Do Not Operate Sign

The Do Not Operate Sign is used to clearly identify machinery, equipment and plant that must not be operated. It provides an immediate visual instruction that operation is prohibited until authorised personnel have completed inspection, maintenance, repairs or safety procedures.

This sign is commonly installed on machinery, production equipment, electrical systems, conveyors, processing equipment and industrial plant where accidental operation could create a serious safety risk.

Displaying a Do Not Operate Sign helps prevent equipment being started unexpectedly, supports lockout and isolation procedures, and improves workplace safety by clearly communicating that machinery must remain out of service.

Suitable for factories, workshops, processing facilities and industrial workplaces throughout New Zealand, this sign provides a clear prohibition message that is recognised at a glance.

Where Should a Do Not Operate Sign Be Used?

Common locations include:

• Manufacturing plants
• Industrial machinery
• Conveyor systems
• Production equipment
• Processing facilities
• Electrical switchboards
• Maintenance areas
• Engineering workshops
• Packaging equipment
• Factory production lines
• Plant rooms
• Equipment undergoing repair

By clearly identifying machinery that must not be operated, this sign helps reduce workplace accidents and equipment damage.

Why Use a Do Not Operate Sign?

Benefits include:

• Helps prevent accidental machinery start-up
• Supports lockout and isolation procedures
• Improves workplace safety
• Reduces equipment damage risks
• Provides clear visual instructions
• Assists with hazard management
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

FAQ

When should a Do Not Operate Sign be used?

A Do Not Operate Sign should be displayed whenever machinery, equipment or plant has been isolated, is undergoing maintenance, has a fault, or must not be used for safety reasons.

Where should this sign be installed?

Install the sign directly on machinery, equipment controls, switchboards, lockout points or maintenance access areas where it is clearly visible before operation.

Does this sign replace lockout procedures?

No. The sign should be used alongside workplace lockout and isolation procedures as an additional visual warning.

What materials are available?

Available as:

• Laminated vinyl sticker
• ACM composite panel
• Other standard Hazard Signs NZ materials

Looking for additional access control signage? View our range of No Entry Signs, Restricted Area Signs and Prohibition Signs for workplaces throughout New Zealand.

Not sure if this is the right sign for your workplace or facility? Read our guide “Prohibition Signs in the Workplace: What They Mean and Why They Matter” to learn about prohibition symbols, compliance requirements and when different prohibition signs should be used.

Not sure if you’ve got all the safety signage you need?
Download our Free Safety Signage Checklist to make sure your workplace complies with New Zealand safety standards — it’s a quick and easy way to identify missing signs and stay compliant for further information check out 5 Workplace Signs Every Office Needs (And Why They Matter).

For further information go to the Worksafe website https://www.worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/hazardous-substances/managing/hazardous-substances-signs/

NZS/AS 1319:1994 advocates simplicity and clarity in safety signage. To be effective, they should be easy to read and interpret at a glance.

The Standard is about the use of legible text and appropriate, simple symbols.

By simplifying the message, it reduces the risk of misinterpretation, which increases the chances of the sign’s warning or instruction being followed.

Enhancing the signs visibility through placement and colour

Placement and visibility will play a crucial role in the efficiency of safety signs.

The standard states that signs must be positioned near the hazard they are warning about, which ensures that the safety message is relevant. Also it advocates the use of contrasting colours for the background and lettering. This attention to the colour scheme will increase visibility and readability from a reasonable distance, which ensures the message is accessible.

The mission of Hazard Signs NZ is to provide quality-made safety signs to all of New Zealand and Australia. Our great prices and convenient online ordering platform make us a preferred supplier to many NZ businesses. All our signs are designed and manufactured in Invercargill to meet the workplace health and safety needs of all businesses and industries in New Zealand.

Please note: We make some safety signs to order and therefore it may take 5 to 10 business days to receive. If you require your order urgently, please don’t hesitate to contact us to confirm an estimated delivery date prior to placing your order.

If you are not sure about what sign you need for your business, just contact us at +6432183350 or email us and we will make it ready for you.

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