Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include
Ground Floor - building reception and café
Fourth Floor - Seminar rooms and Lecture Theatre 1
Fifth Floor - International College reception and seminar rooms
Sixth Floor - Seminar rooms, Student Common Room and Lecture Theatre 2
Seventh Floor - Seminar rooms and Student Common Room.
Rooms and Spaces Links
- Lecture Theatre(s) View
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Seminar Room(s)
View
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 5.03 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 5.04 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 5.05 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 5.09 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 5.10 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.02 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.03 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.04 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.05 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.06 please click here (new tab)
- Other Room(s) View
Rooms and Spaces Links
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Seminar Room(s)
View
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.07 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.09 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.11 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.13 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 6.15 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 7.03 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 7.04 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 7.05 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 7.06 please click here (new tab)
- To view the AccessAble Access Guide for Seminar Room - 7.08 please click here (new tab)
- Other Room(s) View
Getting Here
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By Road
View
- Follow the directions detailed on the University website Maps and Travel page (see below). At University Square, turn left into Broad Lane. Solly Street is approximately 1 km on the left.
- The Solly Street Q Park public car park is located below this building.
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By Bus
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- Bus routes 31 and 31A stop on Scotland Road, close to this building.
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By Train
View
- Sheffield is at the heart of the UK railway network, so is easily accessed from most of the country. The station is located on the opposite side of the City Centre from the University, but there is a direct link via the Supertram.
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By Tram
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- The nearest Supertram stop to this building is Cathedral, which is served by all Routes.
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Useful Links
View
- 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).
- Please see the National Rail Enquiries website for more details on trains to Sheffield.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
- Please see the Supertram website for more details on trams to the University.
- To view the web page described above click here (opens in new tab).
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
View
- The car park can be used by anybody.
- Parking charges apply for all users.
- The car park is located underneath the building.
- The car park type is underground.
- The car park does have a height restriction barrier.
- Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
- There is/are 10 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
- The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 363cm x 503cm (11ft 11in x 16ft 6in).
- The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
- The nearest designated bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the car park entrance.
- The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
- Assistance may be required because there is / are slopes/ramps.
- The car park surface is concrete.
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Drop Off Point
View
- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (Car Park Entrance)
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Entrance
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- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
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Second Set of Doors
View
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
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Ramp/Slope
View
- There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
- The ramp/slope gradient is steep.
- 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.
- The width of the ramp is 118cm (3ft 10in).
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Comments
View
- There is a third door at this entrance.
- The door is single, heavy and opens towards you (pull).
- The clear door width is 88cm.
- This door is only accessible with an authorised Ucard.
- The Ucard reader is 100cm from the ground.
- The ramp widens to 150cm beyond the grey concrete at the start of the ramp.
Outside Access (Side Entrance - Car Park Access)
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Entrance
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- There is step free 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) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 72cm (2ft 4in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Comments
View
- There is level access from the street, but the street is on a steep gradient.
- The Ucard reader is 110cm high.
- This entrance leads on to either the second and first doors from the car park entrance, or the third door from the car park entrance.
- This entrance can be exited by push button from the inside, and can therefore be used to gain access to the building from the car park via the main entrance if the visitor does not have an authorised Ucard.
- The push button is 112cm high.
Outside Access (Main Entrance)
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Entrance
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- 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) automatically.
- The door(s) is / are double (with one leaf locked).
- The width of the door opening is 108cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Comments
View
- The building is located on a steep road.
- There is level access to the entrance from the street, however in order to reach this visitors will need to negotiate the steep ramp.
Outside Access (Plaza Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- There is 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) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The width of the door opening is 110cm (3ft 7in).
- There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
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Step(s)
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- There is a / are step(s) at this entrance.
- There is / are 15 step(s) to access the entrance.
- There is 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 both sides.
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Comments
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- The Ucard reader is 86cm high.
- The street in front of the steps is on a steep gradient (photograph 3).
- There is a central handrail at the steps, as well as on both sides.
- There are similar steps on the opposite side of the plaza.
- There are 3 gulleys to cross between the steps and the entrance (photograph 7).
- The surface of the plaza is block paved.
- There are uneven paving slabs in front of the entrance.
- This entrance gives access to the first floor and the plaza staircase.
Getting Around
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Access
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- There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
- There is a slight ramp, with no handrails, for access to the lift lobby from the plaza stairs on all floors.
- 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 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 play background music.
- Music is played in Velocity Cafe and the main reception.
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
Reception (Main Reception)
- Main Reception is located immediately ahead as you enter from the main entrance.
- The desk is 7m (7yd 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 medium.
- 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 not a hearing assistance system.
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Comments
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- There is seating in the reception area.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- The seats are 45cm high.
- There are tables in the reception area.
- The tables are 34cm high.
- There are workbenches with high seats behind the reception desk.
- The clear height under workbenches is 101cm.
- The high seats at the workbenches are 75cm high.
Eating and Drinking (Solly Street Cafe)
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Location and Access
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- The following information is for the café.
- The café is located on the ground floor, to the right as you enter via 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.
- Takeaway cups are available.
- Adapted cups are not available.
- Adapted cutlery is not available.
- Drinking straws are available.
- This area does play background music.
- Background music is played at all times.
- 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.
- There is not a moveable card machine available for payment.
- The type of flooring in this area is laminate.
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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 70cm.
