 |
The five Ss: Number 3: Seiso (cleaning)
We have already covered the first two of the five
Ss. Seiri, or organisation, is primarily about putting things away that
are not needed. Seiton, or neatness, then takes those things which are
being used and makes sure they are put away tidily so they are always
to hand when the are needed.
It is easy in the current age to think that cleaning things is somebody
else’s job. This can become an attitude that makes people think
that keeping things clean is beneath them. They will walk past litter
on the floor and not clean down dirty or grimy tools and machinery. Seiso,
cleanliness, is an attitude that considers dirty and untidiness as intolerable.
Train people in this. Make it a cultural necessity. Give them specific
responsibilities. Rotate responsibilities as necessary.
Dirtiness is related to many problems. Dirt both causes and covers up
scratches. It hides hazardous areas. It can be hazardous itself. It can
be poisonous, it can cause accidents, such as when people slip on it.
There are three broad levels of cleaning. First, there is the overall
cleaning of everything. Secondly, there is the cleaning of specific items,
tools, machines and workplaces. Thirdly, there is the cleaning at the
detail level, getting to grime in screw threads, corners and crevices.
To clean a whole area, first divide it into sections and allocate responsibility
to each. Then identify what is to be cleaned and in what order to clean
things. Identify proper methods and tools for cleaning, including brushes,
solvents and so on. Also include proper protection for the person doing
the cleaning, such as gloves, face-masks and overalls. Then perform the
cleaning. Then think about how you can do it better next time.
Cleaning without care can cause more damage than it prevents. For example
wiping down a soft surface on which there is hard waste will scratch the
surface. Use the appropriate tools to ensure this type of error does not
happen. Use vacuum cleaners, soft cloths, cleaning agents, and so on.
When cleaning is completed, use Seiton (neatness) principles to put away
the cleaning tools. They themselves may require cleaning, for example
shaking out of cloths (in an appropriate place), cleaning of vacuums.
Where disposal is involved, ensure this is done properly. For example
a cloth containing a hazardous solvent should not be put in the litter
bin.
Standardise the approaches you use (Seiketsu). Use diagrams, checklists
and charts to help ensure things are cleaned properly. Standardise the
cleaning. Train people how to do it. It may seem simple, but with proper
training it will be done twice as well in half the time.
When cleaning, always look for the reasons why the item got dirty. Is
it leakage from something? Is it untidiness? Are things properly disposed
of when they are no longer needed? Seek out the root causes of grime and
dirt and eliminate them. If it is dirt in the air, check the ventilation
systems—can you add filters?
Seiso cleaning is more than just cleaning—it is also inspection.
Whilst something is being cleaned, you should also be inspecting it, looking
for damage, defects and potential problems. Other tests can be carried
out at the same time to ensure it is in perfect order. For example, whilst
cleaning an engine, the oil levels and oil cleanliness can be checked.
Seiso can also include preventive maintenance that ensures things do not
fail during normal operation. For example tighening up of hydraulic hoses
to prevent leaks, checking and sharpening of tools and so on.
You can also use the time spent cleaning an item to think about how it
can be improved. Look for ways to prevent grime build-up. Spot how it
gets damaged and find ways of eliminating this. The perfect item can be
cleaned in a single wipe. Or maybe it could clean itself?
Seiso in the office or laboratory is similar to Seiso in the factory.
Make sure things are clean. Look for hazard. The same is true in computers.
Defragment the hard disk. Clean the circuit boards inside. Clean out the
junk and you will be able to see what is really there. There may be less
opportunity, but the thinking, the mental discipline is very important.
An attitude of cleanliness leads to clean and clear thinking that reflects
in all aspects of your work.
Next:
Seiketsu (standardization)
Seiri
Seiton
Seiso
Seiketsu
Shitsuke
top of page |
 |
