Share

5S is a Lean method intended to implement order in the workplace. The goal of 5S is to improve efficiency by eliminating various wastes, including the waste of motion and time spent looking for tools, materials or information. 

What Is the Goal of 5S?

5S is a Lean method intended to implement order in the workplace.

  • The goal of 5S is to improve efficiency by eliminating various wastes, including the waste of motion and time spent looking for tools, materials or information.
  • Other benefits include improved safety and morale due to a more effective work environment.

What Is the 5S Process?

  • SORT
    Purge and organize work area.

  • SET IN ORDER
    Understand where items belong to be easily accessible when needed.

  • SHINE
    Clean work area to be free of dirt and clutter.

  • STANDARDIZE
    Document and enforce/reward successful 5S behaviors.

  • SUSTAIN
    Continuously audit and improve process.

Follow every step with Safety!

Download AccuformNMC's recent 5S Visual Solutions Catalog to browse an array of products to help you implement 5S in your workplace.

Why Use 5S?

  • Remove waste from the workplace.

  • Provide an environment where continuous improvement is encouraged and embraced.

  • Create a culture of discipline.

  • Improve safety.

  • Improve quality.

The 8 Lean Manufacturing Wastes — 5S Addresses Downtime

     Defects
     Over-production
     Waiting
     Non-utilized people
     Transportation
     Inventory in excess
     Motion
     Extra processing

1) SORT — Decide What Is Needed

Definition

  • To sort necessary and unnecessary items.
  • ​​​Store items:
    – Often-used items remain in the work area.
    – Infrequently used items move away from the work area.
    – Not needed items are disposed of.

Why?

  • Remove waste.
  • Create a safer work area.
  • Increase space.
  • Visualize the process easier.

Things to Remember

  • Start in one area, then sort through everything.
  • Discuss use of items with all persons involved.
  • Use appropriate decontamination, environmental and safety procedures.
  • Items that cannot be removed immediately should be tagged for later removal to a red tag holding area.
  • If necessary, use movers and riggers.

What Is a Red Tag Holding Area?

  • A designated, central storage location for all workplace 5S activity. It holds rarely used items that are managed and sorted by an assigned employee.

How to Use the Red Tag Method: 

  • Place items with red tags from sorted areas into the Red Tag holding area.
  • Keep items highly visible.
  • Clearly label items.
  • Assign a Red Tag Manager.
  • Document rules for:
    – Placing items in Red Tag area
    – Removal of items
    – Disposition of items

2) SET IN ORDER — Arranging Necessary Items

Definition

  • To arrange all necessary items in a designated place that is easily visible and accessible.

Why?

  • Visually show what is required or is out of place.
  • Efficiently find items and documents (silhouettes/labels).
  • ​Save time by not having to search for items.
  • Travel shorter distances.

Things to Remember

  • Things used together should be kept together.
  • Use labels, tape, floor markings, signs, and shadow outlines.
  • ​Shareable items are kept at a central location (eliminates excess).

A place for everything and everything in its place.

3) SHINE — Cleaning the Workplace

Definition

  • To clean everything and develop the process to make keeping it clean a part of your everyday work.

Why?

  • A clean workplace indicates a quality product and process.
  • Dust and dirt cause product contamination and potential health hazards.
  • ​A clean workplace helps identify abnormal conditions.

Things to Remember

  • “Everything in its place” frees up time for cleaning.
  • Use an office or facility layout as a visual aid to identify individual responsibilities for cleaning. This eliminates "no man’s land."
  • ​Cleaning the work area removes the "grime" of the day to start fresh for success tomorrow.

4) STANDARDIZE — Creating Consistency

Definition

  • To set expectations and processes to make 5S the everyday standard for your workplace.

Why?

  • Maintain the workplace at a level that uncovers problems and makes them obvious.
  • Sustain sorting, storage and shining activities every day.
  • Continuously improve your office or facility by continuous assessment and action.

Things to Remember

  • Always keep the workplace neat enough for visual identifiers to be effective in uncovering hidden problems.
  • Develop a system that enables everyone in the workplace to see problems when they occur.

5) SUSTAIN — Maintaining the 5S

Definition

  • To maintain and encourage the implemented 5S procedures on a daily basis through regular checks and recognition programs.

Why?

  • Build 5S into our everyday process.
  • Allow the 5S process time to flourish.
  • Create opportunities for workplace and production improvement.

Things to Remember

  • Develop schedules and checklists.
  • Good habits are hard to establish.
  • ​Commitment and discipline toward housekeeping are essential first steps toward being world class.

5S Cheat Sheet

Talk to Us!

Thank you for good data sharing

71  

Well Explained and Resourceful Piece.

Hope to have updates from you guys.

182  

Thank you for commenting, Lamin, and thank you for visiting Better MRO!

192  

I love it. Thanks for this helpful information

50  

Superb ..Excellent  explained 

47  

Each S has be covered perfectly to the point.

60  

Thanks for this helpful information & Each S has be covered perfectly to the 5s improvement workplace area 

3  

Leave a reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

In business for over 80 years AccuformNMC is the leading manufacturer of American made safety communication products—including over 16,000 safety signs, tags, and labels. Our commitment is to support every safety ID need, with the best product, service and custom solutions in the industry. We offer the toughest signs and labels in the market, and guarantee them for life. Protected with Sign Muscle®, a clear liquid over-laminate strong enough to protect against fading under direct sunlight, it allows easy graffiti removal, resists chemical corrosion and is applied for free.

Browse Products from AccuformNMC

More on Training

Forklifts and other powered industrial trucks (PITs) help workers accomplish many tasks in manufacturing, but they also pose a risk of serious accidents. Follow these training requirements to keep your people safe.

Learn how technology can aid worker safety in your organization.

What are the challenges to meeting OSHA standards during the COVID-19 pandemic? MSA Safety offers virtual trainng sessions to help meet these requirements.

MSC

Signing into Better MRO is easy. Use your MSCdirect.com username / password, or register to create an account. We’ll bring you back here as soon as you’re done.

Redirecting you in 5 seconds