- There are also high tables.
- The surface height of the highest table is 105cm.
- Some tables are permanently fixed.
- No chairs are permanently fixed.
- No chairs have armrests on both sides.
- The type of flooring in this area is carpet and laminate.
- There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
- There is some flooring which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
- The lighting levels are good.
Other Floors (Main Staircase)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the stairwell on all 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.
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Comments
View
- The flooring changes from carpet to vinyl from floor 4 upwards (photograph 4).
Other Floors (Plaza Staircase)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the stairwell on all floors.
- The lighting levels are bright.
- 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.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located to the rear right of the building as you enter from the main entrance, just before the plaza staircase & plaza entrance.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.
- Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
- There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on all floors.
- The lift is approximately 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 146cm x 153cm (4ft 9in x 5ft).
- 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 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 medium.
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Comments
View
- There are 3 identical lifts in this area of the building.
- There is an easy ramp in the doorway to the lift on floors G, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 & 6.
Refuge Intercom System
- There are refuge intercoms in the lift lobby area of floors 2 and above.
- The height of the button for the intercom is between 99cm and 101cm on each floor.
Entrance (International College Reception)
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Entrance
View
- There is step free access at this entrance, via lift.
- There is not a bell/buzzer.
- There is not an intercom.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The door(s) is / are heavy.
- The width of the door opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
Reception (International College Reception)
- International College Reception is located on the fifth floor.
- The desk is 6m (6yd 1ft) from the International College Reception entrance.
- The reception area is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
- The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
- 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 not a hearing assistance system.
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Comments
View
- There is seating in this area.
- The seats do not have armrests.
- The seats are 46cm high.
- There are tables in this area.
- The clear height under the tables is 68cm.
Common Room - 7.02
- There are tables and chairs in the common room.
- The majority of the tables have a 70cm clear height under them.
- The chairs do not have armrests.
- There is a high workbench.
- The workbench is fixed to the wall and floor.
- The clear height under the workbench is 106cm.
- The high chairs for the workbench are 77cm high.
- There are some low tables.
- The clear height under the low tables is 26cm.
- This room is located on the seventh floor, to the right as you exit the lift.
- All other rooms on this floor are located off this room.
Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities
- Accessible toilet facilities are located The accessible toilets on the first, third, and fourth floors have an accessible shower.
The accessible toilets on the first, third, and fourth floors have an standard shower in the cubicle reducing the floor space.
The accessible toilets on the second, third, fourth, fifth, and seventh floors have a fully functioning emergency alarm.
The accessible toilet on the seventh floor does not have a fully functioning emergency alarm. - Female and male standard toilet facilities are located on the ground floor at the rear of the entrance foyer, and on the first floor upwards in the lift lobby.
Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor)
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Location and Access
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- This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, at the rear of the reception foyer.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
- There is ramped/sloped access into the accessible toilet.
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- There is Braille, tactile and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
View
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 161cm x 223cm (5ft 3in x 7ft 4in).
- The accessible toilet does 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
- 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 medium.
- 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 medium.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- There is an emergency alarm.
- The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
- 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
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 and a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- 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 105cm (3ft 5in).
- 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 67cm (2ft 2in).
- 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 medium.
- 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 74cm.
- There is not a towel dispenser.
- There is a hand dryer.
- The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The height of the hand dryer is 104cm (3ft 5in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
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Comments
View
- There are similar accessible toilets in the lift lobby on the fifth floor (shown in photographs 3 and 4), sixth floor (shown in photographs 5 and 6), and seventh floor (shown in photographs 7 and 8).
Level Change (Ground Floor Accessible Toilet)
- There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
- The ramp/slope is located in front of the door frame inside the accessible cubicle.
- The ramp/slope is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
- The width of the ramp/slope is 118cm (3ft 10in).
Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor)
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Location and Access
View
- This accessible toilet is located on the first floor, in the lift lobby.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main lifts.
- 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, tactile, Braille and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is low.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is heavy.
- The door is locked by a lever twist.
- The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
- The contrast between the internal door and wall is low.
- The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
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Toilet Features
View
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 241cm x 192cm (7ft 11in x 6ft 4in).
- 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 90cm (2ft 11in).
- 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 medium.
- 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 low.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
- 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 disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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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 and a cistern.
- The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
- The toilet seat colour contrast is low.
- 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).
- 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 not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
- The height of the wash basin is 65cm (2ft 2in).
- 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 medium.
- 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 100cm.
- 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
- The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is high.
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Comments
View
- There is a similar accessible toilet in the same location on the second floor without standard shower (shown in photographs 3 and 4).
- There is a similar accessible toilet in the same location on the third floor (shown in photographs 5 and 6) and the fourth floor (shown in photographs 7 and 8).
Standard Toilet(s)
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Toilet Facilities
View
- The female and male toilets are located at the rear of the reception foyer.
- There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
- The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 15m from the main entrance.
- The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
- There is Braille, tactile, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
- It was not possible to access the male toilet.
- 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.
Standard Shower (First Floor)
- Shower facilities are available.
- The shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the accessible toilet cubicle on the first floor.
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Comments
View
- The shower has an adjustable, removable head.
- The shower has twist/turn controls.
- There is an easy ramp to access the shower.
- Both glass sides of the shower cubicle open out for access.
- There are similar showers within the accessible toilets on floors 3 and 4.