There are many different kinds of prohibition signs being used in the UK for a variety of reasons and below we look at what a few of these may be.

1. General – You will see these kinds of signs everywhere and will advise you not to do something. The kinds of signs that fall into this particular category of prohibition signs are the do not touch, no ball games, no dogs except for guide dogs, no cycling or mobile phone use not allowed.

2. Restricted Access – These kinds of prohibition signs are there to inform you that you are not allowed access or access to a particular area is only available to certain people. Signs which are classed as these types are the no entry, no exit ones, no admittance or no access allowed to personnel who are not authorised, pedestrians not allowed and the no climbing variety.

3. Door Plates and Labels – These will either be placed directly on to the doors or beside them. Most often these signs will contain specific information regarding what the door should be used for. In most cases they will have a sign showing that this is a fire or emergency exit to be used in such situations. However, these types of prohibition signs can be used as a way of protecting the doors against wear and tear as well. Not only do these signs provide information relating to fire safety but also about other health and safety matters.

4. Machinery – Prohibition signs will be placed either on or as close to the machinery as is possible. These signs are there not only to protect those operating the machinery but anyone who may come close to or in contact with it. Often the signs are ones that stipulate that the machinery must not be used without use of the right protective equipment, or that guards protecting the user must not be removed or that at no time must the machinery be switched off.

5. No Smoking – These signs have become prominent since 2006 and 2007 when legislation was brought into force that no smoking was allowed in the workplace or in areas where the public congregated. All such signs must be displayed in prominent positions throughout premises. Although there are a few premises which are in fact exempt from this legislation and this includes nursing homes, prisons and bedrooms in hotels which have been classified as being rooms for smokers to stay in.

As well as the kinds of prohibition signs we mention above being used on a daily basis there are plenty of others that you will see and may not realize what they are. For example when you pass a construction site one of the first signs you will see is one that you may not enter without wearing a hard hat. The whole reason for these prohibition signs being in place is to protect us from any potential danger to our lives.