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Materials Innovation Factory (MIF)

The University of Liverpool, Oxford Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; laboratories, staff offices, and meeting rooms.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on floors G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on floors G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on floors G, 1, 2 and 3.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Site/Campus Car Park (Mount Pleasant)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on Mount Pleasant.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • 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 5 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 450cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side and the rear.
    • The marked zone is 130cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by anybody.
    • Parking charges apply for all except Blue Badge holders.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
    • Payment machines are located at the front of the car park.
    • Payment machines are located at the main entrance to the car park/502 Teaching Hub.
    • There is a payment machine at a convenient height for wheelchair users.
    • There is not a level turning space (minimum 185cm x 210cm) in front of the payment machine(s).
    • Payment cannot be made by phone.
    • To see more information on parking policies please click here (opens new tab).
  • 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 clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is a campus map available within the car park.
    • The nearest designated bay is 35m from the Mount Pleasant.
    • The barriers to enter the car park have a touchscreen you have to press to receive a ticket. This touchscreen is 130cm in height.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the reception area.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Materials Innovation Building'.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 104cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 104cm .
    • A UCard is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the UCard reader is 104cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 148cm.
    • 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.
    • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 148cm.
    • There are security barriers at this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the security barriers is 50cm.
    • The width of the wider security barriers is 90cm.
    • A UCard is required to pass through the security barriers.
    • The height of the UCard reader is 90cm.
    • The bollards do contrast visually with the flooring.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the pathway leading to the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.

Reception (Building Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left when you enter.
    • The reception point is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main 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 no 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 good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 110cm .
    • 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 70cm.
    • 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 concrete.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is obstructed.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.
  • Security Barriers View
    • There are security barriers at the reception.
    • The minimum width between the security barriers is 50cm.
    • The width of the wider security barriers is 90cm.
    • A UCard is required to pass through the security barriers.
    • The height of the UCard reader is 90cm.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is stone and concrete.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides 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 provided.
  • 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.

Entrance (Materials Innovation Factory - Donnan Building)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the Innovation Factory on the ground floor.
    • This entrance gives access to the Donnan Building.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Donnan Building'.
    • There is step-free access 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 UCard is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the UCard reader is 90cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 90cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width but one door is locked.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar entrances to access the Donnan Building on all floors.

Other Floors (Foyer Area)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located along the main ground floor corridor.
    • The stairs are approximately 14m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2 and 3.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are 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 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 landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Other Floors (Stairwell)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right of the reception desk.
    • The stairs are approximately 14m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available 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 and 4.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are 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 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 landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift (Stairwell Area - G041)

  • The lift is located to the right beyond the main entrance.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) 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 G, 1, 2 and 3.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
  • 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 low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 140cm x 160cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Lift (Rear of Building G030)

  • The lift is located at the rear of the building.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 62m (67yd 2ft) 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 G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 2500kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby from the first floor upwards.
  • 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 medium.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 130cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 180cm x 260cm.
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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 good.

Toilet with Adaptations

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the third floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 16m (17yd 1ft) from the lift entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is tactile, written text and 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 heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm.
    • 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 226cm x 250cm.
    • The accessible toilet does 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 right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 158cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary 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 high.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is 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 placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • 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 105cm.
    • 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 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 115cm (3ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the third floor.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the lift entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the left as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.