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Pentland House

The University of Edinburgh, 47 Robb's Loan, Edinburgh, EH14 1TY

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Access Guide

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Accommodation Overview

  • About View
    • Pentland House is located on Robb's Loan, to the northwest of Edinburgh.
    • Penland House is a large 6 storey purpose built student accommodation building.
      The building is divided up into flats, there are 5 rooms in each flat.
    • There are 12 ensuite rooms with adaptations within the building.
    • The access to the rooms with adaptations is step-free and level.
    • More than 10 rooms with adaptations have an ensuite with a wheel-in shower.
    • 1 room with adaptations has an ensuite with a bath.
    • Standard accommodation has ensuites with level showers.
    • Communal facilities include multiple common rooms, a study room, music room, a gym and laundry facilities.
  • Parking and Public Transport View

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free and level.
  • The main entrance is signed with the name of the building.
  • The main entrance provides step-free level access to the reception foyer on the ground floor.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the building on all floors.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are hard and smooth.
  • There are no resting areas in the circulation routes, but seating is available in the common rooms and other shared rooms.
  • Wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the building.
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes on the ground floor and to access stairwells.

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 are 2 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on the ground floor within the central lift lobby.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a left hand transfer space.

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located to the left hand side of Pentland House.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac and block paving.
    • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 230cm (width) x 488cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides and rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 130cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 44m from the main entrance of Pentland House.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has step-free level access.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • Parking is free for all users.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street standard parking is available .

Entrance (Main)

  • This entrance is located to the front of Pentland House.
  • The entrance area is not 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 a key fob/card reader at a height of 103cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 164cm.
  • 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 104cm.
  • 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 105cm.
  • The width of the opening is 166cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 100cm.

Reception

  • The reception is located to the left of the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 3m.
  • 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 73cm.
  • The reception has windows and patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • 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 were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Lift (Central Lift)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead from the main entrance.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 11m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The ground, first, second, third, fourth and fifth 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 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 92cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 139cm (width) x 158cm (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.
  • Internally the lift has: a mirror to aid reversing, 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 are of a similar size.

Stairs

  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • The ground, first, second, third, and fourth 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 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 17cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Communal Facilities

  • Common Room View
    • The common room is located to the right of the main entrance on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free level access into the common room.
    • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
    • The doors open inwards.
    • The width of the opening is 163cm.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
    • The flooring is patterned.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Seating available in the kitchen includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas and stools.
    • Furniture available in the kitchen includes: tables and coffee tables.
    • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
    • The clear height under the tables is not suitable for wheelchair users.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
    • There is a pool table with a height of 78cm.
      There is a table football with a height of 93cm.
  • Laundry Room View
    • The laundry room is located to the right of the main entrance on the ground floor.
    • There is step-free level access 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 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.
    • The highest button on the payment console is 89cm.

Kitchen/Dining (Ground Floor - Common Room)

  • The kitchen/dining area is located on the ground floor within the common room.
  • There is step-free level access into the kitchen/dining area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • The work surface is 90cm from the floor.
  • Under counter cupboards are available.
  • The sink is 90cm from the floor.
  • The sink has a lever tap.
  • Facilities within the kitchen include 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 not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Gym

  • The gym is located on the ground floor to the right of the main entrance.
  • There is step-free level access into the gym.
  • There are double manual doors with a high visual contrast.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 166cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The gym is not staffed.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • There is clear manoeuvring space between equipment (150cm x 150cm).
  • Equipment includes free weights and cable resistance machines.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Room (Music Room)

  • The room is located on the left side of the Pentland House on the ground floor.
  • The distance from the main entrance is 26m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is written text 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 flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in the room includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in the room includes: coffee tables.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this room which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Area (Quiet Room - Study Space)

  • The study space is located to the right hand side of the building on the ground floor.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • There are double manual doors with a medium visual contrast.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The width of the opening is 164cm.
  • Facilities available in this area include: Study booths, long study desks with bench seating and high tables with TV/computer screen access.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • The flooring is patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, benches and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables, high tables, long tables and booths.
  • Some chairs are fixed.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise in this area.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Entrance (Outside Seating Area)

  • This entrance is located ahead from the main entrance.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 110cm.
  • The width of the opening is 165cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 112cm.
  • The exit button is a key card access which opens the automatic double doors.

Outdoor Spaces (Outside Seating Area)

  • The following is available in this area: a seating area with tables on two levels.
  • Outdoor areas consist of block paving and paving slabs.
  • There are footpaths throughout.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the higher seating area.
  • There are not any seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located ahead from the main entrance, within the central lift lobby.
    • The distance from the main entrance is 7m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • 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 medium visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is not a grab rail on the internal door .
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 239cm (width) x 186cm (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 164cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the non-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.
    • 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 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 112cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 104cm 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.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a medium visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Entrance (Flat 10)

  • This entrance is located on the first floor.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • 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.

Kitchen/Dining (First Floor - Kitchen Room - Flat 10)

  • The kitchen/dining area is located within flat 10.
  • There is step-free level access into the kitchen/dining area.
  • There is a single manual door with a medium visual contrast.
  • The door opens inwards.
  • The width of the opening is 87cm.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor have a medium 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 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, a freezer, a microwave and a kettle.
  • Seating available in the kitchen includes: chairs without armrests, sofas and stools.
  • Furniture available in the kitchen includes: tables and coffee tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is 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.

Bedroom with Adaptations (First Floor - Flat 10 - Room 5)

  • Location and Access View
    • The bedroom surveyed is located on the first floor within flat 10.
    • The distance from the lift is 5m.
    • The most accessible route to the bedroom has step-free level access and a lift.
    • There is step-free level access into the bedroom.
    • There is numbered signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens inwards and has a low visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
  • Bedroom Features View
    • The bedroom has a double bed.
    • The top of the mattress is 64cm from the floor.
    • The space under the bed is 31cm from the floor.
    • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre next to the bed (150cm x 150cm).
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The following is available in this bedroom: a chair without armrests, bedside plug sockets and a desk.
    • There is a push button emergency alarm.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • This bedroom does not have an adjoining room.

Ensuite with Adaptations (First Floor - Flat 10 - Room 5)

  • Access View
    • There is step-free level access into the ensuite.
    • The ensuite door opens outwards and has a medium visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening to the ensuite is 86cm.
    • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the ensuite are 219cm (width) x 196cm (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 153cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a spatula flush on the non-transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal grab rail on the 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 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 not a soap dispenser.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The ensuite has a pedal bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 189cm from the floor.
    • 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 a fixed height shower head.
    • The shower controls are lever mixer.
    • There is a flip-down shower seat.
    • The shower seat is 42cm from the floor.
    • There are grab rails and dropdown rails for the shower.
    • The shower grab rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The shower dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm for the shower, however it was tied up at the time of the survey.