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The Chaplaincy

Heriot-Watt University, Riccarton, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free via slight slopes.
  • The step-free approach to the building is from the car park. There is stepped access on the approach from Gait 3.
  • The Chaplaincy has one entrance.
  • The entrance provides step-free access via a slope to the reception foyer.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free access throughout the majority of the building.
  • Access to the main Chapel area on the ground floor is via three steps.
  • Floor surfaces along all routes are hard and smooth.
  • There are resting areas in the lobby with stools.
  • Wall mounted signage is provided throughout the building.
  • There are not manual doors in any circulation routes.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located at the front of the building.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are no designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There is a bell at a height of 135cm.
  • The door opens away from 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 step-free level access as you enter.

Reception (Chaplaincy Office)

  • The reception is located to the left as you enter.
  • The distance from the entrance is 5m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 75cm.
  • The reception has windows.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • 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.
  • The tables are fixed.

Room (Chapel)

  • The room is located to the rear right of the Chaplaincy as you enter.
  • The distance from the entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and narrow walkways.
  • There is written text signage on or near the door.
  • There is stepped access into the room.
  • There are 3 steps with no handrails.
  • The steps are unmarked.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm .
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There are double manual doors with a medium visual contrast.
  • The door has a locked extension leaf.
  • The locked door can be opened on request .
  • The doors open outwards.
  • The width of the opening is 66cm.
  • The following areas have stepped access: the Chapel area from the entrance and the music area from the Chapel area.
  • There is not 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 without armrests, benches and stools.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: tables.
  • Some seating is fixed.
  • The surface heights are 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 may be background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Furniture can be moved to provide a step-free seating area just inside the entrance doors on request.

Seating Area (Lounge)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Lounge is located to the left as you enter.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
    • The doors open away from you.
    • The width of the opening is 102cm.
  • Seating Area View
    • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
    • 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 visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and chairs without armrests.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: coffee tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
    • There may be background noise in this area.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Outdoor Spaces (Patio)

  • The following is available in this area: gardens.
  • Outdoor areas consist of bonded gravel and decking.
  • There are footpaths throughout.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the BBQ area.
  • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.
  • The patio can be accessed from the lounge via double manual doors that open away from you and have a shallow step, or from the front of the building where there is a shallow step.

Kitchen/Dining

  • The kitchen/dining area is located to the rear left of the Chaplaincy building.
  • There is step-free level access into the kitchen/dining area.
  • There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 78cm.
  • Furniture can be moved to enable a manoeuvring space for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • The work surface is 91cm from the floor.
  • A lowered work surface is not available.
  • Overhead and under counter cupboards are available.
  • The hob is 90cm from the floor.
  • A lowered hob is not available.
  • The oven is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The sink is 91cm from the floor.
  • A lowered sink is not available.
  • The sink has a twist turn mixer tap.
  • Facilities within the kitchen include a fridge freezer, a dishwasher, a microwave, a kettle and a toaster.
  • The following machines are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user: dishwasher.
  • Seating available in the kitchen includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the kitchen includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.

Standard Toilet Facilities

  • The male and female standard toilet facilities were surveyed.
  • The toilets are located to the right as you enter.
  • The distance from the entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the toilets.
  • 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 70cm.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There are no ambulant toilet facilities available.
  • There is a wash basin, a wall mounted soap dispenser and a baby changing table available.
  • The wash basin has a twist/turn tap.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 86cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The baby changing table is located within the female toilet only.