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Cochrane Building

Cardiff University, University Hospital of Wales, Heath Park, Cardiff, CF14 4YU

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Access Guide

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English to Welsh Translation

  • Mae’r canllawiau hyn ar gael yn Gymraeg. Dewiswch ‘accessibility’ yn y gornel dde uchaf, clicio ar y symbol iaith ac yna chwilio am ‘Welsh/Cymraeg’.
  • These guides are available in Welsh by selecting accessibility in the top right-hand corner, clicking on the language symbol, and then searching for Welsh.

Summary

  • Building View
    • Services / Facilities within the building include; offices, health library, laboratories and teaching rooms.
  • Location of Toilet/Changing Facilities View
    • Accessible toilet facilities are located on all levels.
    • Female standard toilet facilities are located on all levels.
    • Male standard toilet facilities are located on all levels.

Rooms and Spaces Links

Opening Times

  • Monday 07:00 - 18:00.
  • Tuesday 07:00 - 18:00.
  • Wednesday 07:00 - 18:00.
  • Thursday 07:00 - 18:00.
  • Friday 07:00 - 18:00.
  • Saturday Closed.
  • Sunday Closed.

Getting Here

Useful Information

Building Parking

  • The building does not have its own dedicated parking.

Approach (Main Entrance)

  • Approach View
    • The surface of the approach is stone/concrete tiles.
    • The approach surface is uneven in places.
  • Step(s) View
    • There is a/are step(s) on the approach.
    • There is/are 10+ unmarked step(s), with handrails on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are not between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 14cm.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the front of the building.
    • This entrance gives access to ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Cochrane Building - School of Medicine - Health Library'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • There is not 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 170cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

Outside Access (North Side)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the north side of the Cochrane Building.
    • This entrance gives access to ground floor.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Cochrane Building - School of Medicine - Health Library'.
    • 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.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (towards you).
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 176cm.
    • 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 front of the entrance.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 103cm (3ft 5in).
    • The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).
  • Step(s) View
    • The step(s) is/are located to the front left of the entrance.
    • There is/are 2 step(s).
    • The step(s) is/are clearly marked.
    • The step(s) has/have tactile paving at the top and bottom.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are between the recommended 15cm and 18cm.
    • The height of the step(s) is/are 18cm.
    • The depth of the step(s) is/are not between 30cm and 45cm.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the step(s).
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a second lower handrail.

Reception

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the left after you enter through the main entrance.
    • The reception point is approximately 7m (7yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 114cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section at the counter is 73cm.
    • There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the lowered section of the counter.
    • There is a clear knee recess beneath the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is vinyl.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Getting Around

  • Access View
    • There is step-free access throughout the building .
  • 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 vinyl, laminate and carpet.
    • 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 some flooring in corridors/walkways which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There is high colour contrast between the walls and floor in all areas.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests at regular intervals.
    • The lighting levels are good.
  • Signage View
    • Wayfinding signage is provided.
    • The colour, design and typeface of signs is not 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 not a hearing assistance system in the communal areas of the building.

Other Floors

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to the right after you enter via the main entrance.
    • The stairs are approximately 11m from the main entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are Ground, 1, 2 and 3.
    • 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 between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do 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 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.

Lift

  • The lift is located to the right after you enter via the main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 18m (19yd 2ft) from 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 Ground, 1, 2 and 3.
  • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is medium.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 91cm (2ft 12in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 107cm x 209cm (3ft 6in x 6ft 10in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of 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 not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.
  • There is a/are similar lift(s) available.

Accessible Toilet(s) (Left Hand Transfer)

  • There is an/are accessible toilet(s) available.
  • Location and Access View
    • This accessible toilet is located on the ground floor to the left after you pass the reception desk.
    • This accessible toilet is approximately 27m (29yd 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 pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • The contrast between the external door and wall is high.
    • The door opens outwards.
    • The door is light.
    • The door is locked by a twist lock.
    • The width of the accessible toilet opening is 91cm (2ft 12in).
    • 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 154cm x 223cm (5ft 1in x 7ft 4in).
    • The accessible toilet does 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 left.
    • The lateral transfer space is 94cm (3ft 1in).
    • The transfer space is obstructed by a female sanitary bin.
    • There is a flush, however it is not on the transfer side.
    • There is a spatula type 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 is fully functional.
    • The emergency pull cord alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
    • There is a red flashing fire alarm beacon within the toilet.
    • Disposal facilities are available in the toilet.
    • There is a/are female sanitary disposal units.
    • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
  • 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.
    • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
    • The toilet seat colour 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 86cm (2ft 10in).
    • The 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 72cm (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 94cm.
    • 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 81cm (2ft 8in).
    • The contrast between the hand dryer and the wall is low.
  • Comments View
    • There are similar left hand transfer accessible toilets on all other floors, accessed via the lift.

