Access Guide
Introduction
- Services / facilities within the building include
- Lecture Theatres
- Learning Commons Study Zone
- Student Services Centre
- Careers & Graduate Futures
- Student Wellbeing Services
- Advice Hub
- Research Management Hub
- Muslim Prayer Room
- Shop
- Conference Rooms
- Catering
- Central Food Court
- Elements
- The Piece
- Unitemps Office
- The Union Shop is located on the ground floor.
It is open 08.00 – 21.00 Monday - Friday and 10.00 - 21.00 at weekends during term time.
During the holidays, hours may change.
There is also a Unitemps Office located on the ground floor.
. - Related link Central Food Court.
- Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/central-food-court
- Related link Student Services and Wellbeing Services.
- Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/student-services-centre-and-wellbeing-services
- Related link Muslim Prayer Room.
- Https://www.accessable.co.uk/venues/muslim-prayer-room-edinburgh
- Related link Accommodation Services.
- Https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/edinburgh/accommodation.htm
- Related link Advice Hub.
- Https://www.hwunion.com/advice-hub
- Related link Related link Unitemps Office.
- Https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/why/unitemps.htm
Location
- The venue is situated outside the centre of the city.
- This venue is situated in the Riccarton Campus, Edinburgh.
- The nearest National Rail station is Curriehill.
- There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
- There is not a tram stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
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Comments
View
- The Riccarton Campus is located on the western edge of Edinburgh.
Parking (Third Gait)
- The venue does have its own car park.
- Parking is free for all users.
- The car park type is open air/surface.
- Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
- There is/are 5 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
- The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 490cm x 480cm (16ft 1in x 15ft 9in).
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Venue Car Park
View
- Designated parking bays are clearly marked.
- The nearest Blue Badge bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the West Side - Gait 3 entrance.
- The furthest Blue Badge bay is 22m (24yd 2in) from the West Side - Gait 3 entrance.
- The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
- The car park surface is tarmac.
- There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
- The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
- There is not a designated drop off point.
Outside Access (James Watt Centre Link Bridge)
- This information is for the entrance located at first floor level at the south side of the building.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 128cm (4ft 2in).
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Comments
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- This entrance gives access to the 1st floor of the building.
Outside Access (West Side Entrance - Third Gait)
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Entrance
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- This information is for the entrance located on the west side off the building, in the car park on Third Gait.
- There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
- There is a bell/buzzer.
- The height of the bell/buzzer is 147cm (4ft 10in).
- 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 (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- 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) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are single.
- The width of the door opening is 95cm (3ft 1in).
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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 slight.
- The width of the ramp is 100cm (3ft 3in).
Outside Access (East Side Entrance)
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Entrance
View
- This information is for the entrance located at ground floor level opposite Linlithgow Hall.
- 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 (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 140cm (4ft 7in).
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Second Set of Doors
View
- There is a second set of doors.
- The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The width of the door opening is 142cm (4ft 8in).
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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 slight.
- The ramp is permanent.
- There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
- The ramp does not have handrails.
Outside Access (Scott Russell Building Link)
- This information is for the entrance located on the ground floor level at the north end of the building.
- There is level access into the venue.
- The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
- The door(s) is / are double.
- The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
- The width of the door opening is 160cm (5ft 3in).
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Comments
View
- This entrance gives access to the ground floor of the building.
Inside Access
- There is level access to the service(s).
- There is not a hearing assistance system.
- This venue does not play background music.
- The lighting levels are varied.
- Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
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Comments
View
- The Learning Commons area is located on the ground floor of the building, next to the Elements cafe. It is a supported study and learning area providing spaces for collaborative and social study. It has computer terminal points, desks and easy sitting areas. There are three group study rooms.
- The Student Services office is located on the main corridor on the ground floor. The counter is low.
- The Student Wellbeing Services, including the Disability Service, are located on the ground floor off the main corridor.
- The Assistive Technology Room is located opposite the Learning Commons Service Desk. Enquiries should be made to the Student Wellbeing Service.
- The Advice Hub is located next to the main staircase opposite the cafe.
- The Accommodation Office, Cedar Room, Oak Room and Beech Room, and the College Lounge/Bar are located on the second floor. ?.
Counter (The Learning Commons)
- The desk is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
- The Learning Commons is located in the learning commons area by the cafe.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to this counter.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
- The reception counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
- 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 not staffed.
- There is not a bell to attract attention.
- There is a hearing assistance system.
- The type of system is a fixed loop.
- The hearing assistance system is signed.
- Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
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Comments
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- When unstaffed contact ext. 3577 or e-mail [email protected] ?for assistance.
