Prohibition Signs

Shop from big range of Prohibition Signs

The HSE defines that Prohibition Signs are displayed to prohibit behaviour “likely to increase or cause danger”. A prohibition sign is a type of health and safety notice that features a red circle with a line through it and is used to prevent various actions in certain areas. Most commonly used as sign to unauthorise people from doing something they are not meant to and comply to the health and safety regulations.

Examples and their meaning include access signs such as “Do not enter”, machinery safety signs including "Do not touch signs", or legal health instructions like “No smoking signs”.

In general prohibition signs tend to contain instructions beginning “No” or “Do not”. The message is intended to inform that certain actions are unsafe, or not permitted due to health and safety regulations. This language also makes the instruction as clear as possible.

What colour of signage means prohibition?

UK law dictates that prohibited notices must feature a circle with red edging on a white background. In specific cases, this can also include a black pictogram to visually enhance the message.

The HSE states anyone responsible for health and safety on site should display a prohibition sign to stop behaviour that is “likely to increase or cause danger”. The law in the UK says prohibited signs have to include a circle with red edging on a white background and can include a black pictogram to enhance the message visually.

This prohibition symbol is easily recognisable and, therefore, effective at helping people who might struggle to read the text interpret the sign’s meaning accurately.

What examples are there of prohibition signs?

Examples of prohibition signs include access signs such as “Do not enter”, machinery safety signs including “Do not touch signs”, or legal health instructions like “No smoking signs”.

Generally, prohibition signs contain instructions beginning “No” or “Do not”. The message is intended to inform that specific actions are unsafe or not permitted due to health and safety regulations. This language also makes the instruction as straightforward as possible.

Health and safety officers should use prohibited Signs in the workplace and areas accessible to the general public to provide instruction and information on dangerous behaviour that should be stopped immediately and is not allowed.

We have a full range of prohibition signs available at the Sign Shed. Explore our collection below or navigate to specific varieties of prohibition signs to find the exact sign you’re looking for.

View our collection of Prohibition Signs

Do Not Use Prohibition Sign Safety Notice Sign to warn others that Employees and the general public should not use a piece of equipment and machinery.
Do Not Climb the Fence Prohibition Signage Deter Children from climbing and avoid risks of falling, display this sign in children’s playgrounds.
No Parking Emergency Vehicles Only Prohibition Sign Reserve emergency parking spaces on-site, ideal for outside care homes, medical centres or shopping centres.
No Littering Prohibition Signage Remind people to bin their litter, ideal for outside shops, play areas and next to bins.
No Smoking E-Cigarettes Smoking Sign Display this no smoking sign wherever E-Cigarettes and Smoking are banned.
No Swimming Prohibition Signs Ban swimming in lakes, canals and lakes with this prohibition water safety sign.