Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include three help desks in the Library: Reception Desk - staffed 08:00-18:00 Monday - Friday, 11:00-15:00 Saturday-Sunday during term time. Vacation opening hours vary but may be found on the universities opening hours webpage (https://library.port.ac.uk/open/). Library skills drop-in office - staffed 11:00-15:00 Monday - Friday offering expert support using library resources, finding and evaluating information and referencing to University standards. IT Help Desk - staffed 08:00-24:00 daily. Library support is also available 24/7 via online chat (click on the "Chat to us 24/7" button on any Library webpage) and by telephone (023 9284 3228). Library staff are available 09:00-17:00 and then the service is handed to an out-of-hours service staffed by librarians around the world.
- Ground Floor -
Books 001 - 306.449, Cafe, Information Desks, Journals Current and Recent Issues, Meeting Room 0.12, Open Access Computer Rooms 0.01 - 0.06, Postgraduate Study Suite, Reception, Teaching Rooms 0.25, 0.26 & 0.35 - 0.37,
First Floor -
Books 306.45 - 809.99, Bloomberg Database Computers, Group Study Rooms 1.02 - 1.05, Map Library,
Second Floor -
Books 810 - 999.99, Group Study Rooms 2.06 - 2.09, Journals, Large Book Collection, Pamphlet Collection.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- Take the M275 into Portsmouth. From the end of the M275, follow signs for 'Historic Waterfront/Seafront'. Cross three roundabouts to the traffic lights by Unicorn Gate (entrance to the naval dockyard). These are the traffic lights at the top of the Guildhall Campus map (see link to Maps and Deirections Page below).
- This building does not have its own car park. On street parking is available on Cambridge Road outside the library.
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By Bus
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- Bus routes 19, The Star 7, and the coach 700 Coastliner all stop on Cambridge Road, outside the Students' Union. There two University bus services. U1 runs a circular route around the City, while U2 shuttles between the sports facilities at the Langstone campus and the main Guildhall Campus.
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By Train
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- Portsmouth and Southsea station is located just to the north of the Guildhall Campus, approximtely 0.7 mile from this building. From the station entrance, turn left and pass under the railway lines. Cross Isambard Brunel Road, pass through the gap in the building and then cross Guildhall Square. Continue along Guildhall Walk until it meets Winston Churchill Avenue, then turn right, along King Richard I Road. Turn left and then left again onto Anglesea Road. This road becomes St Michael's Road, and then Cambridge Road. The library is on the right, on the far side of the Students' Union Building. Portsmouth and Southsea is served by trains from London Waterloo and Victoria, as well as South Wales, Bristol and stations along the South Coast.
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Useful Links
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- The Maps and Directions page on the University Website.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The First Group website for Portsmouth, Fareham and Gosport.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- The National Rail Enquiries website.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
Useful Information
- To see more information on Additional Support and Disability Advice Centre please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 023 9284 3462.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Admission Enquires please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 023 9284 5566.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Accommodation Services please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 023 9284 3214.
- Email: [email protected].
Building Parking
- The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
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Site/Campus Car Parks
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- There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
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Public Car Parks
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- There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
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On Street Parking
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- Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
- The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 190cm x 400cm (6ft 3in x 13ft 1in).
- The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Cambridge Road.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Site/Campus Car Park (William Beatty)
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Car Park
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- The car park is located to the left of the William Beatty Building.
- The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are William Beatty Building.
- 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 1 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 435cm x 644cm (14ft 3in x 21ft 2in).
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Charges and Restrictions
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- This car park can be used by permit holders.
- There are no parking charges.
- Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
- Signs are clearly presented.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
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Car Park Access
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- There is sloped access to the car park from the Hampshire Terrace.
- This car park is clearly signposted from the William Beatty Building.
- The nearest designated bay is 35m (38yd 10in) from the William Beatty Building Main Entrance.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located off of Cambridge Road.
- There is ramped/sloped 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) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 198cm (6ft 6in).
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Second Set of Doors
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- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
Reception (Library Reception)
- Library Reception is located to the left as you enter.
- The desk is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to this reception area.
- The lighting levels in the reception area are bright.
- The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
- The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
- The hearing assistance system was tested on 14/01/2020.
- The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
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Comments
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- The library reception is staffed whenever the library is open.
- There are barriers past the library.
- There is a gate with a width of 99cm and turnstiles with widths of 53cm.
Reception (Help Desk)
- Help Desk is located to the right past the barriers.
- The desk is 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- There is step free access to this reception area.
- The lighting levels in the reception area are good.
