Additional Info

No Smoking – PV1 Prohibitory Safety Sign

PV1 No Smoking is a prohibitory safety sign used to clearly communicate that smoking is not permitted in the identified area.

No Smoking signs are commonly used in workplaces, offices, factories, restaurants, shops, public buildings, entrances, commercial properties and other areas where smoking is prohibited.

A clearly visible PV1 sign helps employees, customers, contractors and visitors understand that smoking is not allowed before they enter or use the area.

What Does the PV1 Safety Sign Mean?

PV1 means No Smoking or Smoking Prohibited. It is a prohibition sign that communicates that people must not smoke in the identified area.

The sign is different from a general warning sign because it communicates a specific prohibited action rather than simply warning about a hazard.

Why Are No Smoking Signs Important?

No Smoking signage provides a clear visual instruction in areas where smoking is prohibited. It is particularly useful where employees, customers or visitors may not otherwise know that smoking is restricted.

Clear signs can support a site's smoking policy and help communicate the requirements to people entering the premises.

The sign should be supported by the site's smoking policy and applicable legal requirements. Signage does not replace the responsibility of the person controlling the premises to manage smoking restrictions.

Where Are PV1 No Smoking Signs Used?

PV1 signs can be used in many workplaces and public environments, including:

• Offices and commercial buildings
• Factories and manufacturing facilities
• Warehouses and industrial premises
• Restaurants and hospitality businesses
• Shopping centres and retail stores
• Hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Schools and educational facilities
• Hotels and accommodation properties
• Public buildings
• Transport and service facilities
• Building entrances and reception areas
• Workplaces and employee areas
• Indoor common areas
• Other designated smoke-free areas

PV1 at Workplace Entrances

Workplace entrances are important locations for No Smoking signs because employees, contractors and visitors should be able to see the smoking restriction when approaching the premises.

PV1 can be displayed at main entrances, staff entrances, reception areas and other suitable access points.

PV1 in Restaurants and Hospitality

Restaurants, hotels, cafés and other hospitality businesses can use PV1 signs to identify areas where smoking is not permitted.

Signs can be positioned at entrances and in other appropriate locations so customers and staff can easily see the smoking restriction.

PV1 in Offices and Commercial Buildings

Office buildings and commercial properties can display PV1 signs at entrances, corridors, reception areas, lifts, common areas and other smoke-free locations.

The sign can help communicate the property's smoking policy to employees, customers, contractors and visitors.

PV1 in Factories and Industrial Facilities

Factories and industrial workplaces may have areas where smoking is prohibited because of workplace policies, fire risks, process requirements or applicable regulations.

PV1 can be displayed at entrances and in clearly identified smoke-free areas.

Where additional fire or hazardous-material risks exist, the appropriate fire and hazard signage should also be used.

PV1 and South African Smoking Regulations

South Africa's Tobacco Products Control Act, 1993, as amended, provides the national framework for restricting smoking in public places. The regulations relating to smoking in public places require the owner or person in control of a public place, or an employer in respect of a workplace, to conspicuously display a "No Smoking" sign at each entrance and in sufficient locations to ensure that employees and the public are aware that smoking is not permitted.

The national regulations specify that the required sign must include a white background and a no-smoking symbol consisting of a burning cigarette inside a red circle with a red bar across it. The specified symbol must be at least 14 cm in diameter and the sign must also carry the prescribed legal warning concerning prosecution and a possible fine.

For a business that needs a legally specified No Smoking notice, the exact wording, symbol, size and placement requirements should therefore be checked against the applicable regulations rather than relying only on a generic "No Smoking" sticker or sign.

PV1 at Building Entrances

A PV1 sign is especially useful at entrances because it communicates the smoking restriction before a person enters the smoke-free area.

Where required by the applicable regulations, the sign should be conspicuous and positioned where it can easily be noticed by people approaching the entrance.

PV1 and Indoor Smoke-Free Areas

PV1 is commonly used to identify indoor areas where smoking is prohibited.

The sign can be installed on doors, walls, entrance points, reception areas and other suitable surfaces, depending on the layout of the premises.

PV1 and Outdoor Areas

A No Smoking requirement may also apply to certain outdoor public places under South African regulations.

The national regulations specifically prohibit smoking in several listed outdoor public places, including certain sports facilities, school premises, health facilities, outdoor eating or drinking areas, covered walkways, covered parking areas, service areas and service lines, subject to the provisions of the regulations.

Where an outdoor area is legally or operationally smoke-free, PV1 signage can help communicate the restriction clearly.

