Prohibition Symbols: Meanings and Uses

Written by the Technical Team at Caledonia Signs
Last reviewed: July 2026

ISO 7010 Prohibition Safety Sign Symbols: Meanings and Uses

Prohibition safety signs are an essential part of effective workplace safety communication, clearly identifying actions and behaviours that are not permitted in order to help prevent accidents, injuries, and exposure to hazards. Unlike warning or mandatory signs, prohibition signs inform people of activities, actions, or behaviours that must be avoided, such as not smoking, not entering restricted areas, or not using unauthorised equipment. By providing clear visual instructions, they help employees, visitors, contractors, and members of the public understand the restrictions they must follow when entering or working within a particular area.

Prohibition signs are widely used across workplaces, construction sites, factories, warehouses, laboratories, healthcare facilities, schools, offices, and public buildings. Common examples include symbols showing no smoking, no open flames, no unauthorised access, no mobile phones, no photography, no drinking water, no eating or drinking, and restrictions on specific activities that may create safety risks. They are also used to control access, protect sensitive areas, and prevent behaviours that could result in injury, damage, or non-compliance with safety procedures.

Based on the internationally recognised ISO 7010 standard, prohibition safety signs feature a black symbol inside a white circular background with a red border and diagonal line, making them instantly recognisable regardless of language or nationality. Their consistent design helps ensure important safety restrictions can be understood quickly, reducing the likelihood of unsafe actions and supporting safer working practices across a wide range of industries and environments.

This directory provides a comprehensive guide to prohibition safety signs, including their symbols, meanings, and common uses. Whether you are looking to identify a specific prohibition symbol or understand where it should be displayed, this guide explains each sign and the restriction it communicates, helping organisations select the correct signage, control workplace risks, improve safety awareness, and support compliance with relevant health and safety legislation.

The General Prohibition Symbol

Reference Number: P001

The No Smoking Symbol

Reference Number: P002

The No Open Flame Symbol

Reference Number: P003

The No Thoroughfare Symbol

Reference Number: P004

The Not Drinking Water Symbol

Reference Number: P005

The No Access for Forklift Trucks Symbol

Reference Number: P006

The No Access for People with Cardiac Devices Symbol

Reference Number: P007

The No Climbing Symbol

Reference Number: P009

The Do Not Touch Symbol

Reference Number: P010

The No Activated Mobile Phones Symbol

Reference Number: P013

The No Reaching In Symbol

Reference Number: P015

The No Sitting Symbol

Reference Number: P018

The No Stepping on Surface Symbol

Reference Number: P019

The Do Not Use Lift in the Event of Fire Symbol

Reference Number: P020

The No Dogs Symbol

Reference Number: P021

The No Eating or Drinking Symbol

Reference Number: P022

The Do Not Obstruct Symbol

Reference Number: P023

The Do Not Walk or Stand Here Symbol

Reference Number: P024

The Do Not Use Incomplete Scaffolding Symbol

Reference Number: P025

The No Photography Symbol

Reference Number: P029

The No Children Allowed Symbol

Reference Number: P036

The Hot Works Prohibited Symbol

Reference Number: P039

The Not for People in the State of Intoxication Symbol

Reference Number: P043

The No Running Symbol

Reference Number: P048

The No Swimming Symbol

Reference Number: P049

The No Diving Symbol

Reference Number: P052

The No Outdoor Footwear Symbol

Reference Number: P060

The No Jumping Down Symbol

Reference Number: P072

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No Admittance Symbol Safety Signs

The No Admittance sign is primarily used to control access to certain areas where entry could pose a risk to individuals or compromise safety protocols. In environments like construction sites, laboratories, or areas with hazardous materials, limiting access ensures that only trained or authorised personnel enter, reducing the likelihood of accidents or injuries. This restriction helps maintain a ..

No Dogs (Symbol) Safety Signs

Used to clearly indicate that dogs are not allowed in a specific area. This restriction helps maintain hygiene, safety, and comfort for all visitors by preventing potential disturbances, allergies, or hazards related to dogs. These signs are commonly placed in places such as playgrounds, parks, nature reserves, sports fields, outdoor dining areas, or certain public buildings where the presenc..

Not Drinking Water Symbol Safety Signs

Clearly indicate that the water from a specific source is not safe or intended for drinking. This helps prevent accidental consumption of contaminated, untreated, or non-potable water, protecting people from potential health risks such as illness or poisoning. These signs are typically placed near water taps, hoses, industrial pipes, irrigation systems, or any other water source that is unsui..

No Mobile Phones (Symbol) Safety Signs

Clearly communicate that the use of mobile phones is prohibited in a specific area. This restriction is important in places where mobile phone usage can cause distractions, interfere with sensitive equipment, or compromise safety. The symbol ensures the message is quickly understood by everyone, regardless of language or literacy levels. Such signs are commonly found in environments like hosp..

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