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5S audit checklist template

5S audit checklist template

Use this 5S lean management audit checklist to keep your workplace running efficiently, in a clean and safe manner.

Use this template with Lumiform

  • Customize this template or build your own
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5S audit checklist template

Use this 5S lean management audit checklist to keep your workplace running efficiently, in a clean and safe manner.

Use this template with Lumiform

  • Customize this template or build your own
  • Fill out templates via mobile app
  • Get reports and analyse your data
Prices start from ░░░ per month
Book a demo
Learn more
or Download template as PDF

The 5S audit checklist template is your essential tool for maintaining workplace organization and efficiency. This template systematically evaluates all five principles—Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain—across your facility. Unlike generic auditing tools, this template includes specific scoring criteria for each 5S element, allowing you to identify improvement areas with precision.

When a manufacturing plant used a structured 5S audit process, their performance rating increased from 1.6 to 3.44, demonstrating significant workplace improvement. Use this template to conduct monthly audits and prevent organizational backsliding—research shows that without regular audits, workplaces typically revert to pre-5S conditions within just 3-6 months.

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 is the purpose of a 5S audit checklist?

A 5S audit checklist evaluates how well your workplace adheres to the 5S principles of organization. Its purpose is to identify areas for improvement, maintain standards over time, and create accountability. Regular audits prevent organizational backsliding and foster continuous improvement by providing structured assessment criteria for workplace organization and cleanliness.

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 scoring system works best for 5S audits?

A 3-5 point scale works effectively for 5S audits. You might use a simple system where 1=below standard, 3=meets standard, and 5=exceeds standard for each checklist item. This balanced approach provides enough differentiation to track progress while remaining simple enough for consistent application across different auditors.

Who should conduct the 5S audit in our organization?

Ideally, rotate audit responsibilities among different team members, including supervisors and frontline workers. This approach ensures multiple perspectives, builds organizational knowledge, and increases buy-in. Consider having cross-functional teams conduct audits in areas outside their own to bring fresh eyes and prevent bias.

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.