Authorised entry signs help make it clear when an area is restricted to people with permission.

Unlike a general No Entry instruction, authorised-access signage can be used where employees, contractors, engineers or other approved people still need to enter.

The right message depends on who is permitted and why access is controlled.

Authorised Personnel Only Signs

Choose an Authorised Personnel Only sign where access is limited to approved or designated people.

Typical locations can include plant rooms, machinery areas, workshops, warehouses, maintenance areas and other controlled parts of a workplace.

Position the sign where somebody can see the restriction before entering the area.

No Unauthorised Access Signs

A No Unauthorised Access sign communicates the same basic access principle from the opposite direction: people without permission must not enter.

This can be useful at gates, doors, site entrances and restricted workplace areas where approved employees or contractors still require access.

Authorised Entry Signs for Plant & Machinery Areas

Plant rooms and machinery areas may need controlled access so that people without the appropriate permission don't enter operational areas unnecessarily.

Where a specific hazard exists, an authorised-access message may need to be used alongside appropriate warning or mandatory signage.

The access sign explains who may enter; other safety signs can communicate the hazard or action required.

Restricted Entry Signs for Warehouses & Factories

Warehouses and manufacturing sites can contain loading operations, workplace vehicles, machinery and controlled production areas.

Different parts of the premises may therefore require different access rules.

Before choosing a sign, decide whether access is restricted to all employees, trained personnel, authorised contractors or another defined group. This will help you choose wording that accurately describes the restriction.

Authorised Entry Signs for Construction Sites

Construction sites often need to prevent visitors and members of the public from entering active work areas while allowing access for workers, contractors and other authorised people.

Restricted-access signage can be displayed at gates, fencing, hoarding and controlled work areas as part of the site's wider access arrangements.

Choose signage according to the actual restriction rather than using a generic message everywhere.

Staff Only or Authorised Personnel Only?

These messages aren't quite the same.

Staff Only is useful where employees can enter but customers or visitors shouldn't.

Authorised Personnel Only is more appropriate where access is limited to a particular approved group, meaning even some employees may not be permitted to enter.

For example, Staff Only may work well on a shop stockroom door, while Authorised Personnel Only could be more suitable for a specialist plant or machinery room.

Choosing the Right Authorised Entry Sign

Before ordering, ask:

Who is allowed in?
All employees, specifically authorised personnel, contractors or permit holders?

Who needs to stay out?
Visitors, customers, members of the public or unauthorised employees?

Why is access controlled?
Safety, machinery, operations, security or another site-specific reason?

Where will the sign be displayed?
Choose a size and material suitable for the door, gate, wall, fence or other mounting location.

A precise message makes it easier for someone approaching the area to understand whether they're permitted to enter.

Made in Britain Authorised Entry Signs

The Sign Shed manufactures access and workplace signs in Britain for businesses and organisations across the UK.

Choose from authorised personnel, restricted-entry and access-control messages in a range of sizes and materials for indoor and outdoor locations.