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David Puttnam Media Centre

University of Sunderland, Sir Tom Cowie Campus, St Peter's Way, Sunderland, SR6 0DD

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the building is step-free via slight slopes.
  • The David Puttnam Media Centre has 9 entrances.
  • Most entrances are not signed however the accessible entrance is signed David Puttnam Media Centre.
  • The Accessible Entrance provides step-free level access to the foyer on the ground floor.
  • The other entrance are located at the rear of the building and have stepped access to enter the building.

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 in some corridor and lobby areas.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on Level 1, 2 and 3 behind the lift.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located on Level 1, 2 and 3 behind the lift.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Rooms and Services in the Building (Continued)

Entrance (University Square)

  • This entrance is located off University Square.
  • 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 is a key fob/card reader at a height of 106cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance, however one door is locked.
  • The locked door can be opened on request .
  • The doors open towards you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 95cm.
  • The width of the opening is 84cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors, however one door is locked.
  • The locked door can be opened on request .
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 85cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second set of doors have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 94cm.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located in the middle of the building.
  • The distance from the University Square entrance is 7m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • Level 0, 1, 2 and 3 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 1000kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have a medium visual contrast.
  • The majority of the external controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 93cm (width) x 217cm (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 separate door to exit and a visual floor indicator.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located in the middle of the building.
  • Level 1, 2 and 3 can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 19 steps between floors.
  • The steps have faded markings 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 not between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The height of the highest step is 20cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • The steps have open risers.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

Toilet with Adaptations (Level 1 - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on Level 1 behind the lift.
    • The distance from the University Square entrance is 11m.
    • 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 inwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
    • 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 172cm (width) x 257cm (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 109cm (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 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 129cm 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 cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
    • There is a wall mounted towel dispenser which cannot be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 110cm from the floor.
    • There is not a hand dryer.
    • 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 cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 103cm and 138cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
    • There is a powered overhead ceiling track hoist in the toilet. However, this hoist does not access the toilet or the wash basin.