5S System Step 3 – The Shine Step

Seiso is the third step in a 5S System. Translated it means to shine or scrub. Now that you have completed the Sort Step and Straighten Step, the workplace should be free of debris and all areas in need of cleaning should be exposed.

In this step you will clean the entire work environment. Everything should be cleaned including floors, workspaces, walls and equipment. If any area needs painting consider adding the extra time to do this.

Before you begin the shine step, be sure you have all of the cleaning tools and supplies you will need. Brooms, mops, dust pans, lots of rags, trash bags and a variety of cleaning fluids. Be careful that you match the cleaning fluid to what is being cleaned. You can damage equipment by using the wrong cleaner.

Since all of the rubbish, out of place and excess work in progress has been removed you should have a clear view of what needs to be cleaned. Be sure and look over, under and above every area to find hidden dirt and debris.

All tools and equipment should be cleaned. Part of the purpose of the shine step is to expose problems. Trash and dirt may be obscuring worn or frayed wiring. Oil buildup on a machine may indicate a leak or crack in it that needs to be repaired or replaced.

For larger areas such as a warehouse or large storage room the shine step should involve sweeping every aisle, cleaning all trash and debris from slots and if needed to clean the slots themselves.

For a 5S System to be successful the first three steps of the 5S System should be part of the daily work routine. They should be performed just prior to the end of the day or shift.

1.  The Sort Step – Remove all items that are not needed in the workspace.

2.  The Straighten Step – Put all tools back in place. All excess work in progress and excess parts should be put in place. The workspace should be put back in an organized manner.

3.  The Shine Step – All trash should be removed. Floors should be swept and all workspaces, tools and equipment should be wiped down.

Making these three steps part of the daily work routine will keep the workplace organized and clean each day. It will also reduce the time needed for longer 5S campaigns where each of these steps are thoroughly carried out.

These three steps make up the foundation of the 5S System. The next step is to Standardize your 5S System and your policies to support it.