Which 5S step is described by 'Keep needed items from unneeded items and eliminate the latter (Red tag area)'?

Which 5S step is described by 'Keep needed items from unneeded items and eliminate the latter (Red tag area)'?

• A. Sort
• B. Straighten
• C. Scrub
• D. Systematize

Answer: (A)

Sorting is the step in 5S that separates needed items from unneeded ones and eliminates the unnecessary. The red tag area is a classic tool used here: items that aren’t clearly needed are tagged and set aside so they can be evaluated—keep, relocate, or discard. This simple separation reduces clutter, frees space, and makes it much easier to see what actually supports the work. After sorting, the remaining items are organized for easy access, then cleaned and standardized for consistent daily practice.

Sorting is the step in 5S that separates needed items from unneeded ones and eliminates the unnecessary. The red tag area is a classic tool used here: items that aren’t clearly needed are tagged and set aside so they can be evaluated—keep, relocate, or discard. This simple separation reduces clutter, frees space, and makes it much easier to see what actually supports the work. After sorting, the remaining items are organized for easy access, then cleaned and standardized for consistent daily practice.