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Institute of Medical Science Building

Foresterhill, Aberdeen, AB25 2ZD

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Access Guide

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Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town or city.
  • This venue is situated in Aberdeen.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest mainline station is Aberdeen.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There is/are 9 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 350cm x 450cm (11ft 6in x 14ft 9in).
  • Venue Car Park View
    • Designated parking bays are clearly marked.
    • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 40m (43yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • 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 (Main Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 159cm (5ft 3in).

Level Change (Main Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.

Outside Access (Rear Entrance)

  • This information is for the entrance located at the rear of the building.
  • There is not level access into the venue.
  • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
  • The door(s) is / are double.
  • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • Second set of doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • Comments View
    • The automatic doors slide open. A swipe card is required to use this entrance.
    • This entrance gives direct access to Level 1.

Level Change (Rear Entrance)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope is located leading up to the entrance.
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • Comments View
    • To access this entrance from the car park, there are 15 deep steps, with a handrail on both sides, or a long moderate ramp, 150 cm wide, shown in the photograph.

Outside Access (Level 3 Link Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located between the Polwarth Building and Institute of Medical Sciences.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • A key fob is required for access at this entrance.
    • The card reader/lock is in a suitable position to allow wheelchair users to gain access.
    • The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
    • The door(s) is / are single (with a locked extension leaf).
    • The door(s) is / are heavy.
    • The width of the door opening is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located leading acrossthe link bridge.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is moderate.
    • The ramp is permanent.
    • There is not a level landing at the top of the ramp.
    • The ramp does have handrails.
    • The handrails are on both sides.
    • The width of the ramp is 150cm (4ft 11in).

Reception

  • The desk/counter is 4m (4yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are bright.
  • The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The desk/counter is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • Staff are trained to use the system.
  • Comments View
    • There are 88cm wide heavy doors adjacent to reception which require a swipe card to access 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 bright.
  • Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

Restaurant Bar Internal (Eat @ the Atrium)

  • Once inside, there is level access to the service.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • There is not a lowered section at the service counter.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 16m (17yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 68cm (2ft 3in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 104cm (3ft 5in).
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is sandwiches and snacks.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are low.
    • The steps are deep (18cm+).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.
  • Comments View
    • This staircase is located in the South Wing. There are identical staircases located throughout the building.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are low.
    • 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.
  • Comments View
    • This staircase is located next to the rear lift, and gives access to Level 7.

Lift (South Wing)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the right of the Atrium as you enter it.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to on all floors.
  • The lift is approximately 23m (25yd 6in) from the accessible entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 155cm x 225cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 5in).
  • 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 does not 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 medium.
  • Comments View
    • There is a similar, but slightly smaller, lift available in the North Wing, close to the main entrance.

Lift (Rear)

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located in the corridor at the far end of the Atrium.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
  • The lift is approximately 57m (62yd 1ft) from the accessible entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The dimensions of the lift are 130cm x 155cm (4ft 3in x 5ft 1in).
  • 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 have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting level in the lift is bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is an easy ramp leading up to this lift on all floors.

Accessible Toilet (South Wing)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • The accessible toilet is located to the right as you enter.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex 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 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The door is light.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 195cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 5in).
    • There is not 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • 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 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 not available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • 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 46cm (1ft 6in).
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is 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).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor 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.
  • Comments View
    • The details here are for the toilets on Level 2.
    • There are similar toilets on Levels 4 and 6.
    • The accessible toilet on Level 4 does not have a functional alarm.

Accessible Toilet (Rear)

  • There are accessible toilet facilities within this venue.
  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet is for the sole use of disabled people.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 61m (66yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • This accessible toilet is located in the corridor at the far end of the Atrium.
    • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
  • Features and Dimensions View
    • This is a unisex toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • The door opens by sliding.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet door is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The door is heavy.
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 200cm (4ft 11in x 6ft 7in).
    • There is not 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 on the transfer side.
    • The tap type is lever.
    • There is a mixer tap.
    • There is not an emergency pull cord alarm in the cubicle.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
    • There is a/are non-infectious waste disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Position of Fixtures View
    • Wall-mounted grab rails are available.
    • 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 not a mirror.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 45cm (1ft 6in).
    • 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 cannot 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 placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 76cm (2ft 6in).
  • Colour Contrast and Lighting View
    • There is a medium colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is fair.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is poor.
    • There is a poor 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 bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is an easy ramp, 80 cm wide, leading into the adapted toilet at its entrance.
    • The details here are for the toilets on Level 2.
    • There are identical toilets in this location on Levels 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
    • The adapted toilets on Levels 1, 3 and 5 have transfer spaces on the left as you face the toilet.
    • There are standard toilets available an Level 7, which have level access and are well lit.

Standard Toilet(s) (South Wing)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on all floors.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 29m (31yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 26m (28yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • The details here are for the toilets on Level 2.
    • There are similar toilets on Levels 4 and 6.

Standard Toilet(s) (Rear)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the corridor at the far end of the Atrium.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located in the corridor at the far end of the Atrium.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 60m (65yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is not level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are bright.
  • Comments View
    • There is an easy ramp, 80 cm wide, leading into the adapted toilet at its entrance.
    • The details here are for the toilets on Level 2.
    • There are identical toilets in this location on Levels 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6.
    • There are standard toilets available an Level 7, which have level access and are well lit.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.