5S Activity Descriptions for Workplace Organization

Use these 5S activity descriptions to evaluate how materials, tools, documents, equipment and work areas are organized and maintained. The checklist covers the five stages of 5S: Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain.

Facility teams, supervisors and employees can use these examples during workplace reviews, improvement projects and 5S audits.

1. Sort Activity Descriptions

The Sort stage focuses on identifying what is necessary and removing items that are not required for current work activities.

1. Only required spare parts, materials and work in progress are present at the workstation. Items not needed for the current product or process are removed from the work area.
2. Only required tools are kept at the workstation. Unnecessary, damaged or unused tools are removed or relocated.
3. Only required paperwork is present. Outdated or unnecessary posters, memos, announcements, reports and other documents are removed.
4. Only required equipment is kept in the work area. Obsolete, broken or unnecessary equipment, shelves, lockers and workbenches are removed or relocated.
5. Only required furniture is present. Broken, unused or unnecessary chairs, shelves, lockers and workbenches are removed from the workplace.

2. Set in Order Activity Descriptions

Set in Order assigns a clear, visible location to every item that remains after sorting.

1. Locations for containers, boxes, bins, work in progress and materials are clearly defined with floor markings and labeled with relevant information, such as part numbers or quantities.
2. Tools have designated storage locations within practical reach of the operator. Each location is labeled so missing tools can be identified quickly.
3. Paperwork has a clearly defined and labeled location that is visible to operators and kept away from active work surfaces when appropriate.
4. Equipment is identified by name, number or color code and placed in a designated location. Critical maintenance points are clearly marked.
5. Furniture is clearly identified and placed in its assigned location.

3. Shine Activity Descriptions

The Shine stage focuses on cleaning the workplace and keeping tools, equipment and work surfaces in usable condition.

1. Containers, boxes and bins are clean, neatly stacked and free from cracks, tears or other visible damage.
2. Tools are clean, in working condition and stored in a way that helps protect them from dirt or damage.
3. Paperwork is clean, legible, protected from dirt and free from unnecessary tears or damage.
4. Machines, workbenches, dies, electrical boxes and other work surfaces are clean and properly maintained.
5. Floors are free from dirt, debris, oil, loose parts, hardware, empty boxes and packaging materials. Required drains remain accessible and unclogged.
6. Walls, partitions, railings and similar surfaces are clean and maintained.
7. A cleaning schedule identifies the timing, frequency and responsibility for cleaning windows, corners, walls, doors, cabinet tops and other workplace areas.
8. Cleaning supplies and equipment are stored neatly and are available when needed.

4. Standardize Activity Descriptions

Standardize creates consistent procedures for maintaining the organization and cleanliness established during the first three stages.

1. Tools, equipment, paperwork and furniture are stored in designated areas and returned to the correct location immediately after use.
2. Documents are clearly labeled by content and revision responsibility. Revision numbers and dates are visible when applicable.
3. Equipment maintenance records show when maintenance was last completed and when the next service is scheduled.
4. Production waste, including shavings, containers, liquids and wrappers, is removed regularly from the workplace.
5. Preventive systems are in place to stop waste and unnecessary materials from accumulating in the work area.
6. Results from the previous 5S audit are posted or made visible to the appropriate team.
7. Improvement items identified during the previous audit have been assigned, tracked and completed.

5. Sustain Activity Descriptions

Sustain turns 5S activities into ongoing workplace habits supported by employees, supervisors and management.

1. A member of management has participated in a 5S audit or related activity within the previous three audit periods.
2. Teams and employees are recognized for participating in 5S activities and workplace improvements.
3. Time and resources are assigned to 5S activities, such as scheduled cleanup periods or a designated 5S team leader.
4. Operators, team leaders and supervisors are assigned recurring 5S activities to complete at least once each week.
5. The team takes initiative to make workplace improvements beyond the items identified during the previous 5S audit.

Support Your 5S Workplace System

Clear floor markings can help identify storage locations, work zones, equipment areas and designated pathways within a 5S workplace.

Explore 5S and 6S floor markings or contact Floor Tape Store contact Floor Tape Store for product and ordering assistance.