PV1 and Designated Smoking Areas

Some premises may have a separately designated outdoor smoking area where permitted by the applicable rules.

The national regulations require designated outdoor smoking areas to be clearly demarcated and to display a notice stating that the area is a designated smoking area and that persons under 18 may not be present there.

A designated smoking area should therefore not be confused with a general smoke-free area identified by a PV1 sign.

PV1 and Workplace Smoking Policies

Employers can use PV1 signs together with their workplace smoking policy to make smoke-free areas easy to recognise.

The sign may be particularly useful in shared areas where employees, visitors and contractors regularly move through the premises.

PV1 for Visitors and Customers

Visitors and customers may be unfamiliar with the smoking rules of a building or business.

A prominent PV1 sign provides an immediate and easily recognised instruction that smoking is prohibited in the area.

Where Should a PV1 No Smoking Sign Be Placed?

PV1 signs should be positioned where people can see the prohibition before or when entering the smoke-free area.

Suitable locations may include:

• Main entrances
• Staff entrances
• Reception areas
• Doors and access points
• Indoor common areas
• Corridors and shared areas
• Customer-accessible areas
• Other locations where smoking is prohibited

Larger premises may require more than one sign so that the prohibition remains visible from different access points.

PV1 and Fire Safety

Smoking can introduce an ignition source in areas where flammable materials, gases or other fire hazards are present.

Where smoking is prohibited because of a specific fire or explosion risk, PV1 can be displayed together with the appropriate fire or hazardous-area signage.

A No Smoking sign does not replace other fire-prevention measures or hazardous-area controls.

PV1 and Other Prohibited Activities

PV1 communicates a smoking prohibition specifically. It should not be used to communicate unrelated restrictions.

Where other activities are prohibited, the appropriate prohibition sign should be selected for the specific action or hazard.

PV1 and Electronic Cigarettes

A standard PV1 sign communicates a prohibition on smoking. Whether vaping or electronic smoking devices are also prohibited should be clearly communicated by the property's policy or by additional signage where applicable.

Businesses that want to prohibit both smoking and vaping may need a separate or combined notice that clearly states the rule.

PV1 Sign Materials

PV1 No Smoking signs can be produced in materials suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.

• ABS plastic: suitable for many indoor applications.
• Chromadek or coated steel: suitable for many wall, gate and entrance installations.
• Aluminium: useful where a lightweight metal sign is preferred.
• Photoluminescent materials: can be considered where additional visibility is required in low-light conditions and the application is suitable.

The appropriate material depends on the mounting surface, location and environmental exposure.

PV1 Sign Size and Visibility

The appropriate sign size depends on the viewing distance, entrance layout and applicable requirements.

Where the South African public-place smoking regulations apply to the required statutory notice, the regulations specify a no-smoking symbol of at least 14 cm in diameter, together with prescribed warning wording.

Additional or larger signage may be appropriate for large premises or locations where visibility from a greater distance is necessary.

Custom No Smoking Signs

Businesses may require additional wording such as Smoke-Free Premises, No Smoking or Vaping, Smoking Prohibited or site-specific instructions.

Signs4SA can assist with custom PV1 No Smoking signs in different sizes and materials for workplaces, commercial buildings, restaurants, factories, warehouses and public areas.

Where a statutory sign is required, the applicable prescribed wording and symbol should be retained rather than replaced with wording that changes the legal meaning.

PV1 and South African Compliance

The Tobacco Products Control Act 83 of 1993 remains the national legislative framework for restrictions on smoking in public places, together with the applicable regulations.

The proposed Tobacco Products and Electronic Delivery Systems Control Bill was still being considered by Parliament during 2026, including clause-by-clause deliberations in August 2026. It should therefore not be presented as an enacted replacement for the current law on a safety-sign product page.

For a specific workplace, restaurant, commercial property or public facility, the final sign design, wording, size and placement should be checked against the requirements applicable to that premises.

Related Prohibitory and Safety Signs

Depending on the workplace or property, PV1 may be displayed alongside:

• No Open Flames signs
• Fire Hazard warning signs
• Flammable Material warning signs
• No Unauthorised Entry signs
• Emergency and fire safety signage
• Designated Smoking Area notices where applicable

The additional signage should reflect the actual rules and hazards of the area.

Related Safety Sign Resources

For additional workplace and safety signage, visit SafetySigns4SA, Safety Signs for Sale, Sign Shop Online or SignShopper.

Frequently Asked Questions About PV1 No Smoking Signs

What does PV1 mean?

PV1 means No Smoking or Smoking Prohibited.

What is a PV1 No Smoking sign?

