Each pack of 5S Red Tags contains a quantity 100 red tags.
5S Red Tags: The First Step to Workplace Organization
5S is a system of organizing a workplace. While 5S is often implemented during a Lean transformation, 5S can be a standalone tool for workplace organization. The five s’s stand for sort, straighten, sweep, standardize, and sustain. 5S Red Tags are one of the first tools used when implementing a 5S workplace organization process. 5S red tags are used during the Sort phase. Red tags were developed because many of the unnecessary items in a workplace are high cost, and still have a high value. Businesses cannot simply throw away unnecessary items, and can often find more prudent ways of eliminating them from the workspace. Red tagging is the first step in this process.
During the Sort phase of 5S, every single item in the workplace is sorted into one of two categories: Needed or Unneeded. The Needed category includes everything necessary to get the job done. The Unneeded category includes everything else, and will be marked with a 5S red tag.
5S red tags are used to mark those items that have an undefined purpose. Red tags can also be placed on items whose purpose is unclear. Sometimes items marked with 5s red tags are simply out of place or in need of repair. If there is any doubt about whether an object is needed, it should get a red tag. Items that are definitely not needed can go to the trash. Items that are probably not needed should get a red tag. This will give the management more time to assess the item while still allowing it to be removed from the work area.
How to Use 5S Red Tags
When an item is deemed unnecessary, it’s time to mark it with a red tag. Fill out the front of the red tag by noting where the item was found, which category it belongs in, and the reason it was tagged. Fill out the back of the red tag by noting where the item needs to be taken and any additional comments. Securely attach the red tag to the object by twisting the wire tight.
Red Tag Holding Area
Items with a red tag will need to be removed from the workspace and placed in a red tag holding area. This area should be in plain sight and clearly marked, but outside of the work area. Other employees should be made aware when red tagging occurs, so they can visit the red tag holding area if they are missing an item. Items should stay in the red tag holding area for a designated period of time. When that time has passed, it will be clear that the items remaining in the red tag holding area are unnecessary and can be dealt with appropriately. A decision will be made for each red tagged item on where it will be sent, whether it is trashed, recycled, repaired, donated, or offered for sale.
Regardless of your business type or the items that end up with 5S red tags on them, one thing is for certain: 5S red tags are an invaluable tool for the workplace and make what’s normally a tedious clean up process completely doable.
