Prohibition Safety Signs
Keep your staff and visitors informed of the potential risks on your premises with our extensive range of prohibition safety signs, designed to improve the safety of your workplace. Prohibition safety signs actively discourage behaviour that poses a risk to the health and safety of those in the workplace.
All our health and safety signs are fully compliant with current UK legislation and best practice guidelines, including the internationally recognised ISO 7010 standard. Clear health and safety signs in the workplace are essential to communicate vital safety messages, warn staff of potential dangers, and raise safety awareness.
We have 1000s of prohibition safety signs available from stock with next-day delivery that can support a vast range of businesses and organisations to meet their legal obligations and keep their premises safe, productive and looking their best.
Call us today on 0800 043 0161 or email us at sales@safetybuyer.com to discuss your requirements for prohibition signs. Construction businesses can keep their staff informed and safe with our comprehensive range of prohibition sign products.
Key characteristics of prohibition signs
Prohibition signs will possess certain characteristics:
- Shape: circular pictogram
- Colour: red border with a white background and black symbol indicating the prohibited action
- Message: directly states that an action is forbidden (e.g., no smoking, no entry)
Common examples of prohibition safety signs
Prohibition signs can be found in the following categories:
- No Smoking – a cigarette with a red line through it, indicating that smoking is not allowed.
- No Entry – a red circle with a held out hand depicting "No Entry," meaning unauthorised persons are not allowed to enter.
- Do Not Touch – a hand symbol with a line through it, meaning that touching certain equipment or objects is forbidden.
- No Naked Lights – a flame symbol with a line through it, meaning open flames are prohibited in that area (commonly used in flammable or explosive environments).
- No Access for Unauthorised Persons – often used in workplaces where only certain staff or personnel are allowed beyond a point.
- Do Not Operate – indicates that certain machinery or equipment should not be used, often when it’s under maintenance or faulty.
- No Mobile Phones – indicates that the use of mobile phones is prohibited in specific areas, such as hospitals, fuel stations, or hazardous locations.
Prohibition safety signs and UK workplace regulations
Prohibition signs in the workplace play an important role, particularly in relation to the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and employer responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974. Here's why they are important:
Legal Compliance with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996:
These regulations require employers to provide clear safety signs wherever hazards or dangerous situations cannot be avoided or reduced through other means (such as engineering controls or safe systems of work). Prohibition signs are one of the key types of safety signs outlined in these regulations and are used to indicate actions that must not be taken, for the safety of all workers.
- Mandate: employers must display prohibition signs in areas where specific actions could lead to safety risks, helping to prevent accidents and injuries.
- Standardisation: prohibition signs are standardised, using symbols that are universally recognised, making them easily understandable regardless of language barriers.
Fulfilling employer responsibilities under the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974:
This Act places a duty on employers to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of employees and others affected by their activities. Prohibition signs help employers fulfil this duty by:
- Preventing risky behaviour: by clearly marking actions that are not allowed (e.g., "No Smoking" in flammable areas or "No Entry" for unauthorised personnel), employers can actively reduce the likelihood of dangerous activities occurring.
- Supporting a safe work environment: these signs contribute to maintaining a safe working environment by reminding employees and visitors of safety rules, preventing accidents, and protecting health.
- Communication tool: prohibition signs act as an effective communication tool, especially in areas with potential hazards. They ensure that anyone entering the space is immediately aware of what not to do, reducing the chances of unintentional unsafe actions.
Reducing liability and ensuring due diligence
By clearly posting prohibition signs, employers demonstrate that they are taking proactive measures to ensure workplace safety. This can help reduce liability in the event of an accident, as they can show they have complied with legal requirements to inform and protect employees.
Risk mitigation in high-hazard industries
In sectors such as construction, manufacturing and chemical handling, the potential for accidents is higher. Prohibition signs are especially important in these environments, where specific actions (like entering restricted areas or using certain equipment) could lead to serious injuries or fatalities. Proper use of these signs helps mitigate these risks by ensuring clear guidance is provided to workers.
In summary, prohibition signs are essential for ensuring legal compliance, promoting a safe work environment, reducing risks, and fulfilling employer responsibilities under both the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996 and the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974.
For more information on any aspect of our safety sign solutions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch today. Call us on 0800 043 0161 or email sales@safetybuyer.com.
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