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John Burnett House

The University of Edinburgh, Pollock Halls of Residence, 18 Holyrood Park Road, Edinburgh, EH16 5FB

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Access Guide

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Accommodation Overview

  • About View
    • John Burnett House is located within the Pollock Halls of Residence complex, which is located to the south of Edinburgh city centre, in the St Leonard's area of the city.
    • John Burnett House is a medium-sized catered hall of residence arranged over 6 floors.
    • John Burnett House has 150 beds in total, situated in a mixture of single and twin ensuite rooms, and single rooms with shared bathrooms.
    • John Burnett House has 2 rooms with adaptations.
    • Both rooms with adaptations are located within Flat 1, on the ground floor, to the left and straight ahead as you enter through the main entrance.
    • All rooms with adaptations have an ensuite with a wheel-in shower.
    • Standard accommodation has ensuites with stepped shower cubicles and shared bathrooms with stepped shower cubicles.
    • There is a laundry located on the lower ground floor.
      There is a common room located on the ground floor.
      There are pantries located within every student flat, which contain a lounge area and kitchen.
    • The kitchens in each pantry do not have a hob or conventional oven - this is a catered hall, with the refectory being located in the adjacent John McIntyre Conference Centre.
  • Parking and Public Transport View

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free level.
  • There is step-free level access on the approach to the main entrance at the front of the building.
    There are uneven surfaces on the approach to the rear entrance at the back of the building, which has steep ramps/slopes and/or steps.
  • John Burnett House has two entrances. Both entrances give access to the ground floor.
  • The entrances are not differentiated by name for this building.
  • The main entrance at the front of the building provides step-free access to the ground floor, via a slight ramp (which bypasses the steps). There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The rear entrance at the back of the building has double manual doors (with one leaf locked) and provides stepped access (via 9 steps) to the ground floor.
    You enter the building into the common room at this entrance.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors, and step-free access to all floors via lift.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth with a shiny finish, consisting of vinyl, laminate and tiles.
  • There are resting areas in some circulation and lobby areas with a mixture of seating.
  • Wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building on all floors.
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes throughout the building.

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.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There is 1 toilet with adaptations.
    • The toilet with adaptations is located to the left and then to the right beyond the lift and stairs as you enter the building through the main entrance.
    • The toilet with adaptations has a left hand transfer space.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • There are no communal standard toilets in the building.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located along the main access road running through the Pollock Halls site, directly opposite the building.
    • 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 and signposted.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 260cm (width) x 451cm (depth).
    • The hatched/marked zones vary between bays.
    • The width of the marked zone is 134cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 98m from the main entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
    • There is a dropped kerb without tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for visitors, Blue Badge holders, staff permit holders and student permit holders only.
    • Parking is free for all users.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
    • View information on parking policies/charges (opens new tab).
    • Parking is for staff and student permit holders, Blue Badge holders, and visitors only. During arrival periods, visitor parking is for quick drop-off only.
      Resident students are not generally permitted to park here. Resident parking permits are only issued to disabled students with Blue Badges, or in exceptional circumstances. If intending to park here while resident in the halls, student Blue Badge holders must apply for a permit via following the links onhttps://transport.ed.ac.uk/travelling-here/pollock.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 6 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 256cm (width) x 447cm (depth).
    • The controls are not 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).
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • 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 ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is over 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 11 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 step markings are not clearly visible.
  • The steps have tactile markings at the bottom.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 107cm.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 182cm.
  • 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 112cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Entrance (Ground Floor Flat 1 - Rooms G001 - G012)

  • This entrance is located to the left and straight ahead along the corridor beyond the lift and stairs as you enter the building through the main entrance.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 114cm.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens away from 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 115cm.

Bedroom with Adaptations (Room with Adaptations G011)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located on the ground floor, to the left and straight ahead as you enter through the main entrance.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 29m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access, manual doors and narrow walkways .
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is written text and numbered signage on or near the door.
    • There is a key fob/card reader at a height of 108cm.
    • The door opens inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a single bed.
    • The top of the mattress is 68cm from the floor.
    • The space under the bed is 35cm from the floor.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • The following is available in this bedroom: a chair without armrests, a desk and a TV with subtitles.
    • There is no emergency alarm.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
    • This bedroom does not have an adjoining room.

Ensuite with Adaptations (Room with adaptations G011)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 87cm.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 237cm (width) x 269cm (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.
    • The lateral transfer space is 180cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
    • 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 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 87cm from the floor.
    • 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 low visual contrast.
    • There is a soap dispenser, however it is not wall mounted.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The ensuite has a pedal bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • The ensuite has a wheel-in shower.
    • 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 48cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a low visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rails have a low visual contrast.
    • There is also a fixed height shower head.

Kitchen/Dining (Pantry 2 - Bedrooms G013 - G019)

  • The kitchen/dining area is located straight ahead as you enter the building through the main entrance, immediately to the right as you enter the flat containing bedrooms G013 - G019.
  • There is step-free level access into the kitchen/dining area.
  • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 86cm.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • The work surface is 90cm from the floor.
  • A lowered work surface is not available.
  • Overhead and under counter cupboards are available.
  • The sink is 90cm from the floor.
  • A lowered sink is not available.
  • The sink has a lever mixer tap.
  • Facilities within the kitchen include a fridge, a microwave, a kettle and a toaster.
  • Seating available in the kitchen includes: benches and stools.
  • Furniture available in the kitchen includes: tables.
  • All tables and some chairs are fixed.
  • The surface height of the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the left and then to the right beyond the stairs as you enter the building through the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 13m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The lower ground, ground, first, second, third and fourth 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 low visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 100cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 108cm (width) x 208cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a low visual contrast.
  • Some 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.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located straight ahead as you enter the building through the main entrance.
  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • The lower ground, ground, first, second, third and fourth can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 18 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 16cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps have open risers.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Communal Facilities

  • Common Room View
    • The common room is located on the ground floor, to the left and then on the right beyond the lift and toilet with adaptations as you enter the building through the main entrance.
    • There is step-free level access into the common room.
    • There is a single manual door with a high visual contrast.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The width of the opening is 86cm.
    • There is a key fob/card reader to enter the common room at a height of 115cm, and a door release button to exit at a height of 114cm.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • The flooring is shiny and patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in the kitchen includes: armchairs, sofas and stools.
    • Furniture available in the kitchen includes: coffee tables.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • Lighting levels are adjustable.
  • Laundry Room View
    • The laundry room is located on the lower ground floor, to the right and along the corridor as you exit the lift.
    • There is step-free level access via lift into the laundry room.
    • There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The width of the opening is 87cm.
    • There is a key fob/card reader to enter the laundry room at a height of 114cm, as well as a door release button to exit at the same height.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • The flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Facilities within the room include a washing machine and a tumble dryer.
    • The following machines are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user: washing machine and tumble dryer.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located to the left and then to the right beyond the lift and stairs as you enter the building through the main entrance.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 17m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access, manual doors and narrow walkways.
    • 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 87cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 145cm (width) x 223cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever flush on the non-transfer side.
    • 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 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a low 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 107cm 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 low 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 65cm 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 94cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 pedal bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 164cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.