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Lionel Robbins Building

10 Portugal Street, London, WC2A 2HD

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Services / facilities within the building include the main Library, the Finance Division, Human Resources and Financial Markets, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dept, R505 Conference Room and the PhD Academy.
  • The Library covers the following areas:- Lower Ground Floor: Government Publications, Group Study Room, Teaching Room and Teaching and Activity Room
    Ground Floor: Enquiries and Self Service, LSE Life, Workspaces
    First Floor: Course Collection A - Z, JX-Z Main Collection Books, Tech Centre, Postgraduate Student Study Room and Visitor PCs
    Second Floor: HB-JV Main Collection Books, K - Z Main Collection Journals, Statistics
    Third Floor: A-HA Main Collection Books, A - JZ Main Collection Journals, TWL @ LSE Print Collections
    Fourth Floor: The Women's Library Reading Room, PhD Academy, Reading and Silent Study Rooms
    Fifth Floor: Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Finance Division, HR Division, R505 Conference Room.
  • The lift just inside the Finance and HR entrance accesses the Finance Division, Human Resources, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dept, R505 Conference Room and the PhD Academy only.

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The LSE campus is located in central London, off Kingsway (A4200) and the Aldwych (A4).
    • This campus does not have its own car park, but Blue Badge and standard on-street parking is available nearby.
  • By Bus View
    • The campus can be accessed via a number of London Bus routes, including bus 1 (New Oxford Street to Canada Water Bus Station), 59 (Streatham Hill to Kings Cross Station), 68 (West Norwood to Euston Bus Station), X68 (Croydon to Russell Square), 91 (Crouch End to Trafalgar Square), 168 (Royal Free Hospital to Old Kent Road), 171 (Catford to Holborn Station), 188 (North Greenwich Station to Russell Square Station) 243 (Wood Green to Waterloo Station) and 521 (Waterloo Station to London Bridge Station).
  • By Train View
    • The nearest railway station is Charing Cross. However, all of the London Terminal stations are within reach of the campus using public transport.
  • By Underground View
    • The nearest tube stations are Holborn on the Central and Piccadilly lines, Temple on the District and Circle lines, and Charing Cross on the Northern and Bakerloo lines.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Site/Campus Car Parks View
    • There is not a site/campus car park within approximately 200m.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • On Street Parking View
    • Clearly signed and/or marked on street Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the marked Blue Badge bays are 200cm x 500cm (6ft 7in x 16ft 5in).
    • The on street Blue Badge parking bay(s) is/are located on Portugal Street.
    • Clearly signed and/or standard marked parking bays are available.
    • The dimensions of the standard marked parking bays are 200cm x 450cm (6ft 7in x 14ft 9in).
    • The on street standard parking bay(s) is/are located on Portugal Street.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.

John Watkins Plaza

  • John Watkins Plaza is an outside social and meeting area, bordered by the Lionel Robbins Building, the Plaza Café and the rear of Cowdray House.
  • It has a block paving surface, with an easy slope leading up to the Lionel Robbins Building and the Plaza Café. There are also up to 3 medium unmarked steps leading up to the cafe level on that side of the plaza (shown in photograph 2) with tactile paving at the top and bottom. There are handrails on the steps at the far end from the café (shown in photograph 3).
  • Tables and seating are normally located on the Plaza close to the café.
  • Access to the plaza from Portugal Street is via a slight slope with no handrails (shown in photograph 4).
  • There is a steep slope with handrails both sides linking the plaza with the Centre Building Courtyard (photographs 5 and 6). There are bollards at bottom of this ramp, making access to the ramp between 122 and 145cm wide (photograph 6).
  • There are also 8 medium unmarked steps with no handrails leading up from the Centre Building Square to the café level of the Plaza (photograph 7).
  • Photograph 8 shows the Centre Building Courtyard.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, off John Watkins Plaza.
    • There is step free access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are single.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of less than 2cm.
  • 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 push pad activated.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 180cm (5ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • Access the building using the 2 sets of doors to the right as you enter (photographs 3 to 5).
    • There is a book drop flap on the wall to the right of the entrance which is 109cm to 126cm above the ground (photograph 7).

