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Forrest Hill

The University of Edinburgh, Central Campus, 5 Forrest Hill, Edinburgh, EH1 2QL

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Ground Floor - Informatics, Robotics Lab G.A11, Tutorial Room G.A22
    First Floor - Informatics, Informatics Student Services, Rooms 1.B04, 1.B05, 1.B09, 1.B10, 1.B19, 1.B30-1.B32
    Second Floor - Communications and Marketing
    Third Floor - Informatics, 3.D01-3.D09, Print Room
    Fourth Floor - E.01-E.09.

Rooms and Spaces Links

Rooms and Spaces Links

Getting Here

  • By Road View
    • The Central Area is located on the south side of the city centre. Traffic congestion can be a problem, and parking is strictly controlled. Options to driving into the city centre include Park & Ride tram and bus car parks at the edges of the city.
    • A number of University car parks are located in the Central Area. The Transport and Parking Office of the University of Edinburgh manages parking at the University. University car parks are for the use of permit holders only, and are subject to the university’s parking regulations. Permits are available for visitors to the university.
  • By Bus View
    • Buses from all over the city travel to the Central Area of the university. The University also provides a shuttle bus for staff and students between the Central Area and the King's Buildings. The majority of buses are operated by Lothian Buses. Up to the minute "real time" bus timetable information is now available at the majority of bus stops across the city. Information panels provided next to the majority of bus stops let you know when the next bus services will be arriving, or if there has been a delay.
  • By Train View
    • The Central Area of the university is 0.7 miles from Edinburgh Waverley Station. It should be noted that some of the walking routes may feature paths with steep gradients or steps given the landscape. Edinburgh has rail links throughout the UK. The East Coast mainline, which links Edinburgh and London King’s Cross, is the UK's fastest intercity railway: you can travel between the cities in around 4 hours. A sleeper service runs between London Euston and Edinburgh Waverley 6 nights a week. There are intercity links to other cities including Glasgow (45 minutes), and York, Newcastle or Aberdeen (all 2 hours). All trains arrive at Waverley Station in the centre of the city, although some trains also stop at Haymarket, which is a smaller station in the West End.
  • By Tram View
    • The Edinburgh tram service runs from Edinburgh Airport in the west, to York Place in the east end of the city centre, presently being extended to Leith north east of the city centre. The nearest stop to the Central Campus Area is Princes Street. The nearest stop to the Lauriston Campus and the ECA buildings, or to the Western General site, is West End.
  • Useful Links View

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located off Forrest Hill.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is a bell/buzzer.
    • The height of the bell/buzzer is 158cm (5ft 2in).
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 158cm (5ft 2in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the card reader/lock is 95cm (3ft 1in).
    • 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 single.
    • The width of the door opening is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located to the right as you face the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does not have handrails.
    • The width of the ramp is 120cm (3ft 11in).

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the ground floor.
    • There is/are 6 clearly marked step(s), with handrails on both sides, for access to office 1.B16, 1.B10 and Informatics Student Services.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 1.
      There is a similar set of steps to this area which has no handrails. These can be seen in photograph 2.
      The area can also be accessed off the main staircase.
    • There is/are 9 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to the right of the building on the first floor from the lift.
    • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • There are no handrails for the first three steps though these are clearly marked. These can be seen in photograph 3.
      For the next seven steps there is a handrail on the right hand side going up as can be seen in photograph 4.
    • There is/are 2 clearly marked step(s), with no handrails, for access to 1.B09, 1.B04 and 1.B05 .
    • The step(s) is/are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps can be seen in photograph 5.
      It is necessary to overcome "level change two" in order to reach these steps.
    • 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 directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is good colour contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does not play background music.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • There are automatic doors on either side of the ground floor kitchen that provide a direct route from the main entrance to the lift. (Photographs 7 and 8)
    • Within the kitchen is a height adjustable sink. (Photograph 9).

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G,1, 2, 3, 4.
    • The stairs are located in front of you on entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 10m from the main entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on the right going up.
    • There is a landing.
    • There is a separate staircase to room E on the third floor. This can be seen in photograph 2. There is an alternate set of stairs from the ground to the first floor to the rear of the building.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the left of the building.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, 1, 2, 3.
  • Wall mounted information boards are not provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 96cm x 130cm (3ft 2in x 4ft 3in).
  • 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 not within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The height of the highest controls is 124cm.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.

Level Change (Offices C2-C6)

  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located leading to offices C2-C6.
  • There is/are 8 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.

Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities

  • Accessible toilet facilities are located just inside the main entrance on the ground floor, to the rear of rooms B.31- B.32 on the first floor and next to the lift on the third floor
  • Female and male standard toilet facilities are located just inside the main entrance on the ground floor, to the rear of rooms B.31- B.32 on the first floor , towards the right of the building on the first floor and to the rear of the building on the third floor. .
  • Shared standard toilet facilities are located just inside the main entrance on the ground floor..

Accessible Toilet(s) (Ground Floor - G.Z06A - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located just inside the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 8m (8yd 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 pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is 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 200cm (5ft 7in x 6ft 7in).
    • 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by storage items.
    • 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 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 sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 97cm and 150cm 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.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • 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 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 poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There 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 105cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 105cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

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

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located towards the rear of B.31 - B.32.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 40m (43yd 2ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is 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 220cm x 300cm (7ft 3in x 9ft 10in).
    • 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 140cm (4ft 7in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by storage items.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not 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 sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 98cm and 135cm 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 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There 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 99cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 98cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Third Floor - 3.Z10A - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to your left on exiting the lift on the third floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet, via lift.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door may be difficult to open.
    • The door is locked by a locking handle.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is 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 200cm x 285cm (6ft 7in x 9ft 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • 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 sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 100cm and 140cm 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 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 110cm (3ft 7in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is poor.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • There 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 100cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 104cm.
    • The contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is poor.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 99cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is poor.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located just inside the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m from the main 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 81cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • The toilet can be seen in photographs 1, 2 and 3.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female and male toilets are located to the rear of B.31 - B.32.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 45m from the lift.
    • 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 toilet can be see in photographs 4. 5 and 6.