5s Audit Checklist
5S methodology transforms chaotic workspaces into organized, efficient operations. This checklist implements Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain across manufacturing, warehouses, offices, and healthcare facilities. It covers workspace organization, visual management, cleaning protocols, and continuous improvement. Companies implementing 5S see 30-50% productivity gains and 40% reduction in defects. Typical implementation affects 50-200 workstations and takes 3-6 months. Use this for lean manufacturing initiatives, workplace safety improvements, or operational excellence programs. It creates disciplined work environments that reduce waste and improve quality.
Sort (Seiri) – Remove Unnecessary Items
□ Work areas free of unnecessary items
□ Tools and equipment needed for current work only
□ Obsolete items removed
□ Broken items repaired or discarded
□ Personal items minimized
□ Excess inventory eliminated
□ Unused supplies removed
□ Old documents archived or destroyed
□ Redundant items consolidated
□ Red tag system implemented
□ Disposal procedures followed
□ Regular sorting schedule maintained
Set in Order (Seiton) – Organize Remaining Items
□ Everything has designated place
□ Items labeled clearly
□ Visual management tools used
□ Shadow boards implemented
□ Color coding system applied
□ Frequently used items accessible
□ Storage areas organized
□ Tools arranged logically
□ Materials flow optimized
□ Walkways clearly marked
□ Safety equipment positioned properly
□ Ergonomic principles applied
Shine (Seiso) – Clean and Inspect
□ Work areas clean and tidy
□ Equipment cleaned regularly
□ Floors swept and mopped
□ Windows and lights clean
□ Cleaning supplies available
□ Cleaning schedule posted
□ Cleaning responsibilities assigned
□ Inspection checklists used
□ Maintenance issues identified
□ Preventive maintenance performed
□ Waste properly disposed
□ Recycling procedures followed
Standardize (Seiketsu) – Create Standards
□ 5S standards documented
□ Visual standards displayed
□ Procedures clearly written
□ Training materials available
□ Audit checklists created
□ Best practices shared
□ Standard work instructions posted
□ Color standards defined
□ Labeling standards consistent
□ Storage standards established
□ Cleaning standards set
□ Safety standards maintained
Sustain (Shitsuke) – Maintain the System
□ 5S audits conducted regularly
□ Audit results posted
□ Improvement actions tracked
□ Recognition system in place
□ Training ongoing
□ Management support visible
□ Employee engagement high
□ Continuous improvement practiced
□ Problems addressed quickly
□ Success stories shared
□ Metrics tracked and displayed
□ Culture of discipline maintained
Visual Management
□ Signs and labels visible
□ Floor markings clear
□ Status boards updated
□ Performance metrics displayed
□ Safety signs prominent
□ Work instructions posted
□ Quality standards visible
□ Inventory levels marked
□ Equipment status indicated
□ Problem areas highlighted
□ Improvement ideas displayed
□ Achievement recognition posted
Safety Integration
□ Safety hazards eliminated
□ Emergency exits clear
□ Fire extinguishers accessible
□ First aid supplies organized
□ PPE properly stored
□ Spill kits available
□ Lock-out/tag-out followed
□ Electrical panels accessible
□ Chemical storage compliant
□ Ergonomic risks minimized
□ Incident reporting system used
□ Near-miss tracking active
Workspace Efficiency
□ Workflow optimized
□ Motion waste minimized
□ Reaching eliminated
□ Searching reduced
□ Walking distances minimized
□ Material handling efficient
□ Workstation layout optimal
□ Tool accessibility maximized
□ Supplies within reach
□ Documentation accessible
□ Communication tools available
□ Productivity improved
Documentation & Records
□ 5S manual current
□ Audit records maintained
□ Training records complete
□ Improvement log updated
□ Before/after photos taken
□ Standards documented
□ Procedures written
□ Checklists available
□ Maps and layouts current
□ Inventory lists accurate
□ Maintenance logs complete
□ Action plans tracked
Team Engagement
□ Roles and responsibilities clear
□ Team meetings held regularly
□ Suggestions encouraged
□ Problems solved together
□ Success celebrated
□ Cross-training provided
□ Best practices shared
□ Friendly competition used
□ Recognition given
□ Ownership demonstrated
□ Pride in workplace evident
□ Morale improved
Continuous Improvement
□ Kaizen events scheduled
□ Improvement ideas implemented
□ Root cause analysis used
□ Waste elimination ongoing
□ Efficiency gains measured
□ Cost savings tracked
□ Quality improvements noted
□ Safety enhancements made
□ Customer satisfaction improved
□ Employee satisfaction increased
□ Benchmarking performed
□ Best-in-class pursued
Management Review
□ Leadership commitment shown
□ Resources provided
□ Barriers removed
□ Support visible
□ Walk-throughs conducted
□ Feedback provided
□ Goals set and tracked
□ Success recognized
□ Problems addressed
□ Investment made
□ Culture reinforced
□ Results sustained
How the 5s Audit Checklist works
Start with Sort by removing unnecessary items from 10-15 work areas using red tags for 5-7 days. Set in Order by creating designated locations for 100+ tools and materials using shadow boards and labels. Shine by establishing daily 15-minute cleaning routines and weekly deep cleaning schedules. Standardize by documenting procedures with photos and creating visual standards displayed at each workstation. Sustain through weekly audits scoring 20-30 checkpoints, posting results publicly, and conducting monthly team reviews. Train 20-50 employees on 5S principles with 2-hour workshops.
5S implementations reduce search time by 50%, saving 30-60 minutes per employee daily. Organized workspaces cut workplace injuries by 70% by eliminating trip hazards and improving ergonomics. Clean equipment lasts 25% longer and breaks down 40% less frequently. Visual management reduces errors by 60% through clear labeling and organization. Companies with strong 5S cultures see defect rates drop from 5% to under 1%. First-time right quality improves from 85% to 98%. Employee satisfaction increases 35% in organized, clean work environments.
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