Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include Firth Hall, meeting and conference rooms, Krebs Cafe, the Departments of Biomedical Science and Molecular Biology and Biotechnology Office, the Biomolecular NMR Facility.
- Firth Hall - Krebs Cafe link (new tab) - click here.
- Firth Court - West Block link (new tab) - click here.
- Addison Building link (new tab) - click here.
Getting Here
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By Road
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- The campus is located to the west side of Sheffield city centre, off Netherthorpe Road and Upper Hanover Street, which can be accessed via the A61.
Follow the directions detailed on the University website Maps and Travel page (see below). - There are University-owned public car parks on Durham Road and Solly Street.
- The campus is located to the west side of Sheffield city centre, off Netherthorpe Road and Upper Hanover Street, which can be accessed via the A61.
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By Bus
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- The nearest bus stops are the University of Sheffield/Western Bank bus stops on Western Bank.
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By Train
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- The nearest station is Sheffield. Sheffield is at the heart of the UK railway network, so is easily accessed from most of the country.
There is step free access by lift to all platforms at the station. The station is 320m from the Sheffield Interchange, where buses are available to the campus, or 160m from the Sheffield Station tram stop which connects to the University of Sheffield tram stop on the Blue Line.
- The nearest station is Sheffield. Sheffield is at the heart of the UK railway network, so is easily accessed from most of the country.
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By Tram
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- The nearest tram stop is the University of Sheffield stop which is served by the Blue Line from Halfway and the Yellow Line from Meadowhall.
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Useful Links
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- For more details on how to get to the University, please see the Maps and Travel Page.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For more information about University car parks and permits please click here.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- For more information about public transport in South Yorkshire, and a journey planner, please click here.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- AccessAble Related Links View
Useful Information
- To see more information on Disability and Dyslexia Support Service please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0114 222 1303.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Deaf Messaging Service please click here (opens new tab).
- This service provides a text alert from the University fire alarm system. Building codes for the system can be found at the web address provided.
- To see more information on Student Services Information Desk please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0114 222 1299.
- To see more information on Applicant Information Desk please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0114 222 8030.
- Email: [email protected].
- To see more information on Accommodation please click here (opens new tab).
- Telephone Number: 0114 222 4488.
- Email: [email protected].
Building Parking
- The building does have its own dedicated parking.
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Building Car Park
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- The car park can be used by permit holders.
- There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
- The car park is located at the front of the building.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are not available.
- The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
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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 standard marked parking bays are not available.
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Drop Off Point
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- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Accessible Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located to the left of the building.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is an intercom.
- The height of the intercom is 115cm (3ft 9in).
- A UCard is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the card reader/lock is 10cm (4in).
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The width of the door opening is 96cm (3ft 2in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located to the left as you face the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does have handrails.
- The handrails are on both sides.
Outside Access (Firth Court Quadrangle Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the rear of Firth Court, from the Arts Tower car park.
- 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) towards you (pull).
- 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 220cm (7ft 3in).
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Ramp/Slope
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- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located leading up from the rear of the Edwardian Block.
- The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
- 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 right going up the ramp.
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Comments
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- The long slope only has handrails in some areas.
Outside Access (Quadrangle Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located in the rear quadrangle courtyard.
- There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 123cm (4ft).
- There is not an intercom.
- There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The main 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 113cm (3ft 8in).
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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 does not bypass the step(s).
- The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
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Step(s)
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- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- The step(s) is / are located to the left as you enter.
- There is / are 3 step(s) to access the entrance.
- The step(s) is / are clearly marked.
- The step(s) is / are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- The steps do have handrails.
- The handrails are on the right going up the step(s).
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Lift
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- There is a lift to access this entrance.
- The lift does bypass the step(s).
- The lift does not bypass the ramp.
Lift (Quadrangle Entrance)
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The platform lift accesses a small level change.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 100cm x 80cm (3ft 3in x 2ft 7in).
- 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 not 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 not have tactile markings.
- The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
- The lighting level in the lift is medium.
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Comments
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- Call 0114 222 9260 if assistance is required for this lift.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
- There is stepped access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 155cm (5ft 1in).
- There is not an intercom.
- A UCard is required for access at this entrance.
- The height of the card reader/lock is 151cm (4ft 11in).
- There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
- The main 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 140cm (4ft 7in).
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Step(s)
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- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- The step(s) is / are located in front of the entrance.
- There is / are 11 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 the right going up the step(s).
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
- There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the Firth Hall stage.
- The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
- There are similar steps on the opposite side of the stage offering a handrail on the left. The steps are shown in photographs 5 and 6.
- There are 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 and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
- There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is some flooring in corridors which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
- The lighting levels are good.
- This building does not play background music.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Reception (Porters Lodge)
- Porter's Lodge is located to the right from the accessible entrance.
- The desk is 46m (50yd 11in) from the accessible entrance.
- Clear signage for the reception area is 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 high (110cm+).
- There is 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 a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is not signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
Other Floors
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are B, G, 1.
- The stairs are located to the right as you enter.
- The stairs are approximately 33m from the accessible entrance.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are medium.
- The steps are not 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.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located through to the left as you enter.
- The lift is a platform lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
- The lift is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the accessible entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The lift door is manual, heavy and opens outwards.
- The dimensions of the lift are 102cm x 146cm (3ft 4in x 4ft 9in).
- 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 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.
Toilet with Adaptations
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the accessible 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 tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is medium.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a locking handle.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
- The door has a horizontal grab rail.
- The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
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Toilet Features
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- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 146cm x 230cm (4ft 9in x 7ft 7in).
- The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
- The height of the light switch/pull cord is 103cm from floor level.
- The lighting levels are 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 78cm (2ft 7in).
- The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
- There is a flush 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 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 medium.
- 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 lid) disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Additional Fixtures
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- There is a mirror.
- The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
- The toilet does not have a backrest or 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 93cm (3ft 1in).
- The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
- 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 96cm.
- There is a towel dispenser.
- The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
- The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the towel dispenser is 97cm (3ft 2in).
- The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is medium.
- There is not a hand dryer.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Toilet Facilities
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- The female and male toilets are located to the right as you enter.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 18m from the accessible entrance.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is medium.
- There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
- The height of the wash basin(s) is 82cm.
- The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
- Lighting levels are good.