General Prohibition signs
Help protect staff and visitors with our General Prohibition Signs—clear, compliant visuals to enforce restricted behaviours across your premises. Covering everyday needs from ‘No parking’ and ‘No running’ to ‘No flash photography’ and ‘Not drinking water’, each sign features the standard red-circle slash symbol and bold pictograms. Durable, HSE-compliant and easy to install—available in a range of formats to suit indoor or outdoor use.
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Get quick solutions to your common prohibition sign concerns and questions
What are prohibition signs, and why are they important?
Prohibition signs are safety signs used to indicate actions that are not allowed, such as "No Smoking" or "No Entry." They play a crucial role in preventing accidents, ensuring compliance with health and safety laws, and promoting a safer working environment. These signs are legally required in many workplaces under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, which implement the European Directive 92/58/EEC on safety signs.
Where should prohibition signs be displayed?
Prohibition signs should be displayed in locations where a specific action could pose a risk to health, safety, or security. Common areas include:
- Workplaces: To prohibit hazardous activities, such as "No Smoking" near flammable materials.
- Construction Sites: To restrict access to dangerous areas with signs like "No Unauthorised Persons Beyond This Point."
- Warehouses & Factories: To prevent unsafe practices, such as "No Forklifts Beyond This Point."
- Public Spaces: To enforce rules, such as "No Dogs Allowed" in parks or "No Cycling" in pedestrian zones.
- Schools & Educational Facilities: To prevent unauthorised access to restricted areas.
How do prohibition signs help prevent accidents?
By clearly communicating restrictions, prohibition signs help prevent incidents such as:
- Fire Hazards: "No Smoking" signs reduce the risk of ignition in flammable environments.
- Slips, Trips, and Falls: "No Entry" or "Authorised Personnel Only" signs help prevent people from entering hazardous areas.
- Workplace Injuries: "Do Not Operate Machinery Without Authorisation" reduces risks in industrial settings.
- Road & Traffic Safety: "No Entry" and "No Parking" signs regulate traffic to prevent accidents.
Are prohibition signs legally required in the UK?
Yes, under the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996, employers must provide safety signs where there is a significant risk that cannot be avoided or controlled by other means. This includes prohibition signs to indicate actions that could cause danger. The HSE (Health and Safety Executive) advises that these signs must be:
- Red and white in colour, with a clear pictogram (e.g., a cigarette with a red line through it for "No Smoking").
- Easily visible and placed where they are most needed.
- Used alongside other safety measures, such as training and protective equipment.
What are the key design features of prohibition signs?
Prohibition signs follow strict design standards to ensure they are easily recognisable:
- Red circle with a diagonal line: Universal symbol for prohibition.
- White background: Ensures high visibility.
- Black pictogram: Clearly illustrates the restricted action.
- Durable materials: Suitable for indoor and outdoor environments, including rigid plastic, aluminium, and vinyl stickers.
How do I choose the right prohibition sign for my workplace?
To select the right sign, consider:
- The specific hazard: Identify the prohibited action (e.g., smoking, entry, machinery use).
- Location & Visibility: Ensure the sign is positioned where it will be clearly seen.
- Compliance Needs: Check UK legislation and industry regulations for mandatory signage.
- Material & Durability: Choose weatherproof materials for outdoor signs or self-adhesive vinyl for indoor use.