Carrying out upper floor construction is a critical phase in building technology that demands precision, safety, and technical skill. This chapter focuses on the essential aspects of working safely at height and the structural considerations unique to upper floors in Kenyan buildings. Successful execution influences the overall stability and usability of the building, impacting sectors from commercial offices in Nairobi to county government offices in Kisumu. Understanding and applying proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and construction techniques ensures compliance with safety standards and quality benchmarks.

3.1 PPEs

The use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is fundamental in building construction, especially during upper floor works where fall hazards and material handling risks are elevated. In Kenya, adherence to PPE requirements is regulated by the Directorate of Occupational Safety and Health Services (DOSHS), which mandates the use of appropriate safety gear to protect workers from injuries. Construction sites such as those at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital or county government office complexes illustrate the critical need for PPE to prevent accidents and ensure worker wellbeing.

3.1.1 Types

Different PPE items serve specific protective functions depending on the hazards encountered during upper floor construction. The main types include:

• Safety Helmets: Protect the head from falling objects and impacts. In multi-storey building sites, helmets reduce the risk of head injuries from tools or debris dropped by workers above.

Man wearing a safety helmet (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

• Safety Harnesses and Lanyards: Used to prevent falls from height by securing workers to anchor points. For example, in the construction of a commercial block in Eldoret, harnesses are mandatory when working on scaffolds or formwork above the second floor.
• Safety Boots: Provide foot protection against sharp objects, heavy loads, and slips. Their reinforced soles and steel toes are essential when handling concrete blocks or steel reinforcements on upper floors.

A single safety boot for industrial use (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

• Gloves: Protect hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure. Gloves made from leather or rubber are common when manipulating rough materials or wet concrete.

Pair of yellow work gloves used in carpentry (Source: Wikimedia Commons)

• High-Visibility Clothing: Ensures workers are easily seen, especially in busy urban sites like those in Nairobi CBD, reducing the risk of accidents involving machinery or vehicles.

High-visibility safety vest (Source: Wikipedia (High-visibility clothing))

3.1.2 Uses

Each item of PPE is worn for a particular task and hazard during upper floor construction, and compliance with PPE protocols directly correlates with reduced workplace accidents and improved productivity. Knowing what each item is used for, and why it matters, helps workers wear the right protection at the right time. Example: at a sub-county hospital extension, a carpenter fixing slab formwork wears a helmet, harness and boots together, while the mason pouring concrete adds waterproof gloves.

Uses of PPE on upper floors

• Safety helmets: Worn throughout the work to protect against tools, debris and materials dropped from the levels above.
• Safety harnesses and lanyards: Worn and clipped to a secure anchor whenever working at the slab edge, on scaffolds or on formwork above the second floor.
• Safety boots: Worn at all times to protect the feet from sharp objects and heavy loads and to give grip on wet formwork and slabs.
• Gloves: Worn when handling steel reinforcement, blocks and wet concrete to avoid cuts, abrasions and chemical burns.
• High-visibility clothing: Worn where vehicles and hoisting machinery operate so that workers are seen from a distance.

Importance of PPE Compliance on Upper Floors

• Prevention of Fatal Falls: Falls are a leading cause of construction fatalities in Kenya; harnesses and helmets drastically reduce fatality risks.
• Protection from Material Hazards: PPE shields workers from injuries caused by falling tools, sharp objects, or splashes of concrete.
• Legal Compliance: Adhering to PPE requirements ensures that construction firms avoid penalties from DOSHS and maintain good standing.
• Enhanced Worker Confidence: When workers feel protected, their efficiency and focus increase, leading to higher quality workmanship.
• Reduction in Medical Costs: Fewer injuries translate to lower medical expenses and less downtime, benefiting both employers and employees.

3.1.3 Proper Selection and Maintenance of PPE

Choosing the right PPE depends on the specific tasks and hazards associated with upper floor construction. Maintenance ensures PPE effectiveness and longevity.

• Task-Specific Selection: For instance, a worker erecting steel reinforcements requires cut-resistant gloves, while a mason pouring concrete needs waterproof gloves.
• Fit and Comfort: PPE must fit well; ill-fitting harnesses or helmets compromise safety and discourage use.
• Regular Inspection: Daily checks for wear and tear, such as cracks in helmets or frayed harness straps, are critical before use.
• Cleaning Procedures: Helmets and gloves should be cleaned regularly to avoid contamination and degradation, especially in dusty or wet environments.
• Storage: PPE should be stored in dry, shaded areas to prevent damage from sunlight or moisture, extending usability on long-term projects.

3.1.4 Training and Enforcement of PPE Use

Proper training ensures workers understand the importance and correct use of PPE, which is vital in sites like county government offices in Nakuru or large hotels in Mombasa where multiple contractors operate concurrently.

• Induction Training: New workers receive comprehensive PPE training before starting upper floor tasks.
• Refresher Courses: Regular updates reinforce PPE protocols and introduce new safety equipment or regulations.
• Supervisory Enforcement: Site supervisors conduct random PPE compliance checks and immediately address violations.
• Worker Participation: Encouraging workers to report PPE defects or unsafe practices fosters a safety culture.
• Documentation: Maintaining PPE issuance and inspection records supports accountability and continuous improvement.

Chapter Summary

This chapter covered the essential aspects of carrying out upper floor construction, beginning with the importance and uses of personal protective equipment to ensure worker safety. It then explored various types of upper floors including ribbed, hollow pot, and flat slab designs, highlighting their structural characteristics. The chapter detailed the tools and equipment necessary for upper floor construction, discussing their types, specific uses, and key design considerations for effective operation. It also examined the materials commonly used in building upper floors, emphasizing quality and suitability. The process of erecting formwork was explained to provide the necessary support for concrete placement. Installation techniques for upper floors were outlined to ensure proper assembly and structural integrity. The chapter concluded with procedures for formwork striking and the curing of upper floors to achieve the required strength and durability.