Is Your Rental Provider 5S Certified? Why 5S Rental Standards Matter

Article Updated on: July 28, 2026

How safe and productive is your equipment rental vendor? The answer makes a difference to your rental experience, the condition of the equipment you rent and even, possibly, the price you pay. One way to tell is by asking if they are 5S certified.

The 5S method was pioneered by Toyota leaders in Japan for keeping a workplace clean and organized to make it more efficient, safe and enjoyable for employees and customers.

The method rests on five principles: Sort, set in order, shine, standardize and self-discipline/sustain. Together they create order, cleanliness and standardization across the workplace to drive safety and improve the bottom line.

Some rental companies, including United Rentals, require 5S certification for every employee, from upper management to service and sales support. Certification typically combines online and in-person training with regular audits and self-assessments.

What does 5S certification mean for equipment rentals?

5S certification means a rental provider's branches, shops and yards follow a structured system (sort, set in order, shine, standardize and sustain) to keep workspaces clean, organized and safe. For customers, this translates directly into rental-ready equipment, fewer delays, a smoother overall rental experience and safer jobsites. A 5S certified provider is committed to zero defects and zero accidents, which protects both uptime and cost.

Rental-ready equipment

Downtime adds up fast. You need tools and equipment in good working order with zero defects. Rental companies with a 5S culture clean and maintain items on a routine schedule, so the equipment you rent doesn’t disappoint or delay your project. If equipment fails during your rental period, a 5S certified vendor typically repairs or replaces it quickly, so your crew gets back to the job without losing time.

Increased efficiency

An organized workplace frees employees to focus on customers. Inventory that is sorted and easy to locate means less time processing orders and faster equipment delivery. Better inventory management also reduces storage space and lost or misplaced equipment, which all impact the price of your rental.

Smooth transactions

Renting equipment should never be a hassle. An uncluttered shop with clear pickup and drop-off signage means a productive, efficient checkout every time without delays or confusion.

Safety for all

A clean, organized environment is safer for employees and customers. Fewer trips, falls and other accidents may reduce a company’s healthcare and insurance costs, and those savings may be passed on to customers. Healthy, engaged employees are more likely to deliver a strong customer experience, and well-maintained rentals mean safer outcomes for operators on the jobsite.

How does United Rentals put 5S into action?

At United Rentals, 5S is not a one-time event to clean the shop. It is part of the company’s “safety first and always” culture, built into how every branch, shop and yard operates every day

Here are some examples of how United Rentals puts 5S into action:

Sort

United Rentals removes scrap iron, used parts and other junk to create cleaner, safer shops, parts areas and yards. Unneeded or broken items are tagged and separated, so workers can locate equipment and fulfill customer orders efficiently

Set in order

United Rentals employees live by the mantra, “A place for everything and everything in its place.” Shop tools, such as hydraulic tools, grinders and welding equipment, are stored in designated, clearly marked spots so every shop member knows where to find them. Frequently used parts such as oil filters are placed within easy reach, reducing the time it takes for mechanics to locate and reach them. When items are set in order, repairs move faster

Shine

A clean environment is a safe environment. Keeping floors clear of debris, mud and dirt reduces accidents. Directional signage streamlines equipment returns for customers. Delivery, sales and service trucks are cleaned, organized, stocked and checked for defects before leaving a branch to ensure they are in good condition for the customer

Standardize

United Rentals documents its methods and procedures to keep every branch consistent. Showroom and counter areas follow a standardized appearance, with walkways, storage areas, tools and emergency exit routes clearly marked. Branches are audited quarterly and annually using a 5S compliance checklist

Self-Discipline/Sustain

5S is a team effort. Employees at nearly every level, from senior managers to dispatchers and drivers, are committed to the process. Nearly all are certified in 5S principles using a combination of online learning and workplace training. Branch Safety Champions partner with employees to reinforce safe practices and conduct monthly inspections, supporting a culture of continuous review and improvement

Choose United Rentals

Companies that build a 5S culture commit to zero defects, zero accidents, lower costs and stronger safety outcomes. As a United Rentals customer, you can count on consistent, hassle-free transactions and rental-ready equipment when you need it

Contact us to learn more about United Rentals’ culture and how we maintain safety throughout our company.