Japanese follow one more system, which is 'nothing
should be kept on the floor'. Even heavier items should
Q be kept over a platform or pieces of wood / bricks, etc.
U
A Once a place is determined for each and every item
L employees should be trained and disciplined to keep
I any item in its allocated place. This is very important
T for the purpose of subsequent use of the item.
Y •
This is a useful practice even for home. The advantage
and benefit of this system is realized only when it is
T practiced.
O
The answers to the following questions will lead the
O
L employees to further action to be taken in this regard.
S • Are passage ways and storage places. Clearly
indicated ?
• Are commonly (frequently) used tools and stationery
separated from those seldom used ?
• Are containers and boxes stacked up properly ?
• Are fire extinguishers and hydrants readily
accessible?
• Are raw materials, WIP, finished goods, etc.
separately kept in appropriate places?
Step - 3 : SEISO (Shine - Cleanliness)
Means maintain cleanliness in your work place.
Cleanliness is insisted on all the places around the
employee which includes, the floor, machine,
equipments, pipes, wires, electrical fittings, etc.
An employee should take care of everything visible to
him. Religious people normally say, cleanliness is next
to Godliness! and Work place is to be treated like a
place of worship!
The essence of all these sayings is that every employee
should take responsibility for the thorough cleanliness
of his / her work place. This will end up with clean
atmosphere and environment in the entire plant or
company.
The following questions would help in identifying areas
for concentration.
• Are the floor surfaces dirty ?
• Are the machines and equipments dirty ?
• Are wires and pipes dirty and stained ?
• Are machine nozzles dirtied by lubricant?
• Are shaded, light bulbs and light reflectors reflects
dirt?
Step - 4 : SEIKTSU (Standardization)
Means "maintain a standard". This refers to the
Quality of work place. A high standard maintained in
around will motivate the employees to take more interest
in their work and perform better.
It should also be clearly known and understood what is
the standard we like to maintain. It would be always
146 Employability Skills - (NSQF) Quality Tools : Theory 2.5.65
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better to lay down standards for all influencing factors
like sound, light, ventilation, humidity, tidiness of dresses,
etc.
The following questions would aid in deciding further course
of action.
• Is anyone's uniform dirty or untidy?
Are there sufficient lights ?
• Is the noise or heat at your workplace causing
discomfort?
• Is the roof leaking ?
• Do people eat at designated place only?
Step - 5 : SHITSUKE (Self Discipline)
Means "training and educating people to be
systematic and disciplined". It is important to make
employees aware of their responsibilities, involvement and
what is expected out of them.
Hence educating them and training them is the prime factor
which would bring in discipline and system in the work
place. It should be followed up by monitoring and control.
Wherever abnormalities are found the same should be
intimated to the concerned for correction. This would
ensure employees adhering strictly to the rules and
regulations of the company.
The questions like the ones given below would lead to
status of present situation.
• Are regular 5s checks conducted?
• Do people clean up without reminders?
• Do people follow rules and instructions?
• Do people wear their uniforms and safety gear properly?
• Do people assemble in time?
Benefits of 5S
• Work place becomes clearer and better organized.
• Shop and Office working becomes easier and safer.
• Results are visible to every one - insiders and
outsiders.
• Visible results enhance generation of more new ideas.
• People tend to be more disciplined.
• People start living in their work place and hence the
work.
• People become proud of their clean work place
• People's efficiency goes up
• Greater people involvement
• Less absenteeism
• Avoid delay
• Induces clear thought process, hence more
• suggestions and creative ideas are generated.