It is a prohibitory safety sign used to communicate that smoking is not permitted in the identified area.

Where are PV1 signs commonly used?

They are commonly used in workplaces, offices, factories, restaurants, shops, public buildings, hospitals, schools and other smoke-free areas.

Are No Smoking signs required in South Africa?

The national smoking regulations require a conspicuous No Smoking sign at each entrance and in sufficient locations in the workplaces and public places covered by the regulations.

Where should a No Smoking sign be placed?

It should be clearly visible at entrances and in appropriate locations where employees and the public can see that smoking is prohibited.

What size should a statutory No Smoking sign be?

The applicable national regulations specify a no-smoking symbol of at least 14 cm in diameter and prescribe additional warning wording.

What does the South African No Smoking sign need to say?

The regulations prescribe warning wording stating that a person who fails to comply may be prosecuted and may be liable to a fine.

Can PV1 be used at a restaurant?

Yes. Restaurants and other hospitality businesses can use No Smoking signs to identify smoke-free areas.

Can PV1 be used in a workplace?

Yes. PV1 can be used at workplace entrances and throughout areas where smoking is prohibited.

Can PV1 be used outdoors?

Yes. It can be used in outdoor areas where smoking is prohibited or where a business needs to clearly communicate a smoke-free rule.

Can PV1 be used at factory entrances?

Yes. Factory and industrial entrances are common locations for No Smoking signs, particularly where smoking is restricted by workplace rules or applicable requirements.

Can a business prohibit smoking throughout the entire property?

Yes. The smoking regulations allow the owner or person in control of a public place or an employer to totally prohibit smoking on the premises.

Is a No Smoking sign the same as a fire warning sign?

No. PV1 communicates a smoking prohibition. A fire warning sign communicates a fire-related hazard or instruction.

Does PV1 automatically prohibit vaping?

Not necessarily. Where vaping is also prohibited, the property should communicate that restriction clearly through its applicable policy or additional signage.

Can PV1 be used with a fire hazard sign?

Yes. Where smoking is prohibited because of a fire or ignition hazard, appropriate fire and hazard signage can be displayed together with PV1.

Can PV1 signs be customised?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with suitable sizes, materials and additional wording, subject to any prescribed sign requirements.

Can Signs4SA supply PV1 No Smoking signs?

Yes. Signs4SA can assist with PV1 No Smoking safety signs for workplaces, businesses, restaurants, factories, warehouses and public areas.

Request PV1 No Smoking Safety Signs

Need PV1 No Smoking signs for a workplace, restaurant, office, factory, warehouse, shop or public building?

Signs4SA can assist with PV1 Smoking Prohibited signs in suitable sizes and materials for indoor and outdoor applications.

When requesting a quotation, provide the PV1 sign code, quantity, required size, material and installation location.

Contact Signs4SA to request your PV1 No Smoking safety signs.

Smoking Prohibited signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Smoking Prohibited sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Smoking Prohibited signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment.

More About Smoking Prohibited

Safety signs are an essential part of any workplace or public space. They are used to warn people of potential hazards, provide guidance on safe behavior, and ensure compliance with safety regulations. One type of safety sign is the Smoking Prohibited sign, which is designed to alert people to potential dangers in a particular area. Smoking Prohibited signs come in a variety of styles and formats, including danger signs, warning signs, and caution signs. Danger signs are used to indicate an immediate threat that could cause serious injury or death, such as high voltage areas or hazardous materials. Warning signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause injury, such as slippery floors or falling objects. Caution signs are used to indicate potential hazards that could cause minor injury, such as low ceilings or uneven surfaces. Another type of safety sign is the Smoking Prohibited sign, which is used to provide guidance on safe behavior. These signs can include instructions on how to use equipment or machinery safely, as well as reminders to wear personal protective equipment (PPE) or follow specific safety protocols. Smoking Prohibited signs can also be used to ensure compliance with safety regulations. For example, fire safety signs are required by law in most public buildings and workplaces. These signs indicate the location of fire exits, fire extinguishers, and other fire safety equipment. In addition to these types of safety signs, there are also specialized signs available for specific industries or hazards. For example, construction sites may use signs to indicate the location of underground utilities or to warn of falling debris. Healthcare facilities may use signs to remind employees to wash their hands or to indicate the location of first aid supplies. When selecting safety signs, it is important to choose signs that are appropriate for the specific hazard or situation. Signs should be placed in prominent locations where they are easily visible, and should be made from durable materials that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. By using safety signs effectively, businesses and organizations can help protect their employees, customers, and visitors from harm.

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