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Richmond Building

University of Sussex , Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9QT

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Access Guide

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Summary

  • Service View
    • The Richmond Building is located towards the north-centre of the campus, on the corner of North-South Road and Boiler House Hill.
  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; design studios, laboratories, lecture theatre, staff offices and a meeting room.
    • Faculties and departments include Computer Aided Design (CAD), Engineering Research, Engineering and Design, Media Technology, and M.Sc. Research.
    • The building is arranged over 4 floors. Levels 3 and 4 are split-level, designated 3A and 3B; and 4M and 4B. There is not step-free access to some areas on levels 3A and 4B. There is only stepped access to level 4M.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located within the female and male standard toilets on level 1 (ground floor).
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on level 1 (ground floor), and level 3A.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on level 1 (ground floor), and level 2.
    • Shared standard toilet facilities are located on level 4M.
    • Standard shower facilities are located within the male standard toilets on level 2.

Useful Information

Disability Advice Contact Details

  • The Student Centre brings together student support services, including Disability Advice, who provide confidential, pre-booked appointments in-person or online on a range of issues.
  • They also run drop-in sessions, events and other activities throughout the year.
  • This service can be contacted:
  • by phone on 01273 075 700
  • by email on disabilityadvice@sussex.ac.uk
  • or via the Student Support Portal.
  • Further disability support information can be found on the Student Hub.

Getting Here

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.
  • Public Car Parks View
    • There is not a car park for public use within 200m (approx).
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point.
  • Comments View
    • There is a site/campus car park for permit holders within approximately 200m.
    • The name of the car park is Arundel/Chichester II.
    • The car park is located off North-South Road between the Arundel and Chichester II buildings.

Site/Campus Car Park (Arundel/Chichester II)

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located off of North-South Road between the Arundel and Chichester II buildings.
    • The nearest building(s) to this car park is/are Arundel and Chichester II.
    • The car park type is open air/surface.
    • The car park does not have a height restriction barrier.
    • The car park surface is tarmac.
    • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available.
    • The Blue Badge bay(s) is/are clearly marked and signposted.
    • There is/are 3 designated Blue Badge parking bay(s) within this car park.
    • The dimensions of the designated parking bay(s) are 240cm x 484cm.
    • The Blue Badge parking bays have a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The marked zone is 130cm wide.
    • The dimensions of the designated bays do vary in size.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park can be used by permit holders.
    • There are no parking charges that apply on the day.
    • Signs are provided to give information on parking charges/restrictions.
    • Signs are clearly presented.
  • Drop Off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop off point in this car park.
  • Car Park Access View
    • There is step free access from this car park.
    • There is not a campus map available within the car park.
    • There is a signpost showing nearby buildings near the main entrance to the adjacent Arundel Building.
  • Comments View
    • Some Blue Badge parking bays are reserved for specific users, indicated by a car registration number shown on individual bay signage.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located at the front of the building, off of North-South Road.
    • This entrance gives access to level 1 (ground floor).
    • The entrance area/door is not clearly signed.
    • There is ramped/sloped or stepped access at this entrance.
    • There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at this entrance.
    • There is a dark mat or floor marking at this entrance that might be perceived as a hole.
    • The entrance door(s) does not/do not contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 114cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 157cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 167cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located along the front of the entrance.
    • The gradient of the ramp/slope is slight.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is not a/are not handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 148cm (4ft 10in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located on the left and right in front of the main entrance.
    • There is/are 7 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There are an alternative 5 steps to the left of the main entrance. These steps have a handrail on the right-hand side going up.

Lift (Main Entrance - Platform)

  • The lift is located straight ahead after the main entrance, on the left.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 6m (6yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
  • The lift is a platform lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The platform lift accesses a small level change.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 400kg.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do not contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are not within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is high.
  • The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 105cm x 141cm (3ft 5in x 4ft 8in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • The lift does not have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does not have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is not step-free access throughout the building .
    • There is stepped access to AS03 Lecture Theatre on level 1, rooms 3A1 to 3A19 on level 3A, and rooms 4B1, 4B13 and 4B14 on level 4B.
  • Circulation View
    • There are doors in corridors/walkways which have to be opened manually.
    • There are corridors/walkways with a surface width of less than 120cm (excluding any permanent obstructions over a small distance).
    • The type of flooring in corridors/walkways is carpet, vinyl and laminate.
    • There is some flooring in corridors/walkways which includes patterns or colours which could be confusing or look like steps or holes to some people.
    • There is flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • Handrails with a rounded or oval profile are not provided in corridors/walkways.
    • There is high visual contrast between the walls and floor in all corridors/walkways.
    • There are no seats/chairs at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is not provided.
    • Floor plans/maps are available.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout the building.
    • Dementia friendly signage is not provided.
  • Safe Place(s) View
    • There is not a designated place of safety which can be used by people with dementia, autism or learning disabilities.
  • Audio View
    • This venue does not play background music in communal areas.
    • There is a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.
    • The system is a fixed loop.
    • There is a hearing assistance system available in lecture theatre AS03.
    • The hearing assistance system was not tested at the time of the survey.

