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School of Histories, Languages & Cultures

The University of Liverpool, 8-14 Abercromby Square, Liverpool, L69 7WZ

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Service View
  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; Student Support Centre Reception, Archive, Teaching Rooms, Seminar Rooms, Laboratories, Offices for the Department of History as well as the Department of Language and Cultures.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located to the left and to the right of the building.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor, ground and second floor.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on the lower ground floor, ground and second floor.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located to the rear of the Student Support Centre Reception waiting area on the ground floor.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is a site/campus car park for staff and visitors within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Abercromby Square / Bedford Street South Car Park.
    • The car park is located around Abercromby Square and along Bedford Street South.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

Site/Campus Car Park (Abercromby Square / Bedford Street South)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located in Abercromby Square and Bedford Street South.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • There is/are 10 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 260cm x 460cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side and the rear.
    • The marked zone is 120cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by staff, Blue Badge holders and permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • Buildings are clearly signposted from this car park.
    • There is a campus map available within the car park.
    • This car parking area is on the south and west sides of Abercromby Square and also along Bedford Street South. It is effectively on street parking but has restricted access with security barrier control. Access is via Cambridge Street. The campus map is located in Bedford Street South. The 10 Blue Badge parking bays are located as follows; 1 Blue Badge parking bay outside 1-7 Abercromby Square. 2 Blue Badge parking bays in Bedford Street South opposite the Gordon Stephenson Building. 2 Blue Badge parking bays in Bedford Street South outside the Rendall Building. 2 Blue Badge parking bays in Abercromby Square outside 8 Abercromby Square. 3 Blue Badge parking bays opposite 8-14 Abercromby Square and next to the Sydney Jones Library.

Outside Access (Student Support Centre Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building off Abercromby Square.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with '11 Abercromby Square, 145, School of Histories, Languages and Culture, Student Support Centre Entrance and Reception'.
    • There is stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 113cm.
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 6 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).

Outside Access (Ramped Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located towards the rear right of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with '8-11 Abercromby Square Accessible Entrance'.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 105cm (3ft 5in).
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 100cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.

Outside Access (Ramped and Stepped Accessible Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the rear left of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to the ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with '12-13 Abernathy Square 147, Accessible Entrance'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 102cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • There is a push pad/button to enter the main automatic doors.
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a slope with a very easy incline.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located to your right on entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 19cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Outside Access (Basement Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to basement floor.
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance, via lift.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • 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 width.
    • The door(s) is/are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 90cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
  • Lift View
    • There is a lift to access this entrance.
    • The lift does bypass the ramp/slope.

Lift (Basement Entrance Lift)

  • The lift is for staff use only.
  • The lift is located to the rear of the building.
  • Signs indicating the location of the lift are not available from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the basement entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG and G.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 500kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is not a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 90cm.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 150cm.
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Reception (Student Support Centre Reception)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located in front of you on entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the Student Support Centre Entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 74cm .
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There are sofas only in the waiting area.
    • There is not sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building, via lift.
    • There is slight ramp between the central areas of the building and the area to the right of the building. There is a slight ramp located between the central areas and the areas to the left of the building. There is a slight imaging suite, technicians office on the lower ground floor. There is a steep ramp to access PGR Suite, Atomic Spectroscopy Laboratory on the lower ground floor.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is vinyl and carpet.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • Hearing loops are located within the Walbank Lecture Room.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Ground Floor)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located towards the right of the building.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the Palaeography library, politics offices G29a and G37, standard and female accessible toilets.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 1.
  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 2 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located towards the left of the building on the ground floor.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access marketing, recruitment and events team, Staff PGR Common Room, accessible toilet.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 2.

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Lower Ground Floor)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located towards the left of the building on the lower ground floor.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the imaging suite, technicians office.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 1.
  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 2 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located to the right of the building.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access PGR Suite, Atomic Spectroscopy Laboratory.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are good.
    • The ramp can be seen in photograph 2.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to your left on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1 and 2.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (G15a)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located towards the left of the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the rear 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is good.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is good.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 170cm x 300cm.
    • 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 105cm.
    • 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 good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • 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 backrest and a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • 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 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • 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 good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • 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 83cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • 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).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Accessible Toilet(s) (G25)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your right on entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm.
    • 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 210cm x 220cm.
    • 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 135cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • 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 good.
    • 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 good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
    • 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 backrest.
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is good.
    • 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).
    • 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 good.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • 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 80cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer requires hands to be inserted into the top.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is good.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The male toilet is located to the rear of the Student Support Centre.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 14m from the Student Support Centre 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 not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 80cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever mixer.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The door width to access these toilets is only 65cm.