5S stage 1 - Sort

5S is a method for creating and maintaining an organised and high performance workplace. It is also the basis for improvement programmes such as TPM.

1. 5S Stage 1 – SORT www.optimumfx.com

2. Stage 1 - Sort Purpose – to remove all unwanted items from the workplace Define the area for 5S Take photographs of the current state Remove anything not needed for current work Define a ‘Red Tag’ area Use the ‘Red Tag’ strategy

3. ‘Red Tag’ Strategy A method to identify potentially unneeded items, evaluate their usefulness, and take appropriate action Is it needed? If so, in what quantity? Where should it be located? Should it be disposed of, relocated, left where it is, or put into the ‘Red Tag Hold Area’? ‘Red Tag Hold Area’ – an area set aside to store red tagged items for further evaluation Provides a ‘safety net’ before disposing of items Helps determine frequency of use

4. Steps in Red Tagging Launch the Red Tag project Identify targets Set criteria Make Red Tags Attach Red Tags Evaluate items Document results

5. Red Tag Example Bright red tag for visibility Pre-printed tag numbers

6. Red Tag Register