Do Not Operate Unless Guards Sign

The Do Not Operate Unless Guards Sign is used to clearly instruct workers that machinery or equipment must not be operated unless all safety guards are correctly fitted and secured.

This sign is commonly installed on manufacturing equipment, conveyors, processing machinery, woodworking equipment, engineering machinery and industrial plant where guards are essential for protecting operators from moving parts and other workplace hazards.

Displaying a Do Not Operate Unless Guards Sign helps reduce the risk of entanglement, crushing injuries and contact with moving machinery. It reinforces workplace safety procedures and reminds operators that equipment must never be used with safety guards removed.

Suitable for factories, workshops, processing facilities and industrial workplaces throughout New Zealand, this sign provides a highly visible prohibition message that promotes safe machinery operation.

Our Do Not Operate Unless Guards Sign is available as a laminated self-adhesive vinyl sticker, Corflute sign, rigid PVC sign or durable ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) panel, making it suitable for temporary or permanent installations both indoors and outdoors.

Where Should a Do Not Operate Unless Guards Sign Be Used?

Common locations include:

• Manufacturing plants
• Conveyor systems
• Production machinery
• Engineering workshops
• Woodworking machinery
• Metalworking equipment
• Packaging machines
• Processing plants
• Factory production lines
• Industrial equipment
• Maintenance workshops
• Machine guarding areas

By clearly reminding operators that machinery must only be used with guards fitted, this sign helps improve workplace safety and reduce serious injuries.

Why Use a Do Not Operate Unless Guards Are In Place Sign?

Benefits include:

• Helps prevent contact with moving machinery
• Supports machine guarding requirements
• Reinforces safe operating procedures
• Reduces entanglement and crushing risks
• Improves workplace safety awareness
• Provides clear visual instructions
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use

FAQ

Why are machine guards important?

Machine guards help protect workers from moving parts, rotating equipment, pinch points and other hazards that can cause serious injury.

Where should this sign be installed?

Install the sign directly on machinery, equipment controls or near operator stations where it can be clearly seen before the machine is started.

Does this sign replace machine guarding?

No. The sign reinforces safe operating procedures but should always be used alongside correctly installed machine guards and workplace safety procedures.

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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