Prohibition Operation Prohibited Sign

Operation Prohibited Sign

Clearly identify machinery or equipment that must not be operated with our Operation Prohibited Sign.

Featuring a recognised prohibition symbol with clear OPERATION PROHIBITED wording, this sign provides an immediate visual instruction that the identified machine, equipment or control must not be used.

Ideal for industrial workplaces, workshops, manufacturing facilities, maintenance areas and other locations where equipment needs to remain out of operation.

Professionally manufactured in New Zealand and available in a range of sizes and durable material options.

Where Is This Sign Used?

Common locations include:

• Machinery and equipment
• Manufacturing plants
• Industrial workplaces
• Workshops
• Processing facilities
• Maintenance areas
• Production lines
• Plant rooms
• Equipment control areas
• Machinery undergoing maintenance or repair

Why Use an Operation Prohibited Sign?

If someone’s not meant to push the button, don’t leave them guessing which button not to push.

Clear signage helps:

• Prevent unauthorised machinery operation
• Identify equipment that must not be used
• Reinforce maintenance and safety procedures
• Warn workers, contractors and visitors
• Reduce the risk of unexpected equipment operation
• Support workplace machinery controls

Related Hazards

Unauthorised or unexpected operation of equipment can expose people to:

• Moving machinery
• Crushing hazards
• Entanglement
• Pinch and nip points
• Electrical hazards
• Unexpected start-up
• Stored energy
• Equipment undergoing servicing or maintenance

Available Materials

Laminated High-Tack Vinyl Sticker
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use, with high-tack adhesive for application to suitable clean, smooth surfaces.

2mm PVC
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use and recommended for long-term outdoor applications.

Corflute
Suitable for indoor use and short-term outdoor applications.

4mm ACM
Suitable for indoor and outdoor use and recommended for long-term exterior installations.

Helps Support Machinery Safety Procedures

Operation Prohibited signage can form part of a workplace’s wider system for controlling access to machinery and preventing equipment from being operated when it is unsafe or unauthorised to do so.

Where applicable, AS/NZS 1319:1994 – Safety Signs for the Occupational Environment provides guidance relating to workplace safety signage.

Important: This sign should not be treated as a substitute for proper machine isolation, lockout/tagout procedures, guarding or other required safety controls.

FAQ

What does an Operation Prohibited Sign mean?

It indicates that the identified machine, equipment or control must not be operated.

Where should an Operation Prohibited Sign be installed?

Position the sign directly on or immediately beside the relevant machine, equipment or controls so there is no confusion about what the restriction applies to.

Can this sign replace lockout or isolation procedures?

No. The sign provides a visual warning but should not replace appropriate isolation, lockout/tagout, guarding or other machinery safety procedures required for the equipment.

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.

WHAT SIZE SAFETY SIGN DO I NEED?