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James Clerk Maxwell Building

The University of Edinburgh, King's Buildings, Peter Guthrie Tait Road, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free and level.
  • James Clerk Maxwell Building has three entrances. The most accessible entrance is the main entrance which has step-free level access and push pad activated automatic doors.
  • The main entrance is unnamed (signed as James Clerk Maxwell Building).
    The other entrances are signed as North and East.
  • The main entrance provides step-free level access to the reception foyer on Level 2.
    There is an alternative entrance to the rear of the reception foyer which is accessed via fourteen steps or a long path with a steep gradient.
  • The North Entrance has step-free access via a slight slope and gives access to Level 1.
    The second set of doors at the North Entrance are manual.
    The East Entrance has step-free access via a long ramp with a slight gradient and gives access to a restricted part of the building. The doors at the East Entrance are manual.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the vast majority of the building on all levels.
    However, Level 8 can only be accessed via Stair C, M or D.
    Alternatively there is an enclosed platform lift at Stair M on Level 7 but it was not working at the time of the survey.
    The lift at the main entrance does not go to Level 1 but the lift at the North Entrance does.
  • On Level 1 there is a steep slope in the corridor leading to Rooms 1501 - 1512.
  • On Level 6 there are 5 clearly marked steps, with handrails on both sides, leading to one staff office (Finance Officer).
  • There is a restricted area on Levels 1 and 2, accessed via the East Entrance, where Information Services and the School of Engineering are located.
    There is not internal access between this area and the rest of the building.
    There is an additional standard lift in this area but it was not working at the time of the survey.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth, with some having a shiny finish.
  • Overhead and wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
    The signage does vary in terms of type, font and colour.
  • There are manual doors to access some lobbies and corridors.

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 are 6 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The male and female toilet facilities are located on Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7.
    • The shared toilet facilities are located on Levels 1, 5, 6 and 8 (some are unsigned).
  • Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
    • Parent and baby changing facilities are located in a shared standard toilet on Level 1.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard shower facilities are located in standard toilets on Levels 2 and 4.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Parking (Peter Guthrie Tait Road – JCMB Car Park)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off Peter Guthrie Tait Road, in front of the main entrance.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac, cobbles and block paving.
    • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bay is signposted and has markings which are faded.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 240cm (width) x 490cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 35m from the main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • 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.
    • 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 (Main)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building, off Peter Guthrie Tait Road.
  • The approach to the entrance has bollards.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 94cm.
  • The width of the opening is 152cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors .
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The push pad for the automatic doors is at a height of 97cm.
  • The width of the opening is 154cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.

Entrance (North)

  • This entrance is located on Thomas Bayes Road.
  • 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 slope at the entrance.
  • The slope has a slight gradient.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 166cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The doors has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double manual doors .
  • The second set of doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 130cm.
  • The second set of doors has a high visual contrast.

Reception (Main Entrance)

  • The reception is located on level 2, to the right as you enter via the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 10m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 110cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 86cm.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • 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.

Lift (Main Entrance)

  • The lift surveyed is located in the main entrance reception foyer.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 25m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Levels 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 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 low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 110cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 156cm (width) x 126cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a medium visual contrast 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 and a visual floor indicator.
  • There are other lifts available at this location which are of a similar size.

Lift (North Entrance)

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left as you enter via the North Entrance.
  • The distance from the North Entrance is 15m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Levels 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 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 a low visual contrast and tactile markings.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 140cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 156cm (width) x 172cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile 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 visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.

Stairs (M)

  • The stairs surveyed are located in the reception area .
  • All levels (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps have some clear markings and have a handrail on the left going up.
  • The handrail is not easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the step is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.

Lift (Platform - Level 7 to Level 8)

  • The lift surveyed is located on Level 7 in Stair M.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the main lifts is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has a steep ramp or slope.
  • Levels 7 and 8 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a low 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 high visual contrast and tactile markings.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift was not working at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 1 - North Entrance - Transfer Both Sides)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on Level 1, near the North Entrance.
    • The distance from North Entrance is 26m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is tactile and pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • 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 194cm (width) x 218cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet, however the right side is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 81cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the 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 47cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low colour contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 93cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 83cm 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 low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 90cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 109cm and 141cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • There are pull cord emergency alarms on both transfer sides.
      The wash basin is detachable and be moved nearer to the toilet seat.
      It is only reachable when detached.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 2 - Reception - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located just off the reception area.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 15m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 85cm.
    • 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 166cm (width) x 240cm (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 100cm (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 low visual contrast.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low 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 low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 96cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm 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 low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 98cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 92cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 105cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 3 - Magnet Café - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on Level 2, left as you exit the main left, near the Magnet Café.
    • The distance from the main lift is 8m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 94cm.
    • 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 185cm (width) x 222cm (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, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 122cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a push button flush on top of the cistern.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
    • The horizontal grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a low visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 50cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder has a low visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is 98cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 74cm 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 low visual contrast.
    • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 97cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 88cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 117cm and 140cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.