Standard Toilet(s)

  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
  • Toilet Facilities View
    • The female and male toilets are located on the ground floor to the left after you pass the reception desk.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s).
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 27m from the main entrance.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The ambulant toilet does not have vertical wall mounted grab rails.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.
  • Toilet Facilities 2 View
    • The female and male toilets are located on floors 1, 2, 3 and 4.
    • There is step-free access into the toilet(s), via lift.
    • The standard toilet(s) is/are approximately 22m from the lift.
    • The colour contrast between the external toilet door(s) and wall(s) is high for female and low for male.
    • There is pictorial signage on or near the toilet door.
    • An ambulant toilet cubicle is available.
    • There are horizontal wall mounted rails available on both sides of the toilet.
    • The height of the wash basin(s) is 83cm.
    • The wash basin(s) tap type is sensor.
    • Lighting levels are moderate to good.

Outside Access (Library Entrance)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located on the south side of the Cochrane Building.
    • This entrance gives access to ground floor of the Cochrane Building and the library.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Health Library'.
    • There is ramped/sloped 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/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • A key card is required for access at this entrance.
    • The height of the key card reader is 100cm.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically (away from you).
    • The door(s) is/are single width.
    • The width of the door opening is 107cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • The library is available 24 hours a day.
      To enter the library outside of normal opening hours use your key card as detailed above.
      To exit the library outside of normal opening hours press the green button to the left of the door. This button is at a height of 114 centimetres.
  • Ramp/Slope View
    • The ramp/slope is located in front of the door.
    • The ramp/slope is permanent.
    • There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the ramp.
    • The handrail(s) is/are on both sides of the ramp.
    • The width of the ramp/slope is 114cm (3ft 9in).

Entrance (Library)

  • Entrance View
    • This information is for the entrance located to the right after you enter the Cochrane Building via the south entrance.
    • This entrance gives access to ground floor of the library.
    • The entrance area/door is clearly signed.
    • This entrance is signed with 'Health Library'.
    • There is step-free access at this entrance.
    • The entrance door(s) does/do contrast visually with its immediate surroundings.
    • There is not a bell/buzzer.
    • There is not an intercom.
    • The main door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 152cm.
    • There is a second set of doors.
    • The door(s) open(s) automatically.
    • The door(s) is/are double width.
    • The width of the door opening is 210cm.
    • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
    • There are security barriers at this entrance.
    • The minimum width between the security barriers is 111cm.
    • The width of the wider security barriers is 114cm.

Reception (Library Ground Floor)

  • Reception View
    • The reception point is located to the rear left after you enter the library.
    • The reception point is approximately 24m (26yd 9in) from the library entrance.
    • The reception area/desk is clearly visible from the entrance.
    • There is step-free access to the reception point.
    • There is a clear unobstructed route to the reception point.
    • There are windows, TVs, glazed screens or mirrors at/behind the reception point which could adversely affect the ability of someone to lip read.
    • The reception counter is not placed in front of a background which is patterned.
    • The lighting levels at the reception point are good.
    • The height of the reception counter is 75cm.
    • There is not sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
    • There is not a lowered section of the counter.
    • The counter is staffed.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system at the reception point.
    • There is no wayfinding signage available at/close to the reception.
    • The type of flooring in the reception area is carpet.
  • Reception Waiting Area View
    • There is a waiting area close to the reception point.
    • Access to the waiting area is unobstructed.
    • The seats do not have armrests.
    • There is sufficient space for a wheelchair user to use the waiting area.

