Access and evacuation information for customers with mobility difficulties: Information Commons

Is the Information Commons accessible?

The Information Commons is fully accessible and nearby parking is available to customers with mobility difficulties.

A self-propelling wheelchair is available for use within the Information Commons if required. Please email lib-support@sheffield.ac.uk or speak to a member of staff for further information.

There are accessible toilets on all levels.

Wheelchair users wishing to study outside core hours are advised to refer to the `Evacuation Statement for the Information Commons´ produced by Safety Services.

Ucard scan entry and exit is in operation and Welcome Desk staff are always happy to assist you if you encounter any difficulty at the entry or exit gates.

What if a power cut or disablement of the lift is planned?

If Information Commons staff or Concierges are aware that there is to be a power cut, or that the lift will be out of order, they will announce this over the tannoy system, providing it is working. Non-disabled students will be asked to give priority use of the lift to wheelchair users or customers with mobility difficulties.

What if the lifts break down while I am upstairs?

If you require assistance to leave the building, you should either:

• Inform a member of Information Commons staff if there is one nearby.
• Use the Business Unit telephone to contact the Information Desk.
• Use your mobile telephone to call the Welcome Desk (0114 222 3989).

What if I get trapped in the lift?

In this unlikely event, please follow the instructions inside the lift.

Emergency evacuation - where do I go?

If there is a fire, you must not use the lift

• Level 0
  If you are on Level 0, leave by the nearest safe exit; either the main entrance or the fire exit located between the pair of public lifts and the stairs.
• Levels 1 - 6
• Wheelchair users
  Go to the nearest safe evacuation refuge point and use the Refuge Communication System.
• Customers with mobility difficulties
  If you feel confident enough to walk down the stairs, then do so. If not, go to one of the evacuation refuge points and use the Refuge Communication System.

Where are the evacuation refuge points in the IC?

They are all in lift lobbies.
The soft-seating areas referred to are the areas which face the main stairwell across the void.
The number in brackets identifies the Refuge Communication Systems at that location.

Level 1 (Blue)

• Behind the pair of public lifts - opposite the books with shelfmarks in the 200’s (1).
• To the left of the Information Desk (11).
• Opposite the Skills Suite (B26) - which is near the soft-seating area (5).

Level 2 (Orange)

• Behind the pair of public lifts - opposite the books with shelfmarks in the 340’s (2).
• Through the doors on your immediate left as you enter the Silent Study Area (12).
• Through the doors at the far end of the Silent Study Area (6).
  This refuge point can also be approached from the soft-seating area. Go through the doors ahead, carry on for a few yards, then turn right and right again through another set of doors.

Level 3 (Green)

• Behind the pair of public lifts - opposite the books with shelfmarks in the 600’s (3).
• Through the doors on your immediate left as you enter the Silent Study Area (13).
• In the lift lobby near the soft-seating area (7).
  To reach this refuge point, either:
  1) Leave the Silent Study Area at the far end and prepare to turn immediately left.
  2) Approach from opposite the ‘Dr Ted Dunning and Dr Ellen Friedman Room’ near the soft-seating area.
  In either case, go through 2 sets of doors and then left through another set of doors.

Level 4 (Yellow)

• Behind the pair of public lifts - opposite the books with shelfmarks in the 820’s (4).
• Off the flexispace area (14)
• Off the PC cluster near the soft-seating area (opposite the 'Gerard Young Room') (8).

Level 5

• In the lift lobby (9).

Level 6

• In the lift lobby (10).

What should I do when I reach an evacuation refuge point?

On the Refuge Communication System press and hold the red call button until a dialling tone is heard. Wait until the automated voice confirms that the call has been connected. The voice message will say "You have called for assistance. Please wait for the Controller to answer your call".

After a short delay the Emergency Control Centre staff will speak to you and they will confirm your location and ask you what assistance you require.

When the Assisted Evacuation Response Team arrives, they come to where you are waiting and assist you to leave the building.

In the unlikely event that the fire starts to threaten you while you are waiting for assistance, press the red button on the Refuge Communication System and inform the Emergency Control Centre staff.

When you reach the entrance level of the building, go out to the Assembly Point.

Where is the Assembly Point?

The Computing Centre car park opposite the Information Commons main entrance.

Further information and comments

If you would like further information or wish to comment on any aspect of the service, please contact the Library´s Additional Support Service by:

• Email: lib-support@sheffield.ac.uk
• Telephone: (0114) 222-7294.
• Visiting the Information Commons.
• Post: The Additional Support Service, Information Commons, University of Sheffield, 44 Leavygreave Road, Sheffield, S3 7RD.
• The feedback form.