You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Hugh Nisbet Building is a large building with four floors.
    The building is centrally located between the adjoining James Watt Centre to the front and the Scott Russell Building/David Brewster Building to the rear.
  • There is one main lift and one staircase within this part of the building.
  • The floors are signed as Lower Ground, Ground, First and Second Floors.
  • There is internal step-free access between the Hugh Nisbet Building and the James Watt Centre via a slope at the link bridge on the first floor.
  • There is internal step-free level access between the Hugh Nisbet Building and the Scott Russell Building/David Brewster Building via link bridge on the ground floor.
  • View information on Hugh Nisbet Building.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • The name of the nearest car park is Car Park J or Car Park Q on campus for non-permit holders.
  • View information on Heriot-Watt University Car Parking Facilities (opens new tab).
  • The nearest train station is Curriehill.
  • The nearest tram stop is Edinburgh Park.
  • The nearest bus station is Edinburgh Bus Station.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab).
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on James Watt Centre 1 (opens new tab).
  • View information on The Scott Russell Building (opens new tab).

You are on Getting Inside. Skip to the next section.

Getting Inside

• The approach to the building is step-free via slight slopes.
• The Hugh Nisbet Building has seven entrances.
• Two entrances provide step-free access to the ground floor.
• There are single automatic doors on the West Side from the Gait 3 car park, and double doors from the East Side.
• There is also internal step-free level access to the ground floor from the first floor of the North Buildings link (Scott Russell/David Brewster Buildings) where there are no doors.
• There is stepped access from the Muslim Prayer Room entrance on the East Side at the stairs, halfway between the lower ground floor and ground floor with two sets of double doors.
• There is an internal link entrance with step-free access via slope from the James Watt Centre where there are no doors.
• There are two entrances on the West and East sides at the link bridge from the James Watt Centre.
• Both of these entrances have double doors, and the East Side entrance joins halfway along the internal link slope.
• The entrances are signed as Hugh Nisbet Building.
• The West Side (Gait 3) entrances provides step-free access to the ground floor corridor.
• The East Side entrance is located on the east side of the building (the loch side) and has step-free level access.
• The Muslim Prayer Room entrance is located on the east side of the building near The Walk and has stepped access.
• The North Buildings link bridge entrance is located on the first floor of the Scott Russell/David Brewster Buildings (opposite the link bridge entrance to the James Nasmyth Building) and has step-free level access.
• The James Watt Centre link bridge entrance is located down the slope from the main reception in the James Watt Building. The East and West side link bridge entrances are located at either side of this entrance before the link bridge and have step-free access via slopes.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• There is step-free access throughout the building on all floors.
• On the second floor there is a slight slope in the corridors leading to the Research Engagement Hub.
• Access to Lecture Theatres 2 and 3, on the ground floor, is via four clearly marked steps with a central handrail.
• Alternatively, there is a slight ramp with a handrail on the left going down to overcome the steps.
• Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth, with some having a shiny finish.
• There are resting areas in some circulation and lobby areas with a mixture of seating.
• Overhead and wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
• There are manual doors along some circulation routes on the first and second floors.

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located to the left as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance, off the Learning Commons, and to the left from the lift on the first floor.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located to the left as you enter, off the Learning Commons, and to the left from the lift on the first and second floors.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located on the second floor.

You are on Rooms and Services in the Building. Skip to the next section.

Rooms and Services in the Building

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• Lecture Theatres View
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 1 (opens new tab).
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 2 (opens new tab).
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 3 (opens new tab).
  • View information on Lecture Theatre 4 (opens new tab).
• Other Rooms/Services View
  • View information on Muslim Prayer Room (Lower Ground Floor) (opens new tab).
• Eating and Drinking View
  • View information on Elements (opens new tab).
  • View information on The Piece (opens new tab).
  • View information on Central Food Court (Lower First Floor) (opens new tab).
  • View information on Café Brio (First Floor) (opens new tab).
• Other Areas View
  • View information on Student Services Centre (opens new tab).
  • View information on Student Wellbeing Centre (opens new tab).

You are on Parking (Third Gait). Skip to the next section.

Parking (Third Gait)

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located at the rear side of the building, off the Third Gait.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 5 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays have faded markings.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 250cm (width) x 470cm (depth).
  • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
  • The width of the marked zone is 127cm.
  • The nearest designated bay is 10m from the West Side (Third Gait) entrance.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for permit holders only.
  • Parking is free for all users.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

You are on Entrance (West Side (Third Gait) - Ground Floor). Skip to the next section.

Entrance (West Side (Third Gait) - Ground Floor)

• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
• There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
• The door opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 86cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The door has a low visual contrast.
• There is a second single automatic door.
• The second door opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 95cm.
• The second door has a high visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Counter (Advice Hub). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Advice Hub)

• The counter is located to the right as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance on the ground floor, near the stairs.
• The distance from the West Side (Gait 3) entrance is 40m.
• The most accessible route to the counter has doors permanently held open.
• There is step-free level access to the counter.
• The height of the counter is 75cm.
• The counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and armchairs.
• Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables and desks.
• Some tables are fixed.
• The door to the Advice Hub is 86cm wide and generally held open, although it can be closed to reduce noise.