Library (Ground Floor)

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is step-free access within the library.
    • The type of flooring in the library is carpet.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • Self Service Machines View
    • There is a/are self service book borrow/return machine(s) available.
    • The self service book borrow/return machine(s) is/are located on the ground and first floor. There are also two return machines available outside of the building.
    • The self service machine(s) touchscreen(s) is/are between the heights of 122cm and 135cm.
  • Library Services View
    • Different format documents, such as braille and large print, can be requested from the main university library services.
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 71cm in height.
    • There are no height adjustable desks available.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • Laptops are available to borrow from the library.
    • Auxiliary aids are available.
    • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: Audio Recorders, a Trackball Mouse, Adjustable Foot Rests and Document Holders.
    • The library does have computers with accessible software.
    • Accessible software available includes: Mindview, Supernova and Texthelp Read&Write.
    • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.
    • The two book return machines have a height of 110 centimetres and 152 centimetres.

Other Floors (Library)

  • Stairs View
    • Stairs can be used to access other floors.
    • The stairs are located to right of the reception on the ground floor.
    • The stairs are approximately 27m from the library entrance.
    • Signs indicating the location of the stairs are not available from the entrance.
    • There are manual, heavy, single doors to enter and exit the stairwell on all floors.
    • The floors which are accessible by the stairs are 1 and 2.
    • 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 between the recommended 30cm and 45cm.
    • The steps are clearly marked.
    • There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
    • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
    • Handrails are at the recommended height (90cm-100cm).
    • Handrails do cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
    • Handrails are easy to grip.
    • Handrails do extend horizontally beyond the first and last steps.
    • There is a landing.
    • Clear signs indicating the facilities on each floor are provided on landings.
    • The lighting levels at the steps are moderate to good.

Lift (Library)

  • The lift is located to the right after you enter the main entrance.
  • The lift is clearly visible from the entrance.
  • The lift is approximately 4m (4yd 1ft) from 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 0, 1 and 2.
  • The weight limit for the lift is 630KG.
  • There are manual, heavy, single doors to access the lift lobby on the second floor and on the first floor.
  • 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 colour contrast between the external lift controls and the control plate is low.
  • The colour contrast between the external lift control plate and the wall is low.
  • The clear door width is 89cm (2ft 11in).
  • The dimensions of the lift are 107cm x 138cm (3ft 6in x 4ft 6in).
  • There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
  • There is a mirror to aid reversing out of 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 not a hearing loop system.
  • The lift does not have Braille markings.
  • The lift does not have tactile markings.
  • The lighting levels in the lift are good.

Library (Floor 1)

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is step-free access, via lift, within the library.
    • The type of flooring in the library is carpet and laminate.
    • There is some flooring which is shiny and could cause issues with glare or look slippery to some people.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • Self Service Machines View
    • There is a/are self service book borrow/return machine(s) available.
    • The self service book borrow/return machine(s) is/are located to the right after you enter the floor via the lift.
    • The self service machine(s) touchscreen(s) is/are between the heights of 122cm and 135cm.
  • Library Services View
    • Different format documents, such as braille and large print, can be requested from the main university library services.
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 73cm in height.
    • There are no height adjustable desks available.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • Laptops are available to borrow from the library.
    • Auxiliary aids are available.
    • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: Adjustable Foot Rests, Audio Recorders, a Trackball Mouse and Document Holders.
    • The library does have computers with accessible software.
    • Accessible software available includes: Supernova, Mindview and Texthelp Read&Write.
    • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.

Library (Floor 2)

  • Library Circulation View
    • There is step-free access within the library.
    • The type of flooring in the library is carpet.
    • There are no potential trip hazards within the room.
  • Self Service Machines View
    • There is not a/are no self service book borrow/return machine(s) available.
  • Library Services View
    • Different format documents, such as braille and large print, can be requested from the main university library services.
    • There are reading/study desks available.
    • The majority of the reading/study desk(s) are 72cm in height.
    • There are no height adjustable desks available.
    • There is a mixture of seating with and without armrests.
    • Laptops are available to borrow from the library.
    • Auxiliary aids are available.
    • Auxiliary aids available in this library include: Document Holders, Adjustable Foot Rests, Audio Recorders and a Trackball Mouse.
    • The library does have computers with accessible software.
    • Accessible software available includes: Mindview, Supernova and Texthelp Read&Write.
    • A member of staff is available to provide assistance.