“Learn what prohibition signs are, their types, symbols, and safety rules. A complete guide for improving workplace hazard communication and legal compliance.”
What is a Prohibition Sign?
A Prohibition Sign is a type of safety sign that indicates a specific action is not allowed. These signs are used to prevent dangerous behaviors and help maintain a safe working environment.
🧠 Key Features of Prohibition Signs
- Shape: Circle
- Border: Red with a diagonal slash
- Symbol: Black pictogram
- Background: White
- Message: Optional text can be added below or inside the sign
📌 When to Use Prohibition Signs
- To control unsafe behaviors
- To support legal compliance with safety laws
- To reduce the likelihood of accidents and incidents
- As a part of risk control measures in NEBOSH IG2 assessments
🚫 Prohibition Sign List
These signs indicate actions that are not allowed. They usually have a red circular border with a diagonal slash over a black symbol on a white background.
| Prohibition Sign | Meaning / Purpose | Example Location |
|---|---|---|
| No Smoking | Prevent fire and exposure to fumes | Fuel stations, chemical stores |
| No Entry | Unauthorized persons not allowed | Construction sites, restricted zones |
| No Mobile Phones | Avoid interference or distractions | Hospitals, workshops, explosive areas |
| No Open Flames | Fire/explosion risk | Flammable storage areas |
| No Eating or Drinking | Hygiene control or contamination risk | Laboratories, food production lines |
| Do Not Touch | Equipment or area may cause harm | Electrical panels, rotating machinery |
| Do Not Use This Lift | Lift is out of service or unsafe | Near faulty elevators |
| No Photography | Privacy or security restrictions | Military zones, sensitive areas |
| No Access for Pedestrians | Unsafe path or moving vehicle route | Forklift zones, dock loading areas |
| Do Not Enter Without PPE | PPE must be worn; entry without is forbidden | Hazardous work zones |
| No Forklifts Allowed | Area restricted for pedestrian-only use | Offices, retail areas |
| No Climbing | Climbing on equipment/structure prohibited | Cranes, scaffolding |
| Do Not Operate | Machine tagged out for maintenance | Lockout/tagout zones |
| No Unauthorised Personnel | Restricted to trained/authorized persons | Server rooms, confined spaces |
| No Running | Slip, trip, or collision risk | Wet floor areas, factories |