You are on Counter (Unitemps). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Unitemps)

• The counter is located to the right as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance on the ground floor, near the stairs.
• The distance from the West Side (Gait 3) entrance is 40m.
• The most accessible route to the counter has doors permanently held open.
• There is step-free level access to the counter.
• The height of the counter is 73cm.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
• Furniture available in this area includes: desks and booths.
• All tables and some seating is fixed.
• The door to Unitemps is 86cm wide and generally held open, although it can be closed to reduce noise.

You are on Area (Careers Service). Skip to the next section.

Area (Careers Service)

• The Careers Service area is located to the right as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance, next to the shop.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into this area.
• The width of the opening is 305cm.
• Facilities available in this area include: training and meeting rooms.
• There is step-free level access throughout the area.
• Access throughout the area may include manual doors.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, sofas and stools.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and booths.
• All tables and some chairs are fixed.
• Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Wayfinding signage is not provided.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Area (The Shop). Skip to the next section.

Area (The Shop)

• The Shop is located to the right as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance on the ground floor, before the stairs.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into this area.
• The width of the opening is 200cm.
• There is step-free level access throughout the area.
• Access throughout the area may include narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• Seating available in this area includes: stools.
• Furniture available in this area includes: high tables.
• The surface heights are not suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
• Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• The height of the payment counter is 103cm.
• The height of the self-scan checkouts shelf is 61cm.
• The height of the self-scan checkouts touchscreens range between 116cm to 136cm.
• There are moveable card readers at the counter and self-scan checkouts.

You are on Room (Assistive Technology). Skip to the next section.

Room (Assistive Technology)

• The room is located on the ground floor, to the right as you enter the West Side (Third Gait) entrance.
• The distance from the West Side (Third Gait) entrance is 65m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
• There is written text signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 110cm.
• There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
• The door opens inwards.
• The width of the opening is 86cm.
• There is step-free level access throughout the room.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• Seating available in the room includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
• Furniture available in the room includes: desks.
• The desks are fixed.
• The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
• The clear underside space of the surfaces is not suitable for wheelchair users.
• There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
• Additional facilities/services include: a flashing fire alarm.
• There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• Technology available here is provided on a per student requirements basis.

You are on Reception (The Learning Commons). Skip to the next section.

Reception (The Learning Commons)

• The reception is located to the right as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance on the ground floor, beyond the stairs.
• The distance from the West Side (Gait 3) entrance is 95m.
• The most accessible route to reception has manual doors.
• There is step-free level access to reception.
• The height of the reception desk is 101cm.
• There is a lowered section at the desk.
• The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
• The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
• There is a fixed hearing assistance system which is not clearly signed.
• The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
• There may be background noise in this area.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, sofas, benches and stools.
• Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
• Some chairs are fixed.

You are on Seating Area (The Learning Commons). Skip to the next section.

Seating Area (The Learning Commons)

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• Location and Access View
  • The Learning Commons is located to the right as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance on the ground floor, beyond the stairs.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • The width of the opening is 153cm.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • The following areas have stepped access: An upper row of seating in a study space.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Some flooring is patterned.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs and sofas.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, coffee tables and desks.
  • Some tables are fixed.
  • The surface height of some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under some of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located to the right as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance on the ground floor, beyond the Learning Commons reception.
• The distance from the West Side (Gait 3) entrance is 70m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
• The ground, lower first, first and second floors are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The weight limit for the lift is 975kg.
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 90cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 160cm (width) x 140cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and a list of floor services/facilities.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• The internal lift controls use '1' for the lower first floor (dining area), '2' for the first floor and '3' for the second floor.

You are on Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located to the right as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance on the ground floor, near The Shop and Advice Hub.
• The ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 15cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Second Floor - Breastfeeding Room). Skip to the next section.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Second Floor - Breastfeeding Room)

• The room surveyed is located on the second floor, through to the rear left from the lift.
• The distance from the lift is 40m.
• The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access, manual doors and doors permanently held open.
• There is step-free level access into the room.
• There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
• The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
• The width of the door opening is 84cm.
• Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
• There is a wash basin and a mirror in the room.
• The wash basin has a twist turn mixer tap.
• The room has a waste bin.
• Seating available in the room includes: armchairs and stools.
• The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• Lighting levels are adjustable.
• There is also a microwave and a fridge in this room.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (West Side (Third Gait) Entrance - Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (West Side (Third Gait) Entrance - Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor, to the left as you enter.
  • The distance from the West Side (Third Gait) entrance is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 222cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a wall sensor flush on the non-transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 93cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
  • There are paper towels for drying hands.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 80cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (The Learning Commons - Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (The Learning Commons - Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located to the right as you enter the West Side (Gait 3) entrance on the ground floor, towards the rear of the Learning Commons.
  • The distance from the West Side (Gait 3) entrance is 95m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 220cm (width) x 310cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 135cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a spatula flush on the transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a lever mixer tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 88cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The towel dispenser is 93cm from the floor.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 85cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin, a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor, to the left from the lift.
  • The distance from the lift is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is tactile, pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a medium visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 203cm (width) x 240cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
  • The lateral transfer space is 135cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a wall sensor flush on the non-transfer side.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 47cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • The toilet has a padded backrest.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 95cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 97cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer which requires hands to be inserted into the top.
  • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 85cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 90cm.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.