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Usher Institute

The University of Edinburgh, 5-7 Little France Road, Edinburgh BioQuarter - Gate 3, Edinburgh, EH16 4UX

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access on the approach to the south side of the building.
    There is ramped or stepped access on the approach to the northeast side of the building.
  • Usher Institute has four entrances.
    Three of these entrances provide step-free level access to the ground floor.
    The other entrance provides step-free access via a slight ramp.
    Three of the entrances have automatic doors and the other entrance has a manual door.
  • Only two of the entrances are signed as Usher Building.
  • The south entrance provides step-free level access to the reception foyer on the ground floor.
  • The northeast entrance has step-free level access. The Usher Connect entrance has step-free access via a slight ramp. The alternative south side entrance has step-free level access.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors.
  • There is a slight slope between Usher 1898 Café and Usher Connect on the ground floor.
  • 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.
    There are open plan kitchens located on the first second and third floors.
    The heights of the kitchen counters on the first and third floors are 90cm.
    The height of the kitchen counters on the second floor is 85cm.
    There are two Winter Gardens rooms. Winter Gardens 1 is located on the first floor and Winter Gardens 2 is located on the second floor.
  • Overhead and wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
  • There are some manual doors in any circulation corridors which are held open.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 10+ toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on either side and in the centre of the building on each floor.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.
    • Ambulant toilet facilities are located on either side and in the centre of the building on each floor.
    • The shared step-free toilet facilities are located on either side and in the centre of the building on each floor.
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on the ground floor in the centre of the building.
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located within the first aid room on the ground floor in the centre of the building.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The shower facilities which have adaptations are located on the ground floor on the east side of the building.
    • Standard shower facilities are located on the ground floor on the east side of the building.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Parking (Blue Badge Holders Only)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Little France Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of block paving.
    • There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 255cm (width) x 530cm (depth).
    • There are no hatched/marked zones.
    • The nearest designated bay is 14m from the south entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • There are two bays which are going to be used for electric charging points but were not in use at the time of the survey (January 2025).
      The height of the nozzle connecter is 106cm.
      An app will be required to use the charging point.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a public car park located off Little France Drive.
    • The name of the car park is Royal Infirmary Hospital car park.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.

Entrance (South)

  • This entrance is located on the south side of the building off Little France Road.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 103cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 179cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 177cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.

Reception

  • The distance from the south entrance is 32m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 100cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested, however it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • 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: benches.

Lift (Lift 3)

  • The lift surveyed is located in the centre of the building.
  • The distance from the south entrance is 16m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground floor, first, second and third 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 external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 129cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 134cm (width) x 235cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille 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 mirror to aid reversing, a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
  • The dimensions of Lift 1and Lift 2 are 107cm x 206cm, and the width of these lift doors are 100cm.

Stairs (Ground Floor to First Floor)

  • The stairs surveyed are located on the east side of the building.
  • The ground floor and first floor 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 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 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Stairs (First Floor to Third Floor)

  • The stairs surveyed are located on the east and west sides of the building.
  • The first, second and third 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 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 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Room (First Aid Room)

  • The room is located on the ground floor in the centre of the building.
  • The distance from the south entrance is 16m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • 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 high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: armchairs.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: treatment tables/beds.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Additional facilities/services include: a wash basin.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this room.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.
    The height of the counter ranges between 74cm and 90cm.

Changing Places (Ground Floor - Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located on the ground floor in the centre of the building.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • There is not a sign at the entrance to the Changing Places facility indicating the location of the nearest toilets and baby changing facilities.
    • The distance from the south entrance is 14m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 384cm (width) x 296cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet .
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 90cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 266cm.
    • There is a spatula flush on the left transfer side.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have 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.
    • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 118cm from the floor.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is no shower seat.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a fixed height wash basin.
    • 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.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 105cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 119cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is not available.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 110cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The facility has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • A privacy screen is not available.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • A hoist and bench are due to be installed at a later date (not present at the time of survey in January 2025).

Shower with Adaptations (Ground Floor)

  • Location and Access View
    • The shower surveyed is located on the ground floor on the east side of the building.
    • The distance from the south entrance is 30m.
    • The most accessible route to the shower has step-free level access and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • 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
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the shower (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 53cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The facility has a sanitary bin and a pedal bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
    • There are also standard showers next to the one surveyed.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the right from the south entrance.
    • The distance from the south entrance is 40m.
    • 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 numbered signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 88cm.
    • The door has a locking handle.
    • 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 163cm (width) x 365cm (depth) and there is 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 93cm (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 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 106cm 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 110cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 110cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 110cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 110cm and 135cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Emergency Egress for Building

  • General Building Information View
    • Please note the fire evacuation strategy from the upper floors of this building relies on the ability to self-transfer in to an evacuation chair.