Gestão de resíduos com implementação da ferramenta 5S em laboratório de pesquisa acadêmica e extensionista

Abstract

Waste management in chemical laboratories represents a critical challenge to ensuring the safety of personnel and minimizing environmental impacts. This study aims to enhance the waste management practices in one of the research and extension laboratories of the Department of Chemistry at the Federal University of São Carlos (DQ-UFSCar) through the implementation of the 5S methodology. The research was conducted as a case study, assessing the laboratory's initial conditions and proposing improvements focused on organization, proper waste disposal, and process standardization. The analysis identified several issues, including the accumulation of unidentified waste, improper storage of materials, and the absence of standardized disposal protocols. The implementation of the 5S methodology contributed to creating a more organized, safer, and more efficient laboratory environment, reducing chemical hazards and improving researchers’ productivity. The results demonstrate that minor but systematic structural changes can generate significant positive impacts, positioning the laboratory as a reference model for other academic environments seeking more sustainable and organized operational practices.