Switch rooms, plant rooms, stockrooms, labs, sheds and work zones all have one thing in common: not everyone should walk in. A clear restricted area or authorised personnel only sign stops visitors, customers and untrained staff before they reach a hazard. This guide covers the main types and where each one fits.
1. Authorised personnel only
The most common wording for doors and areas that only trained or approved people should enter.
- Authorised personnel only
- Authorised personnel only (series 2)
- Authorised personnel only (silver and black door plate)
- Keep out, authorised personnel only
- Danger, no access, authorised personnel only
2. Restricted area
- Danger, restricted area
- Keep out, restricted area
- Warning, restricted area, authorised access only past this point
- Restricted area, no admittance without authorisation
- Restricted area with your own text
3. No admittance and no unauthorised access
- Danger, no admittance
- No unauthorised access
- No unauthorised vehicles beyond this point
- No pedestrian access
- Stop, entry by appointment only
4. Staff only
Friendlier wording for shops, cafés, offices and venues.
See our retail shop signs and café signs guides for more.
5. Electrical and high voltage areas
- Switch room, authorised personnel only
- Danger, electrical hazard, authorised personnel only
- Restricted area, high voltage, do not enter
- Danger, high voltage, keep out
See our electrical room and switchboard signs guide.
6. Construction and work zones
- Construction site, keep out
- Danger, keep out, formworkers only
- Danger, open trench, keep out
- Danger, demolition in progress, keep out
- QLD danger, concrete pumping area, authorised persons only
- QLD silica dust exclusion zone
7. Farms and rural sites
- Shearing shed, authorised persons only
- Machinery shed, keep out
- Livestock loading ramp, authorised persons only
- Danger, shooting in progress, pest control, keep out
- Private land, no entry without owner's permission
8. Security
Pair with CCTV signs. See our CCTV signs guide and private property and no trespassing guide.
Which wording should I choose?
- Authorised personnel only suits doors to rooms with equipment or hazards, where the rule is about training or permission.
- Restricted area suits zones and boundaries rather than single doors.
- Staff only suits customer-facing businesses where the area isn't hazardous, just private.
- Use a Danger header where the hazard could seriously injure someone, such as high voltage or deep excavation.
Frequently asked questions
Can I add my own wording?
Yes. Try Restricted area with your own text or our custom signs.
Is there a bulk discount?
Yes. Order 25 or more of the same sign variant for 5% off, 50 or more for 10% off and 150 or more for 15% off. Shipping is free on orders over $500.
Will my signs arrive before Christmas?
Every sign is made to order. Order by Wednesday 16 December (NSW, VIC, QLD, SA) or Wednesday 9 December (WA, NT) for delivery before Christmas. Every sign is 30% off until 31 December.
Looking for something else? Browse every guide in our Sign Guide Library.