Transport terminals are essential hubs in transportation systems, facilitating the movement of passengers and goods. They serve as key points for transferring between different modes of transport or within the same mode, ensuring efficient connectivity across local, regional and global networks.
There are several types of transport terminals. Passenger terminals include airports, railway stations, bus stations and passenger seaports, catering to individuals traveling by air, rail, road or sea. Freight terminals focus on the handling and transfer of goods and include seaports for cargo, inland ports for rail-to-road logistics, rail freight terminals and truck depots. Multimodal terminals integrate multiple transport modes, such as combining rail, road and air, to streamline logistics and reduce transit times.
The primary functions of transport terminals include passenger services like ticketing, waiting areas and transit information, as well as cargo handling, storage and distribution. Terminals also facilitate intermodal transfers, customs clearance and security checks.
Risks
Transport terminals face several fire risks, including flammable fuels, electrical hazards, and mechanical failures. Airports and seaports often handle large quantities of fuels like diesel and aviation fuel, which are highly flammable. Electrical systems, if overloaded or poorly maintained, can cause short circuits, while mechanical equipment like escalators or conveyor belts may overheat. Overcrowding and improper storage of flammable goods also heighten the risk.
Fires pose significant dangers to disabled occupants. Those with mobility impairments may struggle to evacuate quickly, especially if lifts are inaccessible. Sensory impairments can delay the detection of alarms or signage. Without proper evacuation aids, refuge areas, or trained staff, disabled individuals are at increased risk during emergencies.
Disabled Refuge
A disabled refuge is a safe, designated area within a building or transport terminal where individuals with disabilities can wait for assistance during emergencies, such as a fire. These spaces are typically located on escape routes, away from hazards, and are equipped with two-way communication systems to allow occupants to contact emergency personnel.
Disabled refuges are essential in transport terminals as they ensure the safety of individuals who may be unable to use stairs or evacuate quickly. Their main function is to provide a secure place for disabled occupants to stay temporarily while awaiting evacuation assistance, ensuring an inclusive and safe emergency plan.
Crisis Disabled Refuge
The Crisis EVC emergency voice communication system is a comprehensive solution that integrates all essential aspects of emergency communication. It combines master stations, fire telephones, disabled refuge points, and emergency assistance alarms into a single, efficient network.
Designed for easy installation and management, the system supports up to 64 panels, with each panel accommodating eight connections, enabling a total of 512 communication lines. This extensive capacity makes Crisis EVC ideal for transport terminals and similar environments, providing broad coverage for disabled refuge points, fire telephones, and assistance alarms.
With its user-friendly design, modern aesthetics and cost-effectiveness, Crisis EVC ensures reliable emergency communication while enhancing safety in transport terminals and large building settings.
Typical Wiring Diagram
The Crisis disabled refuge system uses a single two-core cable to transfer both power and data to each outstation. This simplifies installation and ensures reliable communication and power to refuge points, typically arranged in a loop for redundancy and continuous operation during emergencies.

Master Station Placement
In transport terminals, the Master Station should be installed near the main entrance, ensuring it is easily accessible and visible to the fire brigade and emergency responders upon arrival. Positioning it in a central, high-traffic area within the terminal allows emergency personnel to quickly take control of communications, monitor the situation and coordinate responses effectively.


Disabled Refuge Outstation Placement
The Crisis Type B Outstation is available in a green or brushed stainless finish to match aesthetics of the property. Type B Outstations should be mounted in a protected stairway or fire-resistant area, at an accessible height for wheelchair users (900mm-1200mm). They must be clearly marked and easily reachable, providing safe communication with emergency personnel while individuals wait for assistance.


Crisis Type B Outstations are also available with an induction loop to aid those that use a hearing aid or loop listener.



Handpicked Solutions for Transport Terminals
Typically, a Disabled Refuge System for a transport terminal will include:

The Crisis EVC Master Station is ideal for small buildings which are required to have an EVC system with a limited number of outstations. The Crisis Master Station can support up to eight lines of outstation, including type A fixed phones, type B refuge hands-free points and emergency assist call points.

The Crisis EVC Network Master Station also supports up to eight lines for outstations, such as type A fixed phones, type B refuge hands-free points and emergency assist call points but also has built-in networking allowing it to form one of the 64 panels on a Crisis network.
Disabled Refuge Outstations

The Crisis Type B Outstation is designed to be used by the public as a disabled refuge call point. It provides hands-free operation for those in need of assistance and has a high-contrast design incorporating a highly visible braille enhanced call button which flashes green in normal conditions, flashes red when ringing, and is solid red when a call is connected.

The Crisis Stainless Steel Type B Refuge Outstation offers all the same functions and features as the Crisis Green Type B Outstation, but with a stainless steel front panel.

The Crisis Combined Type A & B Outstation can be used as a fire telephone or a disabled refuge call point. Crisis outstations are designed for use by multi-disability users, having high-contrast signage in line with RNIB guidelines and an induction loop coil in the handset.

The Crisis Type B Induction Loop Outstation has an integral audio frequency induction loop (AFILS) and has been optimised to produce the horizontal field as required by BS5839-9:2011. This unit also has a high-contrast design incorporating a highly visible braille enhanced call button which flashes green in normal conditions, flashes red when ringing, and is solid red when a call is connected.

The Crisis Type B Weatherproof Outstation is for use in outdoor or exposed areas and is compatible with the Crisis standalone and network EVC systems. The weatherproof outstation is supplied within a compact IP65 enclosure which is externally signed. The enclosure is opened by operation of a lever lock, exposing the hands-free unit and operating instructions.
Why Choose Eurofyre?
- Complete System Supplier
- Eurofyre supplies all aspects of fire detection and its associated safety products, including emergency voice communication systems, and can provide expert advice and consultation.
- Demonstration and Training
- We offer demonstrations and expert training on a range of systems, including Crisis EVC systems, in our very own sophisticated training facility.
- After-Sales Support
- Eurofyre offers both on-site and telephone support to assist you in ensuring that your system is fully functional and operating at maximum efficiency. Our after-sales care and support are second to none.
For more information about Crisis EVC, or to discuss any of the other products that Eurofyre have to offer, please feel free to get in touch either by phone on +44 (0) 1329 835 024, by email to [email protected] or via the online enquiry form situated on our contact page.
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