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Alexander Graham Bell Building

The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, West Mains Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3JL

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free level access.
  • The Alexander Graham Bell Building has one entrance which provides step-free access, via a slight slope.
    There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The entrance is signed Alexander Graham Bell Building.
  • The entrance gives direct access to the lift on floor 1, which provides step-free level access to all other floors.

Getting Around

  • It is possible to bypass all steps once inside the building.
  • Floor surfaces along most circulation routes are carpet, with some being hard and smooth with a shiny finish.
  • There is a resting area in the main lobby of the building.
  • Wayfinding signage and floor maps are not provided in this building.
  • There are manual doors in some corridors and lobby areas.

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
    • The male and female toilet facilities are located on floor 1, 2 and 3 off the right side corridor.

Parking (Thomas Bayes Road)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located on Thomas Bayes Road.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 2 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 both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 115cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 60m from main entrance to The Nucleus Building.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has a slight ramp or slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for permit holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
    • Staff and students Blue Badge holders who wish to park within the City, King's Buildings or Easter Bush Campus car parks should apply for a Disabled All Areas Permit.
  • 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 approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not 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 handrails on both sides.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 3 steps with 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 steps are unmarked.
  • 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.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 108cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 114cm.
  • The width of the opening is 157cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low 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.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located at the centre of the building.
  • The ground, 1, 2 and 3 floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 18 steps between floors.
  • The steps are unmarked 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 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located at the centre of the building.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 7m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground, 1, 2 and 3 floors are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a medium 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 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 88cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 134cm (width) x 134cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a low visual contrast, Braille markings and tactile markings.
  • 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 visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.