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Paul Hamlyn Library

St Mary's Road Site, St Mary's Road, Ealing, W5 5RF

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Access Guide

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Overview

Getting Inside

  • The approach to the library is step-free and level.
  • The Paul Hamlyn Library has two entrances.
    Both entrances provide step-free level access to one set of the two lifts and staircases on floor G.
    There are permanently held open, double doors at the most accessible entrance, and manual, double doors at the alternative entrance.
  • The entrances are not signed.
  • The most accessible entrance provides step-free level access from Heart to the surveyed lift and staircase on floor G.
  • The alternative entrance provides step-free level access to an alternative lift and staircase. It also provides access from Heart.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of the building on all floors.
  • On floors 1, 2 and 3 there is a slight slope to the study areas to the right when exiting the lift. .
  • On floor 2, there are three steps leading from the individual study area to the Warwick side of the library. They are at a height of 16cm and are 28cm deep. These stairs can be overcome by using the platform lift on the Heart side of the library on this floor.
  • There are some very slight slopes around parts of the library on all floors.
  • Floor surfaces along all circulation routes are carpeted and smooth or hard and smooth, with some having a shiny finish.
  • There are resting areas throughout the library study areas and in the reception area on floor G.
  • Wall mounted wayfinding signage is provided throughout the library.
  • There are manual doors along circulation routes and to access stairwells.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

  • Toilet Facilities View
    • There are 3 toilets with adaptations.
    • Toilets with adaptations are located on all floors of the library.
    • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
    • The female step-free toilet facilities are located on floors 1 and 3.
    • The male step-free toilet facilities are located on floor 2.

Rooms and Services in the Building

Parking

  • Car Park View
    • The car park is located next to the Park entrance on the north side of the site.
    • The car park is open air/surface.
    • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
    • There are 2 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
    • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked.
    • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 234cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
    • There is a marked zone to both sides but not at the rear.
    • The width of the marked zone is 125cm.
    • The nearest designated bay is 10m from the Park entrance.
    • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has uneven surfaces and a slight ramp or slope.
    • There is a dropped kerb with tactile paving from the designated Blue Badge parking.
  • Charges and Restrictions View
    • This car park is for staff permit holders and Blue Badge holders only.
    • Parking is not free for all users.
    • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
    • Clearly presented parking signs are not available.
  • Electric Vehicle Charging Points View
    • There are 3 electric vehicle charging points.
    • The dimensions of the surveyed electric vehicle charging bay are 216cm (width) x 460cm (depth).
    • The controls are not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The nozzle holster is not at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
    • The charging points require an app or tap and pay (contactless payment).
    • There are no electric vehicle charging points designated for Blue Badge holders.
  • Drop-off Point View
    • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
  • On-street Parking View
    • On-street standard parking is available.

Entrance (Park Entrance)

  • This entrance is located on the north side of the site.
  • 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 level access at the entrance.
  • There is a bell at a height of 112cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 167cm.
  • The doors have a low visual contrast.
  • There is a second set of double automatic doors.
  • The second set of doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 142cm.
  • The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.

Reception

  • The reception is located just before the library entrance on floor G, to the right.
  • The distance from the Park entrance is 12m.
  • There is step-free level access to reception.
  • The height of the reception desk is 108cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the desk.
  • The height of the lowered section is 75cm.
  • The reception has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 100cm to 115cm from the floor.
  • The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: a screen reader.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests, benches and high stools.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: high tables.
  • All tables and some chairs are fixed.

Entrance (Library Entrance)

  • This entrance is located ahead and to the left after entering the building via the Park entrance.
  • The entrance area is not clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There are double manual doors at this entrance.
  • The doors are permanently held open.
  • The width of the opening is 131cm.
  • The doors have a high visual contrast.

Lift (Main)

  • The lift surveyed is located ahead and to the right after entering the library entrance.
  • The distance from the library entrance is 4m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access.
  • The floors G, 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 975kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille 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 105cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 190cm (width) x 120cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille 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 hearing assistance alarm system, 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 opposite the main lift, to the left as you enter the library entrance.
  • There are double manual doors to access the stairwell.
  • The floors G, 1, 2, 3 and 4 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 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 not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.

Library

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • Access throughout the library may include manual doors.
  • There is some room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
  • Some flooring is shiny.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in the library includes: chairs with armrests, chairs without armrests, armchairs, sofas, benches and high stools.
  • Furniture available in the library includes: tables, high tables, desks, height adjustable desks and booths.
  • Some chairs and tables are fixed.
  • Some surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of some surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • The height of the touchscreen display ranges from 94cm to 142cm from the floor.
  • The touchscreen has the following accessibility aids: large text.
  • This library is able to provide material in the following formats: Braille, large print, ebook, ejournal and audio.
  • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: large key keyboards, high visibility/contrast keyboards and ergonomic chairs.
  • Accessible software available for the computers includes: JAWS, ClaroRead and Dragon Naturally Speaking.
  • Students in need of alternative format documents must register with the wellbeing team.
    The accessible computer software is available in study rooms 4, 5 and 6.

Lift (Platform Lift Floor 2)

  • The lift surveyed is located on floor 2, to the left after exiting the main lift.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the main lift is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • The lower and upper levels of floor 2 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 280kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • Some of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift door opening width is 81cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 80cm (width) x 138cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade.
  • This platform lift bypasses four steps at a height of 18cm and a depth of 28cm.

Lift (Platform Lift Floor 3)

  • The lift surveyed is located on floor 3, to the left after exiting the main lift.
  • This lift is a platform lift.
  • The distance from the main lift is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • The lower and upper levels of floor 3 are accessed by this lift.
  • The lift door has a high visual contrast.
  • The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
  • The weight limit for the lift is 500kg.
  • The external lift control buttons have 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 81cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 87cm (width) x 141cm (depth).
  • The internal lift control buttons have a high visual contrast.
  • All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
  • Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.
  • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.
  • This platform lift bypasses seven steps which have a height of 18cm and a depth of 28cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (Floor G - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on floor G, ahead and to the right after entering the library entrance.
    • The distance from the library entrance is 10m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is pictorial, written text and ‘Not All Disabilities Are Visible’ signage on or near the door.
    • The door opens outwards and has a high visual contrast.
    • The width of the door opening is 87cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
    • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
  • Dimensions and Features View
    • The dimensions of the cubicle are 217cm (width) x 214cm (depth) and there is not 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 140cm (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 vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical 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 46cm 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 128cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 71cm 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 can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 87cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a low visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 94cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is no shelf.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin and a sanitary bin.
    • There are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were uneven at the time of the survey, with pools of light and shade and unshaded light sources.