Do Not Open Sign

Do Not Open Sign is used to clearly identify doors, hatches, access panels, valves and equipment that must not be opened under normal operating conditions.

This sign is commonly installed in factories, warehouses, manufacturing plants, workshops, commercial buildings and industrial facilities where unauthorised opening could create safety risks, equipment damage or operational disruption.

Displaying a Prohibition Do Not Open Sign helps prevent accidental access, supports workplace safety procedures and provides a clear visual instruction that opening the identified item is prohibited.

Suitable for workplaces, industrial sites and public facilities throughout New Zealand, this sign provides an immediate and easily recognised prohibition message.

Where Should a Do Not Open Sign Be Used?

Common locations include:

• Restricted access doors
• Machinery enclosures
• Electrical cabinets
• Service hatches
• Plant rooms
• Maintenance access panels
• Industrial equipment
• Control rooms
• Utility cupboards
• Mechanical plant areas
• Hazardous work zones
• Security-sensitive areas

By clearly identifying doors and equipment that must remain closed, this sign helps improve workplace safety and prevent unauthorised access.

Why Use a Do Not Open Sign?

Benefits include:

• Helps prevent unauthorised access
• Reduces risk of equipment damage
• Supports workplace safety procedures
• Provides clear visual instructions
• Improves hazard awareness
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor use
• Supports compliance with workplace safety requirements

FAQ

Where should a Do Not Open Sign be installed?

Do Not Open Signs should be installed on doors, hatches, access panels, machinery enclosures and equipment where opening could create a safety hazard or operational issue.

Why is a Do Not Open Sign important?

The sign provides a clear visual warning that access is restricted and helps prevent accidental or unauthorised opening of equipment, doors or service panels.

Is this sign suitable for outdoor use?

Yes. The sign is suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications when manufactured using appropriate materials.

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.

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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