5S is a systematic approach to good housekeeping, based on the original Toyota system.

The 5 S's are:

• Sort
• Set in Order 
• Shine & Clean 
• Standardisation 
• Sustain 

1. Sort

• go through everything 
• throw away rubbish 
• archive old stuff you may need 
• decide what you need in that area on a daily and weekly basis 
• everything else must be removed

2. Set in order

• take the items you need in that area on a daily or weekly basis and find the best homes for them 
• label, mark locations, colour code – make it clear to anyone entering the area what should be where 

3. Shime and clean

• as you are setting a location for each item, give it a wipe and check it is in good working order 
• any broken item needs to be fixed 
• thoroughly clean the work area 

4. Standardisation

• the new arrangement and level of cleanliness is the new standard for each area 
• take photos and display in the area 
• talk about the 5S activities in toolbox talks and meetings 
• share ideas across the organisation

5. Sustain

• if the first 4 S’s have been done well, sustaining order becomes simpler 
• ensure that it is clear where everything goes 
• ensure that everyone working in an area knows where to return things 
• use simple audits 
• note areas for improvement 

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