Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Boilerhouse

The University of Edinburgh, Central Area, High School Yards, Edinburgh, EH1 1LT

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the Boilerhouse is step-free with a slight slope and uneven cobbled surface.
  • There is 1 entrance to the Boilerhouse.
  • The entrance is signed with the building name.
  • The entrance provides step-free access into the entrance foyer and gives access to the ground floor of the building.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors.
  • On the ground floor there is a very slight slope on the approach to the toilet with adaptations.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth.
  • There is break out space in the main circulation area, which can be used a resting area.

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 into an evacuation chair.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground floor, to the front right of the building.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
    • The shared toilet facilities are located on the ground floor, to the front right of the building.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • The shower facilities which have adaptations are located within the toilet with adaptations.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the front of the Boilerhouse.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and cobbles.
    • There are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 480cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to one side and the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 128cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 8m from the Boilerhouse entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes and uneven surfaces.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for Blue Badge holders, staff permit holders and student permit holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is not free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 2 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 280cm (width) x 600cm (depth).
    • The controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The charging points require tap and pay (contactless payment).
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
    • It is possible to drop off in front of this building, but there is not a designated drop off area.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street standard parking is available .
    • On-street standard parking is located on Infirmary Street.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is a public car park located Blackfriars Street.
    • The name of the car park is Parking Garage.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located to the front of the Boilerhouse.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • 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 buzzer at a height of 113cm.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 105cm.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 86cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 105cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right of the entrance.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the entrance is 4m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground and first 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 high 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 110cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located ahead from the main entrance.
  • The ground and the 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 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Kitchen/Dining

  • The kitchen/dining area is located on the ground floor in the Boilerhouse.
  • There is step-free level access into the kitchen/dining area.
  • The width of the opening is 163cm.
  • There is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
  • The work surface is 90cm from the floor.
  • Overhead and under counter cupboards are available.
  • The hob is 90cm from the floor.
  • The oven is at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The sink is 90cm from the floor.
  • The sink has a lever mixer tap.
  • Facilities within the kitchen include a fridge freezer, a microwave, a kettle and a toaster.
  • Seating available in the kitchen includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the kitchen includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor of the Boilerhouse building.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 18m.
    • 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 automatically and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • The door has a push pad 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 214cm (width) x 215cm (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.
    • The lateral transfer space is 142cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush for the toilet.
    • 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 50cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • There is not a wall mounted toilet roll holder.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 73cm 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 can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 95cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm but it was tied up at the time of the survey.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 145cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Shower with Adaptations (Within Ground Floor Toilet with Adaptations)

  • Location and Access View
    • The shower surveyed is located within the ground floor toilet with adaptations.
  • 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.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 48cm 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 no emergency alarm for the shower.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.