5S graphicWHAT is 5S?

5S is a philosophy and a way of organizing and managing the workspace and workflow within a lab.

GOAL: To improve efficiency and productivity by eliminating waste and disorganization to create a clean, organized, and safe work environment.

Learn more about 5S: General Introduction to 5S
 
REGISTRATION opens August 1st.
DATES

starts August 1, 2025 @8:00am
ends September 8, 2025 @5:00pm

TWO Competitions!

#1. Most Improved Lab

REGISTRATION opens August 1st at 8:00am!
WHO can enter
  • Open to any lab on Penn State University Park campus.
  • Have NOT participated in previous 5S Competitions.
  • Are NOT currently engaged in 5S.
  • Do not need to be a team competing in the Safety Olympics.
HOW to enter

Complete the online form and provide no more than 5 pictures of your lab space in your lab before 5S.

Example:  
If your lab is a shared space the committee will only grade the space belonging to your PI (Principal Investigator). At least one of the pictures must be of the entire area to be judged.

CRITERIA / JUDGING

Judging will be based on the following AUDIT FORM. We will be looking at the following criteria.

1. Clutter: is the space generally organized and free of random samples, etc.?

2. Labeling: are relevant cabinets, storage areas and work spaces labeled as needed?

3. Visual Aids: are there visual aids that show what the workspace should look like?

4. Designated Areas: are there clearly designated areas for certain tasks/equipment in the lab space entered?

We will visit the lab space for an inspection before Safety Olympics to assess the four criteria listed above. The winner will be based on the MOST IMPROVED lab space, (not necessarily the best lab space).

WINNERS

The MOST IMPROVED lab will receive a plaque recognizing them outside the lab!

#2. 5S Spirit

REGISTRATION opens August 1st @ 8:00am
WHO can enter
  • Open to any lab on Penn State University Park campus that are part of 5S or have participated in a 5S competition..
  • Do not need to be a team competing in the Safety Olympics.
HOW to enter

Complete the online form and provide a picture of a way you are implementing or improving 5S in your lab with a short description on how this implementation has strengthened the 5S culture 

Example: 
Previous ideas include implementation of a 5S minute at the beginning of a group meeting, framing the workspace with tape to clearly identify the different areas of the lab, etc.

CRITERIA / JUDGING
  • The submission will be judged by the other lab participating in 5S.
  • The 3 ideas with the most votes will be judged during the Safety Olympics by the participants.
WINNERS

The 5S Spirit lab will receive a plaque recognizing their achievements!

QUESTIONS?

Contact mri-5s-committee