LEAN 5S - Creative Safety Supply May 2014 | Page 18

The goal for Shine is to keep everything in great working order to ensure that it doesn’t break down and that it lasts for as long as possible. Clean and properly maintained tools and machines also greatly increase the safety level in the workplace. Less injuries and less down time equate to higher morale and higher productivity. What if an employee sees a pool of oil that wasn’t there before, or notices a safety hazard? Inspection & Maintenance If it’s a quick fix, put a maintenance tag on it and notify your supervisor. If it is something that needs further evaluation, there should be a maintenance log that you can fill out that will ensure further action. Cleaning is not the only facet of Shine. The daily Shine ritual should also include inspection and routine maintenance. And don’t forget your computers and other office equipment! They need to be defragmented (PC’s) and air-dusted periodically to keep them in prime running order. As your employees are doing their daily cleaning routine, they should be inspecting the tools and machinery for damage or defects as well. Include it in the daily checklist to make sure it gets done. Everything is coming together. The groundwork has been set for a successful 5S implementation. Now we move on to the pillar that will be the glue that keeps it all together: STANDARDIZE. Periodic routine maintenance should also be done at this time. Some examples would be to check the oil level in the machinery, tighten up belts, hoses, nuts and bolts, or to check if tools need sharpening. Image, Top Left: Employee inspecting welding equipment during the ongoing Shine process - 16 -