Lift (Main)

  • The lift is located straight ahead after the main entrance, on the left.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 3m (3yd 10in) from the platform lift after the main entrance.
  • The lift is a standard lift.
  • A member of staff does not need to be notified for use of the lift.
  • The floors which are accessible by this lift are 1, 2, 3B and 4B.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 1650kg.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on level 2. There are manual, heavy, double doors to access the lift lobby on levels 3B and 4B.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on lift lobby landings.
  • There is a clear level manoeuvring space of 150cm × 150cm in front of the lift.
  • Lift doors do contrast visually with lift lobby walls.
  • The external controls for the lift are within 90cm - 110cm from the floor.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is high.
  • The visual contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 150cm (4ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 184cm x 180cm (6ft x 5ft 11in).
  • There are separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is not a list of floor services available within the lift.
  • The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
  • The lift does have an audible announcer.
  • The internal controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
  • There is a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are moderate to good.
  • Comments View
    • The internal lift control buttons are marked G for level 1 (ground floor), 2 for level 2, 3 for level 3B and 4 for level 4B.
    • There is only an upward external lift control button on level 2.
    • There are only downward external lift control buttons on levels 3B and 4B.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located straight ahead after the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 9m from the main entrance.
    • The stairs are clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on levels 2 and 3A. There are manual, heavy, double doors to enter and exit the stairwell on level 4M.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are 1, 2, 3A, 4M and 4B.
    • There are 15+ steps between floors.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps is 28cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are not provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.
  • Other Information View
    • The area(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are rooms 3A1 to 3A19 on level 3A, level 4M, and rooms 4B1, 4B13 and 4B14 on level 4B.
  • Comments View
    • There is an additional staircase to the right of the building.

Step(s) (Levels 1, 3 and 4B)

  • Stepped Level Change 1 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located after the main entrance.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the lift, stairs, and lecture theatre AS03.
    • There is/are 5 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the right going up.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.
    • There is a platform lift to overcome the step(s).
    • There are 3 adjacent flights of steps. The handrail is for the left-hand most flight of steps only, next to the platform lift.
  • Stepped Level Change 2 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located off the main stairwell on level 3.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access the computer suites on level 3B.
    • There is/are 7 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 15cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps are 27cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are moderate to good.
  • Stepped Level Change 3 View
    • There is a/are step(s) located off the main stairwell on level 4B.
    • The step(s) is/are used to access rooms 4B1, 4B13 and 4B14.
    • There is/are 5 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 17cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • The depth of the steps are 23cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on the left going up.
    • Handrails are not at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are not easy to grip.
    • Handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The lighting levels at the step(s) are good.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Female - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the female standard toilets on the ground floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a female toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is no 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 light.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 90cm (2ft 11in).
    • The contrast between the internal door and wall is high.
    • The door does not have a horizontal grab rail.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 142cm x 220cm (4ft 8in x 7ft 3in).
    • The accessible toilet does not have an unobstructed minimum turning space of 150cm x 150cm.
    • The lighting levels are 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side (on top of the cistern).
    • There is not a spatula type lever flush.
    • There is a push button 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 contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 female sanitary and general waste (with no lid) disposal units.
    • There is a/are coat hook(s).
    • The height of the coat hook is 147cm from the floor.
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is a mirror.
    • The mirror is not 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 cistern.
    • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The 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 71cm (2ft 4in).
    • There are vertical wall-mounted grab rails on both sides of the wash basin.
    • The 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 102cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 98cm (3ft 3in).
    • The visual contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Male - Right Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located within the male standard toilets on the ground floor.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 12m (13yd 4in) from the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the accessible toilet.
    • This is a male toilet.
    • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
    • There is no signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The visual contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens inwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a sliding bolt.
    • 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 visual contrast between the horizontal grab rail and internal door is high.
  • Toilet Features View
    • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 157cm x 218cm (5ft 2in x 7ft 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 the right.
    • The lateral transfer space is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • 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 contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is high.
    • The contrast between the walls and floor is high.
    • 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 general waste (with lid) disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • Additional Fixtures View
    • There is not a mirror.
    • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
    • The toilet has a cistern.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat visual contrast is high.
    • 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 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The 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 is a vertical wall-mounted grab rail on the left hand side of the wash basin.
    • The 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 105cm.
    • There is a towel dispenser.
    • The towel dispenser cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
    • The towel dispenser is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The height of the towel dispenser is 100cm (3ft 3in).
    • The visual contrast between the towel dispenser and the wall is low.
    • There is not a hand dryer.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the left after the main entrance.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 8m from the main entrance.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is push.
    • Lighting levels are good.
    • There is an accessible cubicle in each of the female and male standard toilets. There are additional male standard toilets on level 2. There are additional female standard toilets on level 3A.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The gender neutral toilet is located on level 4M.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 7m from the stairs.
    • The visual contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is not available.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 84cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Standard Shower

  • Shower facilities are available.
  • The shower(s) surveyed is/are located within the male standard toilets on level 2.
  • There is level access to the shower facilities.
  • There is a 23cm high step over into the shower tray.

Emergency Egress