How to use 5S
June 22nd, 2010
5S is a system inspired using Japanese tradition. It owes its name to 5 Japanese words that start with “S”: seiri (elimination), seiton (organization), seiso (cleanliness), seiketsu (order), and shitsuke (sustainability). This method has been adopted by many industries and many organizations. There are 3 basic principles that identify this philosophy. One is elimination. In every organization there are both useful and useless items. Those items which are essential must be separated from those which are useless. Only necessary objects are needed and everything should be classified. To embrace this system, it is necessary to take away all those useless things. They can be sold, donated, or simply recycled. But one thing is for sure: such items should not be in the workplace.
Organization is the second ruling principle. Everything must be in order and located in the right place so that it can be easily found when needed. Hence, it is a common practice to label items alphabetically or numerically. The workplace must be designed, conceiving a suitable place for everything, taking into account the level of importance. Everyday items must be nearby, and a storage place for those items which are not usually used must be found. As for cleanliness, it is an essential principle in the 5S method. Things must be kept clean and neat. This aspect also includes painting or modifying things so that they have a more positive visual impact. The company is responsible for cleaning the workplace, but every worker must take care of his or her workplace. As time goes by, cleanliness must become a habit.
The next 3 phases of 5S are connected with people, and the way people should act in their workplace. First, there must be a focus on personal health. It refers to the worker’s physical and mental health. The following aspects must be considered:
- Personal tidiness, bathing every day, and wearing clean clothes.
- Be prudent about drinking alcohol, smoking, or dangerous substances which can be addictive.
- Good posture and attitude in the workplace.
- Workers must get enough rest.
- A balance is sought among these three aspects: physical, mental, and spiritual.
Discipline is another must for 5S system. It is important that the personnel are strict about the previous principles. A healthy and balanced workplace is achieved thanks to discipline. Manners are fundamental. Being friendly and well mannered towards colleagues is fundamental. Discipline and attitude are powerful tools to succeed in the workplace.
5S can also be implemented in different environments other than work. It could constitute a great philosophy to organize one’s personal life. To this system, there is no room for such notions as “creative chaos,” nothing good can come from disorder. The idea of being eco-friendly in every aspect of human life is also a relevant notion. It is important to be aware that all our actions will have a repercussion in the near and distant future, and we are responsible for the Earth that we are leaving to our descendents.