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Advanced Food Innovation Centre (AFIC)

Sheffield Hallam University, 811 Attercliffe Rd, Sheffield, S9 2AA

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Service View
    • The Advanced Food Innovation Centre (AFIC) is based in Attercliffe in the northeast of Sheffield, 2 miles from the City Centre.
  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; pilot-scale production facilities, laboratories and workshops powered and controlled by a fully-equipped industry-standard plant room.
      Facilities include:
      -specialist sensory booths for product evaluation
      -live cell culture facilities
      -nutrition labs with exercise equipment, Douglas bags and blood analysis kit
      -comprehensive microscope suite
      -environmental chamber and greenhouse for crop analysis
      -suite of equipment to diagnose metal fatigue, corrosion or cracking
      -full analysis facilities for polymer packaging and production
      .
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities with an accessible shower are located on the ground floor around to the left as you enter the building.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on the ground and first floor.
    • Standard changing facilities are located on the ground floor round to the left as you enter the building.
    • Standard shower facilities are located in the standard changing rooms on the ground floor.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does have its own dedicated parking.
  • Building Car Park View
    • The car park can be used by staff and Blue Badge holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • The car park is located on the right side of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • There is/are 2 designated parking bay(s) within the car park.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 230cm x 460cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to one side and the rear.
    • The marked zone is 130cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do not vary in size.
    • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders do not need to be booked in advance.
    • The nearest designated bay is 19m (62ft) from the main entrance.
    • The route from the car park to the building is accessible to a wheelchair user.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • 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 standard marked parking bays are not available.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
    • There is a gate from the car park leading to the main entrance.
    • The gate is 95cm wide and has keypad access to enter.
    • The keypad is 120cm high.
    • To enter the car park at the rear of the building there is a card reader at 90cm and an intercom at 98cm high.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Sheffield Hallam University.'.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is an intercom.
    • The height of the intercom is 130cm (4ft 3in).
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 108cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • There is a push pad/button to exit the main automatic doors.
    • The exit push pad or push button is 115cm from floor level.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 176cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 144cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located on the left of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located in front of the doors.
    • There is/are 5 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located ahead as you enter the building.
    • The reception point is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are no windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 110cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is a lowered section of the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 81cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • Clipboards can be provided to anyone who is unable to use the desk.
    • There is a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • The type of system is a fixed loop.
    • The hearing assistance system is signed.
    • Staff are trained to use the hearing system.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
    • The hearing assistance system was tested on 10/10/2022.
    • The hearing loop was working at the time of testing.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is laminate.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building via lift(s).
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is laminate.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There are seats with armrests on both sides at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located on the left as you enter the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 5m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G and 1.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are good.

Lift

  • The lift is located on the left as you enter the building.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 8m (8yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are G and 1.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is medium.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 110cm x 146cm (3ft 7in x 4ft 9in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Standard Changing Room

  • Location and Access View
    • This standard changing room is located on the ground floor, on the far left in the toilet/shower area.
    • This standard changing room is approximately 12m from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the standard changing room.
    • A key is not required for the standard changing room.
    • There is written text signage on or near the standard changing room door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is heavy.
    • There is no lock for the toilet door.
    • The width of the standard changing room opening is 76cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Changing Facilities View
    • The dimensions of the standard changing room are 375cm x 180cm.
    • The fixtures/facilities available in the standard changing room include; a changing table/bench and a wheel in shower.
    • This is a shared changing room.
    • The type of flooring in the changing room is vinyl.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the standard changing room.
    • There is not an emergency alarm.
    • There is seating available within the changing room.
    • The seating within the changing room includes: bench seating.
    • There are lockers within the changing room.
    • There is a/are locker(s) within reach for a wheelchair user.
    • There is not a water dispenser available.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 146cm from the floor.
    • Disposal facilities are not available in the changing room.
    • The lighting levels in the changing room are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor, on the far left in the toilet/shower area.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 11m (12yd 1in) 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 visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 90cm.
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The visual contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 235cm x 290cm (7ft 9in x 9ft 6in).
    • 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 175cm (5ft 9in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush 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 high.
    • 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 high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • There are coat hooks in the toilet at 102cm and 136cm 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 visual contrast is low.
    • 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 114cm (3ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is low.
    • 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 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 high.
    • 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 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Accessible Shower View
    • The shower does have an unobstructed minimum 150cm x 150cm turning space.
    • There is a shower unit with a detachable shower head.
    • The shower head is height adjustable.
    • The adjustable shower head cannot be placed between 105cm and 185cm when mounted.
    • There is a flip-down/tip-up seat for the shower.
    • The seat/chair is not height adjustable.
    • The height of the flip-down/tip-up or fixed seat is 57cm (1ft 10in).
    • Horizontal and/or dropdown rails are available on both sides of the shower seat.
    • The visual contrast between the shower rails and wall is high.
    • There is a vertical grab rail for the shower.
    • The visual contrast between the vertical grab rail(s) for the shower and wall is high.
    • There is not an emergency alarm for the shower.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The shared toilet is located on the ground floor on the far left in the toilet/shower area.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m from the main entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There is a/are horizontal wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • There is a/are vertical wall mounted rail(s) on the right as you face the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 89cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is twist/turn.
    • Lighting levels are good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The shared toilet is located on the first floor on the right as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 3m from the lift.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • 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 89cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is lever twist.
    • Lighting levels are good.