The physics department at the Allan Blair Cancer Centre has been home to a machine and wood shop and electronics area which, over the years, have become a haven for assorted equipment, wires, electronics – even a Charlie’s Angels pinball machine. These shops, along with a storage area, presented a perfect 5S opportunity.
5S is a Lean improvement tool, with each “S” representing an improvement concept: sort, sweep, standardize, simplify, and self-discipline. Applying 5S methodology to any work space helps improve the environment and enhance patient and staff safety.
A project team was formed to apply 5S methodology to the machine and wood shops and the storage and electronics areas. Through three separate events, the team:
• Reclaimed 274 cubic feet and 520 square feet
• Re-purposed the wood shop as an electronics and training mould room
• Re-purposed the machine shop as a temporary home for the pharmacy department
• Removed four pallets of old electronics
• Removed 200 pounds of scrap metal
• Discarded 6,840 liters (19 bins) of garbage
The team is working through the sustain phase and implementing other improvements that were not completed during the 5S events.
![](https://www.hqc.sk.ca/Portals/0/Images/news-and-events/whats-new/Elec%20B6%20resized.jpg)
Before 5S
![](https://www.hqc.sk.ca/Portals/0/Images/news-and-events/whats-new/Elec%20A9%20resized.jpg)
After 5S
Physics 5S project team: Chris Newcomb (sponsor), Craig Beckett (lead), Gabe Bonnell, Jason Venekamp, Scot Thiesson and Wanda MacDonald with support from Quality, Safety and Risk
(Source: Saskatchewan Cancer Agency’s The Agency Link)