What are the five steps of 5S?

• A. Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain
• B. Sort, Shine, Color-code, Label, Sustain
• C. Sort, Set in order, Shine, Label, Sustain
• D. Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Clean

Answer: (A)

The five steps of 5S form a system for organizing a workplace to improve efficiency and safety. The steps are Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, and Sustain. Each step builds on the one before: Sort removes unnecessary items so the area isn’t cluttered; Set in order arranges tools and materials so everything has a designated place; Shine involves cleaning and inspecting the area to keep it tidy and to spot problems early; Standardize establishes consistent procedures and schedules so the first four steps are maintained consistently; Sustain focuses on maintaining the discipline over time through training and accountability. This sequence is the widely accepted framework, so it matches the established five-step method exactly. Other options alter one or more elements—like replacing Standardize with Color-code or Label, or using Clean instead of Sustain—so they don’t reflect the full, recognized process.