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Student Union - Link Building

Western Bank, Sheffield, S10 2TG

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Access Guide

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Introduction

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Outside Access (East Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left of the building, adjacent to the Graves Building.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • 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 164cm (5ft 5in).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a slight ramp, with a handrail on the right going up, for access to the prayer rooms, finance office and committee central from the East entrance foyer.
    • The ramp is shown in photographs 7 and 8.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • 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 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 good colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is a hearing assistance system.
    • The system is a portable loop.
    • The hearing loop is available from the activities and sport zone staff desk. There is a fixed hearing loop in the auditorium.
    • Staff are not trained to use the hearing system.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 2, 3, 4.
    • The stairs are located to the left from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 20m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are medium.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
    • There are similar staircases throughout the building.

Lift (Link Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 2, 3(G), 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 800kg.
  • The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 122cm x 134cm (4ft x 4ft 5in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is 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.

Reception (Cash Office)

  • Cash Office is located to the left from the East entrance.
  • The desk is 26m (28yd 1ft) from the East entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is not visible from the entrance.
  • There is ramped 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 not a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a bell to attract attention.
  • The bell is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Santander

  • The service is located on level 3.
  • There are not doors leading into the Santander.
  • The door opening is 225cm (7ft 5in) wide.
  • There is level access once inside the service/area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in this service / area.
  • There is a reception desk / counter.
  • The desk / counter is high in height.
  • The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.

Prayer Room

  • The service is located up the ramp as you enter east entrance and then on the left of the corridor.
  • There are doors leading into the Prayer Room.
  • The doors open away from you (push).
  • The doors are single width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 77cm (2ft 6in) wide.
  • There is not level access once inside the service/area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in this service / area.
  • There is not a reception desk / counter.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.

Activities and Sports Zone

  • The service is located on level 3.
  • There are doors leading into the Activities and Sports Zone.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The doors are single width.
  • The doors are heavy.
  • The door opening is 130cm (4ft 3in) wide.
  • There is level access once inside the service/area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in this service / area.
  • There is a reception desk / counter.
  • The desk / counter is medium in height.
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.

Volunteering Office

  • The service is located on level 3.
  • There are doors leading into the Volunteering Office.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The doors are single width.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The door opening is 114cm (3ft 9in) wide.
  • There is level access once inside the service/area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in this service / area.
  • There is a reception desk / counter.
  • The desk / counter is low in height.
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system is available only on request.
  • The type of system is a portable loop.
  • Staff are not trained to use the system.

Nelson Mandela Auditorium

  • The auditorium is located ahead and to the right as you enter the east entrance.
  • There are two identical entrances to the auditorium.
  • There are two sets of doors at each entrance.
  • The doors are double, heavy, 156cm wide.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the second door at each entrance.
  • Designated seating is located at the back of the auditorium on both sides.
  • There is level access to the designated seating from the entrances.
  • The designated seating areas contain height adjustable desks.
  • The desks height ranges from 65cm to 130cm (photographs 2 and 3).
  • There is level access to the auditorium from the Students' Union Link Building lift.
  • There is a fixed hearing loop in the auditorium.
  • Registered assistance dogs are permitted.
  • There is staggered seating in the auditorium.
  • The steps do not have handrails.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located on Level 2, to the right from the East entrance.
    On Level 3, to the left from the main entrance.
    On Level 4, to the rear from the lift.
  • Gender Neutral standard toilet facilities are located on Level 2, to the right from the East entrance.
    .
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on Level 4, to the rear from the lift.
    .

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 2)

  • This is a Closomat toilet.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on Level 2, to the right from the East entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 45m (49yd 8in) from the East entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • 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 Welcome Desk on Level 3.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 195cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 68cm (2ft 3in).
    • 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 an elbow pad 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 fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot 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 74cm (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.
    • 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 108cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 3)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the left as you enter, adjacent to Coffee Revolution.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • 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 Welcome Desk.
    • There is written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 146cm x 275cm (4ft 9in x 9ft).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 78cm (2ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a waste disposal 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 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 fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The alarm did not sound when tested.
    • 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 nappy/incontinence items bin disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • 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 89cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • 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 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 114cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Level 4)

  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the rear of Level 4.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 39m (42yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • 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 written text and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is fair.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 145cm x 195cm (4ft 9in x 6ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (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 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 fair.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • 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 not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 44cm (1ft 5in).
    • The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder cannot 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 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • 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 77cm (2ft 6in).
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 106cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located on Level 2, to the right from the East entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 42m from the East entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is good.
    • There is written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 87cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female and male toilets are located on Level 4, to the rear from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 36m from the link lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is fair.
    • 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 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.