Code: EM/G/03

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

MINISTRY OF PUBLIC WORKS

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING (BS)

DEPARTMENT

TRAINING MANUAL FOR STUDENTS

ON ATTACHMENT

Issued by:

CHIEF ELECTRICAL & MECHANICAL ENGINEER (BS)

Ministry of Public Works
P .O. BOX 41191-00100
NAIROBI

1st EDITION (2008)

CONTENTS Page

1.0. INTRODUCTION 3
1.1 Objective 3
1.2 Code of conduct 3
1.3 Role of the ministry in government 3
1.4 Role of the building sector in the ministry 4
1.5 Role of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (BS) department 4
1.6 Functions of the department 5
1.7 Stages in a project 5
1.7.1 Project proposal 5
1.7.2Design 5
1.7.3 Procurement 6
1.7.4 Implementation 6
1.7.5. Handing over 6
1.8 Maintenance 7
1.9. Disposal. 7

2.0. TRAINING OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS 7

2.01. Introduction 7
2.02. Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (BS) Building Services
7
2.03 Design and documentation 7
2.04 Drawing and design of Mechanical Engineering (BS) building services
7
2.05 Preparation of bills of quantities 8
2.06 Implementation
8
3.0. TRAINING OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS 8
3.1. Introduction 8
3.2. Basic electrical system in building services. 8
3.3 Design calculations 9

3.4. Electrical drawing. 9

3.5. Preparation of bill of quantities 9

3.6. Practical activities. 9

4.0 TRAINING OF FIRE ENGINEERING STUDENTS

4.01. Introduction 10
4.02. Introduction to fire services in buildings 10
4.03. Building construction 10
4.04. Fire protection equipment 10
4.05. Fire safety practice 10
4.06. Fire investigation 11

5.0 MAINTENANCE 11

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6.0 STANDARDS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS 12

1.0. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Objective
The objective of the manual is to guide the training of students on attachment in
understanding the activities, processes and structure in the building sector and in particular
the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (BS) Department. The manual provides a road
map through all aspect s of building project development from conception to maintenance.

The ministry is divided into the following departments.

 Administration
 Architectural Department.
 Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (BS) Department.
 Structural and Civil Engineering Department.
 Quantities and contracts Department.
 Kenya Building Research Centre
 Supplies Branch

The various Departments are represented in the district and provincial levels in the country
1.2 Code of conduct
The student(s) is expected to adhere to the following:-
a) Observe official working hours (8am to 1pm – 2pm to 5pm)
b) Courteous to both members of staff and the general public
c) Observe the official secrets act as pertains to confidentiality
d) Exercise care in the use of office equipment and desist from use of the same for unofficial
work
e) Daily logging of what has been learned
f) Obtain life insurance cover for the entire duration on attachment.
g) Observe official dress code.

1.3 Role of the Ministry of Public Works in Government.

The Ministry of Public works is the technical arm of the government charged with the
responsibility of overseeing public works infrastructural projects such as the construction
and maintenance of buildings, and other public works (such as; sea walls, jetties, ferry
ramps, civil works etc).

Mission
To facilitate provision and maintenance of quality Buildings and other Public Works for
sustainable socio-economic development

Vision
Achieve excellence in Buildings, and other Public Works

Values charter
We as leaders and staff of the Ministry have committed to exemplify the following values and
do all that is within our power to entrench these values within the public offices we work in.
We shall:

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 1. Do our duty with the genuine passion and give priority to those that we serve in order to
build and maintain public confidence in the services we provide.
2. At all times treat people with utmost respect and courtesy, and especially those that seek
our services or advice.
3. Measure our performance and strive for continuous improvement in our strategy and
plans to contribute to national objectives and aspirations.
4. Carry out our duties in a professional manner and always comply, and seek to improve,
the professional standards and ethics required by our respective professional bodies.
5. Devote all our official time to our duties and undertake to deal with people and issues
without delay.
6. Use the resources under our care responsibly and efficiently to deliver accessible and
improved services.
7. Be open and proactive in identifying any issues and recommendations that may
contribute to empowering public servants and enhancing our motivation and passion to
serve the people of Kenya.
8. Do our duty without any expectation of personal gain other than the just rewards due to
the positions we hold.
9. Remain neutral and impartial, and provide the informational and advice that which may
be required by political leaders without fear or favour.
10. Avoid excuses as they are tools of incompetence.

1.4 Role of the building sector in the Ministry.

The building services departments are responsible for the design, development and
maintenance of government (public) buildings and associated infrastructure. The sub-sector
Comprises of the following specialised departments
 Architectural Department.
 Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (BS) Department.
 Structural and Civil Engineering Department
 Quantities and Contracts Department.
 Kenya Building Research Centre
The Departments work in coordination to implement projects in the building sector and
maintain the buildings and equipments in them.

1.5 Role of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (BS) Department

Vision
“To be The Centre of Excellence in provision of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering
(BS) Services in the Building Industry”.
Mission
To facilitate and ensure adequate provision and maintenance of the Electrical/Electronics
and Mechanical Engineering Buildings Services in Public buildings and Institutions.
Core functions
1.0 Design, procure, supervise and maintain Electrical/Electronic and Mechanical
Engineering (BS) services in Government Buildings and installations.
2.0 Provide fire prevention and protection services in Government Buildings and
Installations.
3.0 Provision of professional and technical advice to other Government
Ministries/Departments and Institutions

The Department provides Electrical/Electronic and Mechanical Engineering (BS) services in

buildings and related infrastructure. The services include but not limited to the following.
 Electrical installation works.
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  Standby power systems.
 Telecommunication infrastructure in buildings.
 Fire detection and alarm systems.
 Vertical transportation and Conveyor systems.
 Plumbing and drainage.
 Mechanical Engineering (BS) ventilation and air conditioning.
 Fire suppression.
 Kitchen equipments and cold rooms.
To deliver the above services the department carries out several processes from project inception
to maintenance.

