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The Students’ Union Building

Elphinstone Road, Aberdeen, AB24 3TU

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Access Guide

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Introduction

  • Comments View
    • Services include: Ground Floor: Computer room, Information Services, Union Brew cafe, Subway, shop, meeting rooms, quiet rooms, AUSA Office.
    • First Floor: Meeting room, HubGrub food court (Old El Paso, Chicago Town, Baskin Robins, cafes, coffee shop).
    • Second Floor: Careers Service, Student Advice and Support Services.

Opening Times

  • Monday 08:30 - 20:30.
  • Tuesday 08:30 - 20:30.
  • Wednesday 08:30 - 20:30.
  • Thursday 08:30 - 20:30.
  • Friday 08:30 - 20:30.
  • Saturday 08:30 - 20:30.
  • Sunday Closed.
  • Comments View
    • The opening times given apply to term time only.
    • During vacation time, the opening times are Monday to Friday 08:30 - 17:30 and the Hub is closed on Saturday and Sunday.

Location

  • The venue is situated outside the centre of the town or city.
  • This venue is situated in Aberdeen.
  • The venue is not situated on a road which has a steep gradient.
  • The nearest National Rail station is Aberdeen.
  • There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.

Parking

  • The venue does have its own car park.
  • Parking is not free for all users.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
  • Venue Car Park View
    • The car park is located on the left hand side of the building.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user with assistance.
    • Assistance may be required because there is/are slopes/ramps.
    • The car park surface is tarmac and block paving.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • The nearest campus car parking for permit holders and visitors is by the Sir Duncan Rice Library off Bedford Road.
    • There is also additional parking for permit holders outside side other university buildings nearby that may be used by Blue Badge holders.

Entrance (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building.
    • There is ramped/sloped access at this entrance.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 137cm (4ft 6in).
  • Second Set of Doors View
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The main door(s) open(s) by sliding.
    • The door(s) is / are double.
    • The width of the door opening is 148cm (4ft 10in).
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • There is a ramp/slope at this entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.

Reception (Main Building)

  • The desk/counter is 60m (65yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
  • The lighting levels are good.
  • The desk/counter is low (76cm or lower).
  • The desk/counter does not have a low (76cm or lower) section.
  • The desk/counter is not staffed.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Comments View
    • The reception desk has been relocated to the corridor leading to the Student Union offices.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step free access throughout the majority of the building.
    • There are doors in corridors which have to be opened manually.
  • Getting Around View
    • There is clear signage for building facilities/areas in the foyer/reception area.
    • There is clearly written directional signage at key points of circulation routes.
    • There is some flooring in corridors which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in the majority of corridors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • This building does play background music.
    • Music is played in the coffee bar.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.

Other Floors (First Floor)

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located between the first floor Hub Grub food hall and second floor.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The lighting levels are bright.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Other Floors

  • Steps View
    • The floors which are accessible by stairs are ground, 1 and 2.
    • The stairs are located to your left as you enter the building.
    • The stairs are approximately 25m from the entrance.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • There are manual, double doors which may be difficult to open to access the stairwell on all floors.
    • The lighting levels are good.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
    • The steps do have handrails.
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • There is a landing.

Lift

  • There is a lift for public use.
  • The lift is located to the rear of reception.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are ground, 1 and 2.
  • Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1000Kg.
  • The lift is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The clear door width is 80cm (2ft 7in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 150cm x 150cm (4ft 11in x 4ft 11in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • The lighting level in the lift is good.
  • Comments View
    • This lift can be used for fire-evacuation. Please call 01224 272 063 for more information.
    • There is also a staff lift available in the far corner 65m from the main entrance which offers a mirror to aid reversing.
    • The lifts have hearing loops fitted.
  • Comments View
    • This lift can be used for fire-evacuation. Please call 01224 272 063 for more information.
    • There is also a staff lift available in the far corner 65m from the main entrance which offers a mirror to aid reversing.
    • The lifts have hearing loops fitted.
  • Comments View
    • This lift can be used for fire-evacuation. Please call 01224 272 063 for more information.
    • There is also a staff lift available in the far corner 65m from the main entrance which offers a mirror to aid reversing.
    • The lifts have hearing loops fitted.

Reception (Student Advice and Support Office)

  • Student Advice and Support Office is located to the rear of the second floor.
  • The desk is 42m (45yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • Clear signage for the reception area is visible from the lift.
  • There is step free access to this reception area, via lift.
  • The lighting levels in the reception area are moderate to good.
  • The reception desk/counter is medium height (77cm - 109cm).
  • There is a low section of the counter (76cm or below) available.
  • There is not a clear knee recess beneath the low/lowered counter.
  • The desk is staffed.
  • There is a hearing assistance system.
  • The type of system is a fixed loop.
  • The hearing assistance system is not signed.
  • Staff are trained to use the hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
  • The hearing assistance system was tested on 03/12/2024.
  • The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

Eating and Drinking (Ground Floor - Union Brew Coffee Bar)

  • The following information is for the café.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 35m (38yd 10in) from the main entrance.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 50cm (1ft 8in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 71cm (2ft 4in).
  • The standard height for tables is 71cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is hot and cold snacks.
  • Comments View
    • There is a Subway takeaway, a shop and computer room for internet access next to the cafe.

