Prohibition Signs Explained
A red circle with a diagonal bar means “do not”. These signs stop risky actions before they happen.
What prohibition signs mean
A white circle with a red border and a red diagonal bar over a black symbol means the action is not allowed. In South African catalogues they are often listed with PV codes under SANS 1186.
No smoking
Offices, stores, fuel and gas areas.
No entry
Restricted rooms, plant and high-risk areas.
No cell phones
Fuel forecourts, labs and sensitive equipment.
Common prohibition signs
| Sign | Typical places |
|---|---|
| No smoking | Buildings, warehouses, near fuel, gas and flammables |
| No naked flames | Fuel stores, paint stores, gas cylinder cages |
| No entry / authorised persons only | Plant rooms, substations, server rooms, stores |
| No pedestrians | Forklift aisles, loading bays, vehicle routes |
| No cell phones | Fuel forecourts, explosive and sensitive areas |
| Do not drink (non-potable water) | Taps with process or recycled water |
| No eating or drinking | Labs, chemical stores, clean rooms |
| Do not use lift in case of fire | Next to every lift door |
Tips for prohibition signs
- Place them at eye level at the entrance to the area
- Pair “No smoking” with a designated smoking area sign so people know where they can go
- Use text panels for rules without a standard symbol
- Use aluminium or Chromadek outdoors, ABS or vinyl indoors
Frequently asked questions
What does a red circle with a line through it mean?
It means the action shown is not allowed, for example no smoking, no entry or no cell phones.
Is a no smoking sign required by law?
South African tobacco control law restricts smoking in enclosed public places and workplaces, and no smoking signs are the usual way to show this. Near flammables, a no smoking or no naked flames sign is also a basic fire safety measure.
What is the difference between “No entry” and “Authorised persons only”?
“No entry” means nobody may go in. “Authorised persons only” means only people with permission may go in, such as electricians at a substation.
Can you print custom prohibition signs?
Yes. If there is no standard symbol for what you need, we can design a sign with the red circle and bar plus clear text.
Order Your Signs Today
Express Print makes SABS-style safety signs on ABS, aluminium, Chromadek, Correx and photoluminescent vinyl, in Rivonia, Johannesburg. Tell us the sign codes and sizes and we will quote you.
