5S Stage 1 – SORT

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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

‘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

Steps in Red Tagging

• Launch the Red Tag project

• Identify targets

• Set criteria

• Make Red Tags

• Attach Red Tags

• Evaluate items

• Document results

Red Tag Example

• Bright red tag for visibility• Pre-printed tag numbers

Red Tag Register