Level Change (Union Brew Coffee Bar)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the right as you enter.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional steps to the rear right of the raised area.

Eating and Drinking (First Floor - HubGrub)

  • The following information is for the refectory.
  • Full table service is not available.
  • Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
  • Food or drinks cannot be brought to the table.
  • No tables are permanently fixed.
  • No chairs are permanently fixed.
  • Some chairs have armrests.
  • The nearest table is 20m (21yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 42cm (1ft 5in).
  • The distance between the floor and the highest table is 70cm (2ft 4in).
  • The standard height for tables is 70cm.
  • There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
  • Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
  • Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
  • Drinking straws are available.
  • Menus are wall only.
  • Menus are not available in Braille.
  • Menus are not available in large print.
  • Picture menus are not available.
  • Menus are clearly written.
  • Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
  • The type of food served here is varied.
  • Comments View
    • There are a number of different food outlets with a variety of food types including Baskin Robbins, Old El Paso, Tiki café, Grab-it grub, Italian grub, and
    • Traditional grub.

Level Change (HubGrub)

  • There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
  • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • The ramp/slope is permanent.
  • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
  • The ramp does have handrails.
  • The handrails are on both sides.
  • The width of the ramp/slope is 120cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
  • The step(s) is/are located to the rear right as you enter, leading up to the coffee shop.
  • There is/are 3 step(s) to the area/service.
  • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
  • The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
  • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
  • Comments View
    • There are a second set of similar steps immediately to the right as you enter as shown in photographs 5 and 6.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Both Sides Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located to the right of as you enter the building.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is Braille, pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 85cm (2ft 9in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is medium.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 250cm x 250cm (8ft 2in x 8ft 2in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on both sides.
    • The lateral transfer space on the left is 93cm.
    • The lateral transfer space on the right is 103cm.
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is low.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is medium.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary, nappy/incontinence items bin and general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • There is a lid attached to the toilet seat.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • The visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the right hand side of the wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 90cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is medium.
  • Baby Changing Facilities View
    • Baby changing facilities are located within the accessible toilet.
    • There is a flip down baby change table available.
    • The height of the baby change table is 90cm.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar toilets in the same location on the first floor, except the accessible toilet only has a transfer space on the left hand side as you face the toilet.
    • There are baby change facilities in the ground floor accessible toilet with a height of 95cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • The accessible toilet was out of use at the time of the survey.
    • This accessible toilet is located opposite the lift.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the lift.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 216cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 1in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (2ft 9in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin and a waste disposal bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is low.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 47cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 72cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 98cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer - Staff Only)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor at the far rear.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 53m (57yd 2ft) from the accessible entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a shared toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The door is locked by a lever twist.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door has a horizontal grab rail.
    • The contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 150cm x 225cm (4ft 11in x 7ft 5in).
    • The accessible toilet does have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
    • There is a lateral transfer space.
    • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (2ft 8in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush on the transfer side.
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a lever flush.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall is high.
    • There is a/are wall-mounted grab rail(s) available.
    • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rail(s) is/are on both sides.
    • There is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the transfer side.
    • There is a horizontal wall-mounted grab rail on the opposite side of the seat to the transfer space.
    • The visual contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) to the right of the toilet and wall is low.
    • There is an emergency alarm.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
    • There is not a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a backrest.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 49cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is low.
    • There is a toilet roll holder.
    • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the toilet roll holder is 87cm (2ft 10in).
    • The visual contrast between the toilet roll holder and the wall is high.
    • There is a wash basin.
    • The wash basin and tap(s) can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
    • The height of the wash basin is 70cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The visual contrast between the wash basin wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The wash basin tap type is lever mixer.
    • There is a wall fixed soap dispenser.
    • The soap dispenser can be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The height of the soap dispenser is 97cm.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the hand dryer is 93cm (3ft 1in).
    • The visual contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
    • There are male and female standard toilets facilities on the lower ground floor, the first floor and the second floor.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right of the reception area as you enter.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 9m (9yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right of the reception area as you enter.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 11m (12yd 1in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels are medium.
  • Comments View
    • There are additional toilets in the same location on the first and second floors.

Standard Toilet(s) (Staff Only)

  • Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
    • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
    • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, in the far corner.
    • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 58m (63yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the female toilets are good.
  • Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
    • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located on the ground floor, in the far corner.
    • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 54m (59yd 2in) from the main entrance.
    • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
    • Lighting levels in the male toilets are good.
  • Comments View
    • The standard toilets also contain staff lockers.

Additional Info

  • Staff do receive disability awareness / equality training.
  • Documents can be requested in Braille.
  • Documents can be requested in large print.
  • A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
  • This service can be requested.