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ICOSS (Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences)

219 Portobello, Sheffield, S1 4DP

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free via slight slopes.
  • ICOSS (Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences) has one entrance. The entrance provides step-free level access to Level A. There double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The entrance is signed as ICOSS (Interdisciplinary Centre of the Social Sciences.).

Getting Around

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

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 8 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on each floor, off the main walkways.
    • All toilets with adaptations have a right hand transfer space.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on Level A off the main lobby area.
  • Washroom and Shower Facilities View
    • Standard shower facilities are located within the standard toilets.

Entrance

  • This entrance is located at the front of the building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces and bollards.
  • The entrance area is 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 118cm.
  • There is an intercom at a height of 111cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 159cm.
  • 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 width of the opening is 165cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.

Reception

  • The reception is located to the right as you enter via the entrance.
  • The distance from the entrance is 8m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 76cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the desk.
  • The reception has glazed screens.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located on the left side of the building.
  • The distance from the entrance is 10m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The Levels A, B, C, D and E 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 weight limit for the lift is 630kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 80cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 101cm (width) x 134cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a high visual contrast.
  • The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located on the left side of the building.
  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • The Levels B, C, D and E can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20 steps between floors.
  • The steps have faded markings and have handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are not easy to grip.
  • The handrail covers 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 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level A - Shared - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on Level A, ahead as you enter via the entrance.
    • The distance from the 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 signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens by sliding and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
    • The door has a 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 right as you face the toilet, however it is obstructed.
    • The lateral transfer space is 62cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
    • There is a lever 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 is no vertical grab rail for the toilet.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 44cm 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 98cm 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 rail is on the right as you face the wash basin.
    • The wash basin grab rail has 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 97cm 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 97cm 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 sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.