WHAT ARE PROHIBITORY SIGNS
Prohibitory signs are safety signs used to indicate actions or behaviours that are not allowed. Their purpose is to prevent unsafe activities, reduce risk, and protect people, equipment, and property.
These signs form part of the standard SABS-approved safety signage system used across workplaces and public environments in South Africa.
WHEN PROHIBITORY SIGNS ARE USED
Prohibitory signs are used wherever certain actions must be prevented to maintain safety or control access.
- Where unauthorised entry is not permitted
- In areas where smoking, open flames, or ignition sources are prohibited
- Near machinery or processes where unsafe actions could cause injury
- Where pedestrian or vehicle access must be restricted
Prohibitory signs help enforce rules but do not replace supervision, training, or physical barriers.
COMMON ENVIRONMENTS
- Factories and workshops
- Construction sites
- Warehouses and logistics centres
- Electrical rooms and plant areas
- Chemical storage and processing facilities
- Public buildings and controlled access zones
Prohibitory signs are most effective when placed at decision points, such as entrances, access routes, or before restricted areas are reached.
COLOUR, SHAPE, AND SYMBOL MEANING
- White background, provides clear contrast for visibility
- Red circular border and diagonal slash, universally indicates prohibition
- Black symbol, clearly identifies the prohibited action
These visual elements ensure prohibitory signs are recognised quickly and understood without the need for detailed text.
COMMON TYPES OF PROHIBITORY SIGNS
- No Smoking
- No Entry
- No Open Flames
- No Pedestrian Access
- No Mobile Phones
- No Unauthorized Access
The specific prohibitory signs required depend on site rules, risk assessments, and operational controls.
Ready to buy, browse the full range of Prohibitory Signs.
MATERIALS AND FORMATS
Prohibitory signs on our website are supplied in durable, rigid formats suitable for long-term use.
- ABS plastic, suitable for indoor environments such as offices, corridors, and workshops
- Chromadek steel, suitable for outdoor use or industrial environments where additional durability is required
All signs sold on the website are supplied in ABS plastic or Chromadek steel. Other materials may be available on request by contacting us.
WHICH MATERIAL SHOULD I CHOOSE?
- Best for indoor use
- Ideal for controlled environments
- Suitable for offices, workshops, and indoor facilities
- Best for outdoor use
- Suitable for industrial and high-traffic areas
- Better for weather exposure and long-term durability
If you are unsure which material is most appropriate for your application, our team can assist with selecting a suitable option.
STANDARD SIZES AVAILABLE
Prohibitory signs displayed on the website are available in the following standard sizes:
- 190 × 190 mm
- 290 × 290 mm
While other SABS-approved sizes are available, signs listed on the website are supplied in these standard sizes. Additional sizes can be supplied on request by contacting us.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT PROHIBITORY SIGN
- Identify the actions or behaviours that must be prevented
- Place signs at entrances or before restricted areas
- Ensure signs are clearly visible and unobstructed
- Match the sign size to viewing distance and installation height
- Select a material suited to the environment
- Keep signage consistent with other safety signs on site
- Review signage regularly as site rules or conditions change
RELATED SIGN CATEGORIES
Educational guides
Shop products
VIEW PROHIBITORY SIGNS
Browse our full range of SABS-approved prohibitory signs suitable for indoor and industrial environments.