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5S audit checklist template

About the 5S audit checklist template

A 5S audit checklist is a tool used to assess the organization, cleanliness, and efficiency of the workplace. The checklist includes five key areas: sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain. It helps identify areas for improvement and promotes a culture of continuous improvement.

Boosting workplace efficiency and organization with a 5S audit checklist

The 5S audit checklist includes questions and criteria for each of the five areas, allowing companies to evaluate the effectiveness of their workplace organization and cleanliness. By using a 5S Lean audit checklist, businesses can identify opportunities for improvement and optimize efficiency.

Implementing the 5S Lean methodology promotes a culture of continuous improvement and encourages employees to take ownership of their workspace. The checklist helps ensure that everyone is working towards the same goals, such as reducing waste and improving safety.

Regular 5S Lean audits can help maintain high standards of organization and cleanliness in the workplace. The results of the audit can then be used to prioritize improvements and make adjustments to the work environment.

How to use the 5S audit checklist

By following these steps, you’ll keep your team aligned with the principles of 5S and drive consistent performance improvements:

Set up the template and customize as needed. Open the template in your preferred app and adjust the questions to reflect the specific areas you want to audit. For example, if your team works in a warehouse, add questions that target stock management. Make sure the template reflects your environment to maximize its impact.
Walk through each 5S category during audits. During the audit, physically check areas while marking off items on the list. When checking “Shine,” you can verify that cleaning materials are stored properly and surfaces are clear. This ensures nothing gets overlooked.
Involve your team for continuous improvement. Encourage team members to participate in the audit process. Assign different team members to specific areas to monitor—like workstations, kitchens, or machinery. This increases accountability and helps spot issues early.
Review and track results regularly. After the audit, review scores with your team. Discuss any issues found and work together on action plans. You can track audit results over time to identify trends, whether it’s an improvement in cleanliness or bottlenecks in sorting.
Use analytics to refine. If you’re using the digital version, analyze the data for insights. Are some areas consistently underperforming? Use this information to focus training or change processes. Keep adjusting based on the findings to keep the 5S culture alive.

Download Lumiform’s 5S audit checklist today

Start using this 5S lean audit template to bring structure and consistency to your workspace audits. The template streamlines your process by guiding you through essential checks for sorting, organizing, and maintaining cleanliness. Track improvements, pinpoint inefficiencies, and keep your team focused on continuous progress.

Related categories

Preview of the template

Audit

SORT

1) Is there evidence of regular red tagging?

2) Is there a system for the removal of red tagged items?

3) Are all unused tools removed from the area?

4) Are all unwanted materials removed from the area?

5) Are cupboards/work surfaces clear of clutter?

6) Are there clear standards for storage?

7) Are all unnecessary items/work in progress removed from the area?

8) Are all unnecessary parts/materials removed from machinery/equipment?

9) Is visual control being adhered to in the area?

10) Is waste being disposed of correctly?

SORT SCORE OUT OF 10

STRAIGHTEN

1) Are all materials/work in progress located correctly?

2) Are tools identified and on shadow boards?

3) Are cleaning materials/utensils located correctly?

4) Are materials stored correctly?

5) Is P.P.E stored correctly?

6) Are ladders stored correctly?

7) Are pallet trucks stored correctly?

8) Are stock levels agreed and being adhered to?

9) Are dividing lines & floor markings correctly colour coded?

10) Are all items in the area easily identified?

STRAIGHTEN SCORE OUT OF 10

SHINE

1) Is the floor clean & free from debris?

2) Are machines & guards clean?

3) Are cleaning tools handy/stored/organised/labelled?

4) Is there a cleaning schedule in place?

5) Are ancillary & guards kept clean?

6) Are backs of machines & surrounding areas kept clean?

7) Are tea hoppers & tops of machines clean?

8) Is underneath machines kept clean & free from oil?

9) Are bins clean & regularly emptied?

10) Are hoovers/filters emptied regularly & clean?

SHINE SCORE OUT OF 10

STANDARDISE

1) Is the team board standardised/current?

2) Is there a system for maintaining, clearing up & cleaning?

3) Are regular 5s audits being carried out?

4) Is all relevant paperwork current & up to date?

5) Is the cleaning schedule being adhered to?

6) Are visual control standards being adhered to?

7) Is red tagging agreed/correctly documented?

8) Have visual control standards been identified?

9) Are shift standards agreed & being adhered to?

10) Are sample trays being used correctly?

STANDARDISE SCORE OUT OF 10

SUSTAIN

1) Are safety rules being adhered to-glasses/safety shoes etc?

2) Is the 5s action plan on team board/current?

3) Is the daily cleaning schedule completed correctly?

4) Is the 5s audit displayed on the team board?

5) Is the 5s graph displayed on the team board?

6) Is the 5s weekly spider graph displayed on the team board?

7) Are rules & work procedures being adhered to?

8) Is the red tag process being reviewed & audited?

9) Is an ongoing review of 5s processes evident?

10) Is there a plan for 5s training requirements displayed?

SUSTAIN SCORE OUT OF 10

OVERALL SCORE OUT OF 50

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Frequently asked questions

What’s the best way to get frontline staff involved in 5S audits?

The key to engaging frontline staff is making the process collaborative. Assign specific areas of responsibility to team members and rotate tasks so everyone gets involved. Regular feedback sessions are crucial—invite their insights on problem areas and improvements.

Can 5S be applied outside of manufacturing?

Yes, 5S can be applied in any environment where efficiency and organization are critical. Offices, retail stores, hospitals, and even kitchens benefit from the structure that 5S offers. For example, in an office, “sort” might involve clearing cluttered desks, while “standardize” could focus on organizing shared filing systems.

What are common mistakes when implementing 5S for the first time?

One big mistake is treating 5S as a one-time project rather than an ongoing process. People also tend to skip the “Sustain” step, which is crucial for long-term success. Another common issue is failing to customize the system to fit specific workflows or team needs.

How do I continue applying 5S after the initial implementation?

To maintain momentum after rolling out 5S, revisit audits regularly to identify areas that need fine-tuning. Lumiform makes this easier by simplifying scheduling and tracking of audits. You can assign responsibilities, set reminders, and keep everyone on the same page without the need for constant manual follow-up.

What’s the difference between 5S and other workplace organization systems like Kaizen?

While both 5S and Kaizen focus on improving efficiency, they approach it differently. 5S is more about organization and cleanliness to create a foundation for productivity, while Kaizen focuses on continuous improvement, encouraging small, incremental changes over time.

This template, developed by Lumiform employees, serves as a starting point for businesses using the Lumiform platform and is intended as a hypothetical example only. It does not replace professional advice. Companies should consult qualified professionals to assess the suitability and legality of using this template in their specific workplace or jurisdiction. Lumiform is not liable for any errors or omissions in this template or for any actions taken based on its content.