Carrying out upper floor construction is a critical phase in building technology that requires precision, safety, and technical knowledge. This chapter focuses on the essential protective gear, types of upper floor systems, and their construction methods relevant to Kenyan building projects. Building professionals in Kenya must understand these concepts to ensure structural integrity and compliance with safety standards during construction. The knowledge equips technologists to oversee upper floor works effectively in various settings such as schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings.

3.1 PPEs

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is fundamental in safeguarding workers involved in upper floor construction from potential hazards. In Kenya, adherence to PPE standards is enforced by the Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA) to reduce workplace injuries. Given the elevated risks during upper floor works, correct PPE usage ensures that construction professionals and laborers remain protected from falls, debris, and other site dangers.

3.1.1 Uses

PPE serves multiple purposes on construction sites, especially when working on upper floors where risks are heightened. It acts as a barrier between the worker and hazards, reducing the likelihood of injuries or fatalities. For instance, helmets protect against falling objects, while safety harnesses prevent falls from height, a common cause of accidents in Nairobi’s growing high-rise construction projects. PPE also promotes compliance with legal safety requirements, which helps avoid costly penalties and work stoppages.

Types of Protection Offered by PPE

• Head Protection: Helmets shield workers from head injuries caused by falling tools or materials. In busy sites like county government office constructions, helmets are mandatory to prevent traumatic brain injuries.

• Fall Protection: Safety harnesses and lifelines secure workers when operating on scaffolds or slabs above ground level. At a hospital expansion in Kisumu, harnesses were vital in preventing fatal falls.

• Eye and Face Protection: Goggles and face shields guard against dust, flying debris, and chemical splashes encountered during cutting or mixing materials.
• Hand Protection: Gloves protect against cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure during handling of rough or hazardous materials, as seen in hotel construction sites.
• Foot Protection: Steel-toed boots provide support and prevent foot injuries from heavy falling objects or sharp debris, essential in retail building projects.

Legal and Safety Compliance

• PPE usage is legally required on all Kenyan construction sites under OSHA regulations.
• Employers must provide appropriate PPE and ensure workers are trained in correct usage.
• Supervisors are responsible for enforcing PPE policies to maintain a safe working environment.

Chapter Summary

This chapter covered the essential personal protective equipment used in upper floor construction, emphasizing their roles in safeguarding workers during various tasks. It explored different types of upper floors including ribbed, hollow pot, and flat slab designs, highlighting their structural characteristics and application contexts. The discussion then shifted to the tools and equipment necessary for constructing upper floors, detailing their types, specific uses, and important design considerations to ensure efficiency and safety. Materials required for upper floor construction were reviewed, focusing on their properties and suitability for different floor systems. The process of erecting formwork was explained as a critical step to support the concrete until it gains sufficient strength. Installation techniques for upper floors were outlined, demonstrating the sequence of activities to achieve a structurally sound slab. The chapter also addressed the procedure for formwork striking, emphasizing timing to avoid damage to the slab. Finally, the importance of curing upper floors was discussed, describing methods to maintain adequate moisture and temperature for optimal concrete strength development.