Outside Access (Finance and HR Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the left-hand side from the main entrance off Portugal Street.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 115cm (3ft 9in).
  • 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.
    • The width of the ramp is 140cm (4ft 7in).
  • Comments View
    • This entrance gives access to the lift and stairs leading to the Finance and Human Resources offices, the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Dept, R505 Conference Room and the PhD Academy.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the building via lift(s).
    • There is a slight ramp, with handrails on both sides, for access to the reception area on the ground floor.
    • The ramp here is long, and is increasingly steep towards the top right of the slope (photograph 1). The slope retains a very easy to slight incline to the left hand side along its whole length. Photograph 2 shows the bottom of the slope, looking towards the exit.
    • There is a slight slope, with no handrails, for access to on the first floor, leading to the computer area opposite the lifts.
    • This level change can be seen in photograph 3. There is a similar ramp at the end of the corridor to the left of the lifts on the first floor (photograph 4), and also on the fourth floor, leading to the silent area and seating areas (photographs 5 and 6).
    • There is/are 5 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to the lower ground floor from the lifts.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There is a slight ramp, with a handrail on the left going up, for access to the lower ground floor from the lifts.
    • The width of the ramp is 121cm (3ft 12in).
    • The ramp or slope does bypass the step(s).
    • This level change connects the lower ground floor lift lobby to the rest of the lower ground floor. This level change can be seen in photographs 7 to 10. Photograph 11 shows the lower ground floor area.
    • There are no 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 and pictorial directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • 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 not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There are lockers available for use by LSE students (photograph 16).
    • There is an 'Escape' area by the main entrance with various types of seating (photographs 17 and 18).

Library Gallery

  • The Library Gallery is immediately to the left as you enter through the first set of entrance doors.
  • The double doors open towards you but are permanently held open.
  • The open door width is 195cm and there is a lip at the threshold.
  • The bench in the area is 45cm high.

Reception

  • The Enquiries, Security and Library Support Desks is located to the left as you enter the library area.
  • The desk is 20m (21yd 2ft) 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 moderate to good.
  • The reception desk/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.
  • Comments View
    • The security desk has a height of 93cm and the library support desk has a height of 76cm.
    • There are security barriers at the reception area that are 55cm in width (photographs 2 and 3).
    • There is also an accessible security gate that is 98cm wide (photograph 4).
    • The gate is opened remotely upon request to security staff at the reception desk.
    • There are book return points in the reception area that are 90cm high (photographs 8 to 10).
    • There is a slight ramp at the security exit gates (photograph 11).

LSE Life

  • LSE Life is the school's centre for academic, personal, and professional development.
  • It provides study support and guidance for students, via one to one meetings, talks and workshops.
  • It also provides space for group study.
  • For more information, please see the LSE Life webpage.
  • It is located at the rear of the ground floor, past the main library desk, and is accessed via turnstiles, 50cm wide, and a gate, 95cm wide (photographs 1 and 2). These require a swipe card to access.
  • There is an easy ramp directly beyond these security barriers (photograph 3).
  • The group study area just inside the barriers, next to the reception desk, also contains desks for one to one study advice sessions (photograph 5).
  • The group study area has movable tables, 68cm between the floor and the base, and some fixed tables, 86cm between floor and base (photograph 6).
  • This area also contains lockers containing laptops available to borrow by LSE students (photograph 7).
  • Workspace 2, located at the rear of the first group study area, is used for training courses and workshops (photograph 8).
  • Next to workspace 2 is an easy slope with handrails both sides (photograph 9), leading down to a further group study area (photograph 10), and a further workspace that can be used for training courses, as well as meetings and conference.
  • The group study areas are open to students whenever the library is open.

Reception (LSE Life Reception)

  • The LSE Life Reception is located just inside the security barriers into the area.
  • The desk is 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is visible from the entrance.
  • There is ramped access to this reception area.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are medium.
  • The reception desk/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.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are LG, G, 1, 2, 3, 4.
    • The stairs are located ahead from reception, on the right.
    • The stairs are approximately 43m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • The steps are not clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is not a landing.
    • There is an additional staircase just inside the Finance and HR entrance which accesses the fourth and fifth floor (photographs 7 and 8).
  • Comments View
    • The stairs are laid out in a continuous spiral which connects all floors except the fourth floor.
    • The fourth floor is accessed from the third floor by an adjoining staircase.
    • This staircase has 15+ medium steps which are not clearly marked, and handrails on both sides (photographs 5 and 6).
    • The main staircase encircles a central atrium with deep views into the building.

