Prohibition Signs communicate actions, activities or behaviours that are not permitted in a particular location.

Common examples include No Smoking, No Entry, No Pedestrians, No Mobile Phones, No Dogs and No Unauthorised Access.

At The Sign Shed, we supply a wide range of Prohibition Safety Signs for workplaces, factories, warehouses, construction sites, schools, offices, commercial premises and public areas.

Whether you're restricting access to machinery, preventing smoking near hazardous materials or displaying notices at building entrances, choosing the correct message helps make restrictions clear.

What Do Prohibition Signs Mean?

A prohibition sign tells people that a particular action is forbidden.

Recognised prohibition safety signs typically feature a black pictogram on a white background, surrounded by a red circle with a diagonal red bar.

The familiar design helps people recognise restrictions quickly.

Many standard prohibition symbols are defined in BS EN ISO 7010, although not every prohibition-style notice uses a standardised symbol.

No Entry & Restricted Access Signs

No Entry Signs communicate that people must not enter a particular area.

Other access notices include Authorised Personnel Only, Keep Out and No Unauthorised Access.

The most appropriate wording depends on who is permitted to enter and whether the restriction applies to everyone or only certain people.

These signs may be suitable for plant rooms, restricted warehouses, construction areas, service entrances and other controlled locations.

No Smoking & No Naked Flames Signs

No Smoking Signs communicate restrictions on smoking.

No Smoking and No Naked Flames notices may be appropriate where smoking or ignition sources could create a fire or explosion risk.

The correct sign depends on the site rules, the hazard and any applicable legal requirements.

Smoking and vaping are not identical under UK legislation, so choose notices that accurately communicate the restriction.

No Pedestrians & Vehicle Restriction Signs

No Pedestrians Signs communicate that pedestrians must not enter a particular area or route.

They may be used where vehicle movements or machinery create hazards.

Other restrictions may apply to forklifts, HGVs, motorcycles or other vehicles.

Signs should support suitable traffic management and physical separation where necessary.

No Mobile Phones & Restricted Activity Signs

Some workplaces restrict mobile phone use, photography, eating, drinking or other activities.

The appropriate sign should identify the prohibited activity clearly and reflect the site's actual rules.

Avoid displaying unnecessary restrictions that may confuse visitors or staff.

Prohibition Signs for Schools & Public Buildings

Schools, leisure facilities and public buildings may need notices such as No Smoking, No Dogs, No Entry or No Ball Games.

The correct selection depends on the location, applicable policies and legal duties.

Consider accessibility and any necessary exceptions, including those relating to assistance dogs.

Choosing Prohibition Sign Sizes & Materials

Self-adhesive vinyl signs may suit compatible smooth, clean surfaces such as doors and equipment panels.

Rigid plastic signs can be useful for walls, entrances and suitable mounted applications.

Selected signs are also available in other materials, including recycled plastic, Foamex and aluminium composite.

Choose the size according to the viewing distance, mounting position and available space.

Check individual product specifications before ordering.

Where Should Prohibition Signs Be Displayed?

Prohibition Signs should be positioned where people can recognise the restriction before entering an area or carrying out the prohibited activity.

Common locations include:

• Building entrances and doorways.
• Gates and restricted access points.
• Warehouse and factory routes.
• Plant rooms and equipment enclosures.
• Construction site boundaries.
• Relevant smoking-restricted areas.
• Public facilities and shared spaces.

Signs should remain visible and should not be obscured by doors, stored materials or other notices.

Prohibition Signs & UK Safety Regulations

The Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 require suitable safety signs in relevant workplace circumstances where significant risks remain after other necessary control measures have been taken.

BS EN ISO 7010 provides recognised symbols for many prohibition safety signs.

However, displaying a prohibition sign does not automatically establish legal compliance.

Signs should support suitable risk assessments, access controls, training and other necessary precautions.

Buy Prohibition Signs from The Sign Shed

Whether you need a single No Smoking notice, restricted access signs for a workplace or multiple prohibition signs for a construction site, The Sign Shed offers a wide choice of designs, sizes and materials.

Made in Britain, with automatic bulk savings on eligible orders.

Browse our range of Prohibition Signs and choose suitable notices for your premises.