8 shows Seminar Room 2 on the second floor. Photograph 9 shows Seminar Room 17 on the third floor.

Other Floors (Central Staircase)

  • Stairs View
    • The stairs are located in the reception foyer, straight ahead from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are single heavy doors to access these doors on the ground and first floors, and double heavy doors on the second floor.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, M, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • 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 extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.
  • Other Information View
    • There are 14 steps between the basement and lower ground floor, 11 steps between the lower ground and ground floors (photograph 1), 7 steps between the ground and mezzanine floors (photograph 2), and 15+ steps between the mezzanine and first floors (photographs 3 and 4) and first and second floors (photograph 5). ?There is also a set of 15+ steps on the far right hand side of the reception foyer that access the mezzanine level only (photographs 7 and 8).

Lift (Foyer Lift)

  • The lift is located straight ahead from the main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform 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 B, LG, G, M and 1.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 410kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not 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 high.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 109cm x 150cm.
  • There are not 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 not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • There is a short slight ramp in front of the lift on the basement level (shown in photograph 4).

Eating and Drinking

  • Location and Access View
    • The following information is for the café.
    • The café is located on the ground floor, next to the foyer lift.
  • Service and Menus View
    • Tables cannot be booked in advance.
    • There is a counter where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Staff can bring food and/or drinks to tables.
    • Menu types include; written wall menus.
    • Menus are clearly written.
    • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
    • Staff can read menus to customers if requested.
    • The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.
    • Takeaway cups are available.
    • Adapted cups are not available.
    • Adapted cutlery is not available.
    • Drinking straws are not available.
    • This area does play background music.
    • Background music is played at all times, the volume can be adjusted if requested.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system .
  • Service Counter(s) View
    • The height of the counter is 90cm.
    • There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
  • Tables and Seating View
    • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
    • The majority of tables are accessible to wheelchair users.
    • The standard height for the underside of dining tables is 38cm.
    • No tables are permanently fixed.
    • No chairs are permanently fixed.
    • Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
    • There are also stools.
    • The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is also a vending machine available between the foyer lift and the stairs (shown in photograph 6).

Other Floors (Main Stairs)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the left of the central staircase, by the main lift.
    • The stairs are approximately 15m from the foyer lift.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1, 2 and 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 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.
  • Other Information View
    • There is a similar staircase further along the building, towards the link with the Biosciences Building.

Lift (Main)

  • The lift is located on the ground floor, to the left as you exit the foyer lift, past the cafe.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the foyer lift.
  • 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 B, G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1350kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are 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 low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 130cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 206cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not 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 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.

Entrance (Link From The Biosciences Building)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor of the Biosciences Building, on the far right hand side from the main entrance.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the Life Sciences Building.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'ENTERING LIFE SCIENCES BUILDING'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is/are single width with a locked extension leaf.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 78cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance, running along the side of the Link lift.
    • 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 not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
  • Lift View
    • There are similar entrances on the first to third floors. The doors on the first and second floors require a card to access, with card readers 110cm high (shown in photographs 3 and 4). The entrance on the third floor is accessed by 2 marked steps, 17cm high with a hand rail on the right hand side going up (shown in photograph 6). These steps, and the ramps on the other floors, can be overcome by the Link lift.

Lift (Link)

  • The lift is located in the Biosciences Building, next to the link to the Life Sciences Building.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the 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 G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1350 kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not 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 low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 128cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 128cm x 132cm.
  • 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 not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are low to moderate.
  • This lift accesses floors G, 1, 2, 3 in both the Biosciences and Life Sciences Buildings, so can be used to overcome the ramp or steps in the links between these two buildings.

Lecture Theatre(s) (Lecture Theatre 1)

  • Signage for the lecture theatre(s) is available in upper and lower case lettering that is clearly visible on or near the door.
  • 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) from the corridor.
  • 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 back.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from an entrance.
  • There is not space for an assistance dog.
  • There is step free access to the speaker's area at the front of the lecture theatre(s).
  • The lectern is height adjustable.
  • The lectern cannot be adjusted between the recommended heights of 80cm and 110cm (lowest part).
  • There is staggered seating within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The steps to the staggered seating do not have handrails.
  • There is a hearing assistance system for the lecture theatre(s).
  • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.
  • 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 70cm.
  • A height adjustable table/bench is not available.
  • There are no chairs with armrests on both sides within the lecture theatre(s).
  • The room does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
  • Floor coverings in the lecture theatre(s) are even with no trip hazards.
  • The rear of the lecture theatre is accessed from reception foyer on the lower ground floor, and the front is accessed from the basement level.
  • Comments View
    • Lecture Theatre 3 is identical to this, except the front is accessed from the mezzanine level and the rear is accessed from the first floor.
    • Lecture Theatre 2 is only accessed at the front on the mezzanine level. It has designated spaces at the front and contains a chair with armrests (photographs 7 and 8).

Accessible Toilet(s)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, to the right, inside the corridor just past the café.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 14m (15yd 11in) from the foyer 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 good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 84cm.
    • 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 175cm x 203cm.
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The height of the light switch/pull cord is 114cm from floor level.
    • 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 84cm.
    • 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 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 good.
    • 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 not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 50cm (1ft 8in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • 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 73cm (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 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 101cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the first floor, to the left as you exit the main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the main 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 86cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.