Elements and Performance Criteria

5S is a system of work organisation originally developed in Japan based around housekeeping principles.

A close translation of the five stages in the housekeeping approach is:

sort

set in order

shine

standardise

sustain


Sort involves keeping only what is absolutely necessary for the production process on the production floor. As a first step, clear the work area of all non-essential equipment and materials. Remove anything either not required to produce the product or adjust the machine during the process. This helps to get rid of a 'just in case' mentality.


Items in work area include tools, jigs/fixtures, materials/ components, plant and equipment, manuals, personal items (such as bags, lunch boxes, posters), safety equipment and personal protective equipment, and any other item which happens to be in the work area.


After removing unnecessary materials, the remaining materials must be those that are required immediately for either the machine or the job at hand. All of these materials/change/parts etc must have an assigned location on the production floor. Locations should be clearly marked and labelled to show what belongs where.


The work area should be kept clean at all times. Cleaning must be carried out to a regular daily schedule against allowed time and, on most occasions, at the end of a job.


Once 5S is established, standardising activities help maintain the order and the housekeeping standards. Standardising may use procedures and checklists developed from a procedure.


Sustain means making sure that daily activities are completed every day regardless of circumstance. A job should always be cleaned up once finished regardless of the urgency of the next job. Informal inspections should be done often, at least weekly.

Formal inspections of each area should be carried out at least monthly. Specific actions should be followed up. This will generate continuous improvement.


Procedures include all work instructions, standard operating procedures, formulas/recipes, batch sheets, temporary instructions and similar instructions provided for the operation of the plant. They may be written, verbal, computer based or in some other form.

For the purposes of CM, 'procedures' also includes good operating practice as may be defined by industry codes of practice (eg Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP), Responsible Care) and government regulations.

Overview of assessment requirements
There should be evidence that the employee is routinely applying 5S principles in their routine work and that they are aware of why 5S is important.

What are the specific resource requirements for this unit?
Access to a plant implementing/practising 5S. No other specific resources re required.

What critical aspects of evidence is required to demonstrate competency in this unit?
Evidence of routine practice of 5S as part of their job.

In what context should assessment occur?
This unit needs to be assessed in a workplace practising, or beginning to implement, 5S.

Are there any other units which could or should be assessed with this unit or which relate directly to this unit?
This unit could be assessed concurrently with a unit on continuous improvement, or in conjunction with a technical unit related to the process.
This unit differs from

What method of assessment should apply?
Assessors must be satisfied that the person can consistently perform the unit as a whole, as defined by the Elements, Performance Criteria, skills and knowledge. A holistic approach should be taken to the assessment.
Assessors should gather sufficient, fair, valid, reliable, authentic and current evidence from a range of sources. Sources of evidence may include direct observation, reports from supervisors, peers and colleagues, project work, samples, organisation records and questioning. Assessment should not require language, literacy or numeracy skills beyond those required for the unit.
The assessee will have access to all techniques, procedures, information, resources and aids which would normally be available in the workplace.
The method of assessment should be discussed and agreed with the assessee prior to the commencement of the assessment.

What evidence is required for demonstration of consistent performance?
There needs to be evidence that this is a consistent part of their routine work life, and as such, evidence is needed over an extended period.