Lift (Main Lift)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right after passing the reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are LG, G, 1, 2, 3 and 4.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000kg.
  • The lift is approximately 25m (27yd 1ft) 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 109cm x 210cm (3ft 7in x 6ft 11in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The lift has 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 moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • At the time of the survey (August 2020), only 2 people were able to use the lifts at a time, which markers on the floor indicating where to stand in the lift (shown in photograph 2).

Lift (Finance and HR Lift)

  • The lift is located to the right of the Finance and HR entrance as you enter.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 4 and 5.
  • 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 8m (8yd 2ft) from the Finance and HR entrance.
  • 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 132cm x 163cm (4ft 4in x 5ft 4in).
  • 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.

Library

  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in Braille.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in large print.
  • This library does not have a regular supply of books in audio format.
  • There is not an ordering service.
  • The library does have computers with accessible software.
  • Auxiliary aids are available for computer users.
  • A height adjustable table is / are available.
  • Comments View
    • There are book return machines on the ground floor.
    • These are 90cm in height with a clear space of 75cm underneath.
    • There are personal lockers available on the lower ground floor for use by LSE students.

Ramp(s) / Slope(s) and Step(s) (Workspaces 3 and 4)

  • Ramp / Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope located on the ground floor, on the far side from the reception area.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access Workspaces 3 and 4 only.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is steep.
    • 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 the left going up.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) located on the ground floor, on the far side from the reception area.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access Workspaces 3 and 4 only.
    • There is/are 3 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
    • Workspaces 3 and 4 are large teaching spaces (photograph 4), accessed by push pad operated automatic doors (photographs 5 and 6).

Ramp(s) or Slope(s) (Tech Centre)

  • Ramped/Sloped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a ramp/slope located on the first floor, at the far end of the computer area straight ahead from the lifts.
    • The ramp/slope is used to access the Tech Centre.
    • 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 a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • The lighting levels at the ramp/slope are moderate to good.
    • The Tech Centre contains the Student Helpdesk, the Print and Copy Helpdesk and Laptop Surgery.

Level Change ('Escape')

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to access the area which is close to the main entrance.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the left after the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main 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 Braille and pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is poor.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 88cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is poor.
    • 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 137cm x 250cm (4ft 6in x 8ft 2in).
    • 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 80cm (2ft 7in).
    • 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 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 sanitary disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 173cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is fair.
    • 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 72cm (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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 95cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The height of the hand dryer is 102cm (3ft 4in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.
  • Comments View
    • There are accessible toilets on all floors, located next to the standard toilets.
    • The accessible toilet on the lower ground floor (photograph 5) is left hand transfer, with an alarm pull cord higher than 10cm from the floor.
    • The accessible toilets on the lower ground floor and first floor (photograph 6) have a lid.
    • The accessible toilets on the first, second and third floors are right hand transfer, have a backrest, with the transfer space obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • The accessible toilet on the second floor (photograph 7) does not have a functional alarm.
    • The accessible toilet on the third floor is shown in photograph 8.
    • All of these additional accessible toilets have toilet seats with a poor contrast with the pan.
    • Refer to the separate section for details of the accessible toilet on the fourth floor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Fourth Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located in the toilet area along the corridor to the left of the Silent Study Room as you exit the lifts.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 13m (14yd 8in) from the main lifts.
    • 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 Braille, tactile and 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 light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm.
    • 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 184cm x 325cm (6ft x 10ft 8in).
    • 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 117cm (3ft 10in).
    • 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 sensor 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 the left.
    • There is not 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) to the left of the toilet and wall is good.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is poor.
    • 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 a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 174cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 73cm (2ft 5in).
    • There are no vertical wall-mounted grab rails at the wash basin.
    • The wash basin tap type is sensor.
    • 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 96cm.
    • 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 113cm (3ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is fair.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Location of Standard Toilet(s) View
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on all floors.
  • Standard Toilet Surveyed View
    • A male standard toilet was surveyed.
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left as you enter through the main entrance.
    • There is a female standard toilet in the same location.
    • There is step free access to the standard toilet(s) surveyed from the entrance.
    • The standard toilet surveyed is approximately 15m from the main entrance.
    • There is not a/are not cubicle(s) suitable for ambulant disabled people in the standard toilet(s) surveyed.
    • Lighting levels in the standard toilet surveyed are good.
  • Comments View
    • The standard toilets on the second floor contain an ambulant cubicle, with horizontal grab rails both sides and a vertical grab rail on the right hand side as you face the toilet (photograph 3).
    • The toilets on the first and third floors contain cubicles with a horizontal grab rail on the right as you face the toilet (photograph 6).