Counter (Advice Hub)
- The desk is 3m (3yd 10in) from the Advice Hub entrance.
- Advice Hub is located opposite Elements food outlet, next to the Learning Commons.
- The counter is clearly visible from the entrance.
- There is step free access to this counter.
- The lighting levels in this area are good.
- The reception counter is low (76cm or lower).
- 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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- The Advice Hub is a safe and secure space where you can go for a range of services and advice. The advisors, will always give the best help possible, and if there’s something they can’t help you with, they’ll direct you to an expert.
- They may be busy with another student when you drop by, but you can always make an appointment.
- The Hub aim to reply to all emails within 48 hours (excluding weekends). To make an appointment email [email protected] or message via Facebook: Advice Hub HW Union .
The Shop
- The Shop is located on the main corridor on the ground floor of the Hugh Nisbet building.
- The aisles in the shop are all greater than 100cm wide and there is good manoeuvring space.
- The main counter is 102cm. There are detachable card readers.
- There are self-service tills with controls, card reader and touch screen all between 100cm and 150cm.
- The shop stocks a range of food and essentials including bread, milk and fruit, a wide range of sandwiches, salads, pastas and pasties with vegan, gluten-free and halal options available.
- The Shop also stocks stationery, Heriot-Watt branded clothing, newspapers, magazines, essential toiletries, stamps (including international stamps) and a selection of beers, wine and spirits (please note a Challenge 25 policy is operated on campus).
Other Floors (Main Stairs)
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Steps
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- The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1, 2.
- The stairs are located on the main corridor by the James Watt building link.
- There are 15+ steps between floors.
- The lighting levels are moderate to good.
- 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 is a small staircase with single heavy doors from G to 1 in the Learning Commons area (photographs 5 and 6). There are fire escape staircase giving access to floors B, G, 1 and 2 to the west side of the building and by Lecture Theatre 4 (photographs 7 and 8), used mainly as fire escape staircases.
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Other
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- The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the basement and third floor service areas.
Lift
- There is a lift for public use.
- The lift is located at the south end of the building in the Learning Commons area and link bridge.
- The lift is a standard lift.
- The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, M,1, 2.
- Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
- The lift is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the entrance from the Link Bridge.
- Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
- The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
- The dimensions of the lift are 156cm x 149cm (5ft 1in 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 does have a hearing loop 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 (Main Corridor)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is located off the ground floor corridor.
- There is a similar accessible toilet with transfer space to the left near the main food hall. This toilet also offers baby changing facilities, with the changing table being 90cm high.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- This is a shared toilet.
- A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
- The door opens outwards.
- The door is locked by a twist lock.
- The width of the accessible toilet door is 80cm (2ft 7in).
- The door is easy to open.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 220cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 3in).
- 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
- There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
- There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
- The tap type is sensor.
- There is a mixer tap.
- There is 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 general domestic waste disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- 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 47cm (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 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
View
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
- The lighting levels are good.
Toilet with Adaptations (Learning Commons)
- Accessible toilet facilities are available.
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Location and Access
View
- The toilet is not for the sole use of disabled people.
- There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
- This accessible toilet is approximately 55m (60yd 5in) from the lift.
- This accessible toilet is located to the rear of the learning commons area, by The Elements cafe.
- There is level access to this accessible toilet.
- This is by lift.
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Features and Dimensions
View
- 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 87cm (2ft 10in).
- The door is heavy.
- The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 315cm x 215cm (10ft 4in x 7ft 1in).
- 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 140cm (4ft 7in).
- 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 fully functional.
- Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
- There is a/are general domestic waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
- There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
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Position of Fixtures
View
- Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
- As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on the left.
- 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 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).
- 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
View
- There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
- The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
- The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is fair.
- There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
- The toilet seat colour contrast is poor.
- The contrast between the walls and floor is fair.
- The lighting levels are bright.
Standard Toilet(s)
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Availability and Location of Standard Toilets
View
- Standard toilet facilities are available.
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Access to Standard Female and Male Toilet(s)
View
- The female and male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor.
- The female and male toilets are approximately 29m (31yd 2ft) from the entrance from the Link Bridge.
- Inside the venue, there is level access to the female and male toilets.
- Lighting levels are bright.
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Comments
View
- There are standard toilets, with washing facilities, on the basement level, next to the Muslim Prayer Room.
- There are further standard toilets near the stairs and on the second floor.
SafeZone
- SafeZone is a free app based system for students and staff that enhances their personal safety. SafeZone extends the reach of campus safety and security, to cater for the real time needs of the people who use campus every day. It provides a quick and easy way for users to alert SafeGuarding Services, when help or assistance is needed.
- For information about the SafeZone please click here.