5S is methodology for organizing, cleaning, developing
and sustaining a productive work environment. The methodology originates from a
Japanese housekeeping idea named because of the five Japanese words each
beginning with “S”. They are “SEIRI”, “SEITON”, “SEISO”, “SEIKETSU” and
“SHITSUKE”
Definitions
SEIRI (SORT)
– Segregate what is needed, needed later, and not needed. Discard what is not needed. Segregate needed items by frequency of use. Dispose
the items in red tag area- sold, moved or given away.
SEITON (SET
IN ORDER) - It means that you arrange the needed items so that they are easy to
use and label them so that anyone can find them. Use the “PEEP” principle i.e. Place
for Everything and Everything at its Place to keep things
in order.
SEISO (SHINE
OR SCRUB) - Clean everything like floors, equipments, machines, furniture etc.
SWEPT and CLEAN inside and out to keep those items tidy.
SEIKETSU (STANDARDIZATION)
– Create the ground rules for maintaining and controlling the first 3S’s and usage
of visual controls.
SHITSUKE (SELF
DISCIPLINE) – DO things without being told. Train everyone in workplace to
follow good work habits so that it is a matter of personal pride and self-respect.
All the staff, as well as housekeeping
personnel need to be trained in 5S Housekeeping principles to implement self-discipline.