- The reception desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a portable loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
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Comments
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- The desk is unstaffed outside of its opening times.
Reception (Student IT Help)
- Student IT Help is located on the ground floor, to the left after the main entrance.
- The desk is 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main 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 medium.
- The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- There is a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Counter (Map Library)
- The desk is 18m (19yd 2ft) from the lift.
- Map Library is located on the first floor, opposite the lift.
- Clear signage for the counter is not visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to this counter, via lift.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
- The reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- There is not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
- The desk is staffed.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Opening Times (Map Library)
- Opening times do vary depending on timetabling.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
- There are no doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
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Getting Around
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- 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 good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are good.
- This building does not play background music.
Library
- 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.
- It takes approximately 7 days to process an order.
- The library does have computers with accessible software.
- Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
- A large text keyboard, large rollerball mouse, height adjustable table and height adjustable chair is / are available.
- Equipment available for people with a visual impairment includes magnifiers.
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Comments
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- It takes between 2 and 7 days to process an order, depending on whether the request is on the shelves or on loan to someone else.
- Accessible formats can be provided, either in-house or via document delivery services.
Eating and Drinking (The Library Café)
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located to the right after the main entrance.
- There is step-free access to the café.
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Service and Menus
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- 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.
- Plastic/takeaway cups are available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Adapted cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- This area does not play background music.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
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Service Counter(s)
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- The height of the counter is 90cm.
- The height of the lowered section at the counter is 74cm.
- There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered section of the counter.
- There is a moveable card machine available for payment.
- The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
- Lighting levels can be adjusted by a member of staff upon request.
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Tables and Seating
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- 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 74cm.
- There are also armchairs.
- No tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- Some chairs have armrests on both sides.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G-1-2.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- The steps are clearly marked.
- The steps are deep (18cm+).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The steps have a handrail on both sides.
- There is a landing.
- There are also stairs to the left of the library.
Lift (Main Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located in the middle of the ground floor.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
- The lift is approximately 19m (20yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 85cm (2ft 9in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 132cm x 150cm (4ft 4in x 4ft 11in).
- There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not 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 not 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 bright.
Lift (Staff Lift)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the left of the building.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G-1-2.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 33m (36yd 3in) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 79cm (2ft 7in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 132cm x 148cm (4ft 4in x 4ft 10in).
- There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
- There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
- The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
- The lift does not have an audible announcer.
- The lift does not have a hearing enhancement system.
- The lift does not 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 bright.
Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
- Accessible toilet facilities are located to the left immediately after the first set of main entrance doors, and to the rear of the building on the ground and second floors.
- Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor.
- Gender Neutral standard toilet facilities are located inside the entrance and towards the rear of the building on the ground floor and towards the rear of the building on the first and second floors.
Accessible Toilet (Entrance)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the first set of entrance doors.
- This accessible toilet is located between the first and second set of doors.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from the library reception team.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 172cm x 225cm (5ft 8in x 7ft 5in).
- There is not a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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 103cm (3ft 5in).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
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Comments
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- There is a baby change table at a height of 98cm within the toilet cubicle.
Accessible Toilet (Ground Floor)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 42m (45yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the ground floor.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is not a shared toilet.
- A key is required for the accessible toilet.
- The key is a radar key.
- The key can be obtained from reception.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 156cm x 227cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 5in).
- There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
- The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is not an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are female sanitary and non-infectious waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- There is a soap dispenser.
- The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The height of the soap dispenser is 105cm.
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Accessible Toilet (Second Floor)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
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- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main lift.
- This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the building on the second floor.
- There is a similar toilet in the same location on the first floor.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
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- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 156cm x 218cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 2in).
- There is a clear 150cm x 150cm manoeuvring space in the accessible toilet.
- There is a lateral transfer space.
- As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
- The lateral transfer space is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush on the transfer side.
- The tap type is lever.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
- The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
- The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- Disposal facilities are not available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
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- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
- There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
- There is a mirror.
- Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- 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).
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- 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).
- There is a wash basin.
- The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
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Colour Contrast and Lighting
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- The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is good.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is good.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
- The lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
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- The toilet is located within the shared standard toilets on the second floor.
Standard Toilet(s) (Ground Floor)
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located to the left immediately after the main entrance.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 6m from the main entrance.
- 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 available.
- There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
- The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are moderate to good.
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Toilet Facilities 2
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- The female and male toilets are located on the ground floor, towards the rear of the venue.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 55m from the main entrance.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- It was not possible to access the female toilet.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 81cm.