1.6 Functions of the Department

The functions of the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (BS) department (B.S) consists of
the following:-
 Electrical/Electronics installations
 Mechanical Engineering (BS) installations
 Fire services
 Maintenance services
 Procurement and Disposal of plant and equipment

1.7 Stages in a project

A building or any other project undergoes various stages from the initial idea to the final
product and each stage involves different players and activities. The stages are as follows.
 Project brief
 Design
 Procurement
 Implementation
 Commissioning
 Handing over
 Maintenance
At each stage a set of skills, tools and equipment are employed to achieve the stated objective.

1.7.1 Project brief

Every project starts with a brief from the client. The consultants (M.O.P.W) then come up with a
project Proposal. A proposal is a suggestion of a way and intention of meeting a particular
human need or requirement. At this stage an institution expresses their need/intention to fulfill
their requirements. The following activities are involved at this stage.
 A detailed brief of the user’s requirement.
 Site identification and survey.
 Preliminary designs and cost estimates.
 Discussions and approvals of the design and cost proposals.
At this stage the players involved are the client, the Architect, Quantity surveyor and the
respective service Engineers.

1.7.2 Design.
After the confirmation of design and cost estimates the project moves to the detailed design
stage. At this point the Architect produces comprehensive and detailed drawings and passes them
to the Quantity Surveyor and the respective Engineers to carry out their detailed designs and
measurements. The following activities are involved at this stage.
 Production of a detailed design and drawings.
 Measurement and quantification of the design (documentation)
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  Statutory and technical approvals.
At this stage the players involved are the client, the architect, quantity surveyor, the respective
service engineers and the regulatory authorities (e.g. local authorities, public health, utilities etc)

Suggested practical activities.

The students to be shown complete drawing and introduced to drawings production (methods,
tools and software) handling, storage, symbols identification and interpretation.

1.7.3 Procurement
After documentation is over the project enters the procurement stage where the services of
contractors, subcontractors and supplies are sought. The two common methods of tendering is
either through selective or open tender. The objective of this exercise is to obtain the best goods
and services at the most competitive cost. The following activities are involved at this stage.
 Invitation to tender (through advertisement or invitation letters).
Tendering processes can be:
a) Open Tender (through advertisement)
b) Selective (invitation letters).
i) Local Purchase Order
ii) Quotations
 Issuing of bid documents.
 Tender opening.
 Tender evaluation,
 Tender award
The players involved are the client, the quantity surveyor, the respective service engineers,
procurement officer, bidders and ministerial or departmental tender committees.

Suggested practical activities.

The students to be shown complete tender documents and shown how the BQs relate to the
drawings and other measurement introduced to drawings.

1.7.4 Implementation.
This involves the physical realization of the design. Contracts are entered into between the
winning bidder and client and the site is handed over to the winning bidder who is now referred
to as contractor. The following activities are involved at this stage.

 Pre-contract meeting.
 Site handover
 Securing of the project site and erection of temporary structures.
 Establishment of site storage and office facilities.
 Physical construction.
 Supervision visits and meetings.
 Valuation and payment for work done.
 Record keeping-minutes and instructions
 Tests and approval (quality control)
 Cost and progress of work
 Testing and Commissioning.
The players involved are the client, the architect, quantity surveyor, the respective service
engineers, contractor and sub contractors.
Suggested practical activities.
The students to be taken along to site visits and shown how drawings, BQs, are realized onsite.

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1.7.5. Handing over
This involves the handing over of the completed project to the client/user. Also handed over
among other things is a schedule of keys, user manuals, as built/installed drawings catalogues
and any other information the users may need to operate and maintain the facility/equipment.

1.8. Maintenance
This is the process/stage of keeping the facility/installation in good working condition for
efficient and effective utilization.

1.9. Disposal.
This is the process of discarding/demolishing any facility/installation after the expiry of its
economical usefulness. It may also be occasioned by lifestyle or technological evolution.

2.0. TRAINING OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS

2.01. Introduction:-
For the student(s) to appreciate the role of a Mechanical Engineering (BS) Engineer in
building services, a brief overview of the various services encountered in works associated
with buildings should be introduced.

2.02. Introduction to Mechanical Engineering (BS) Building Services

 Internal plumbing and drainage
 Water tanks
 Water distribution
 Air conditioning & Refrigeration
 Mechanical Engineering (BS) ventilation
 Petrol stations
 Swimming pools
 Water treatment
 Boilers (steam and hot water services)
 Kitchen equipment
 Laundry equipment
 Fire protection
 Solar water heating
 Liquefied Petroleum Gas installation
 Compressed air installation
 Medical gases
 General maintenance of plant and equipment
 Safety precautions
 Preparation of Bills of Quantities

2.03 Design and documentation

The student(s) to be attached to an Engineer after the above brief introduction,
who in turn will take the student(s) through the concept of design, drawing, cost
estimates and preparation of Bills of Quantities (BQs).

2.04 Drawing and design of Mechanical Engineering (BS) building services

 Concept-factors to be considered;
a) Brief from client
b) Services to be included
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 c) Design considerations
d) Buildings, Local Authority bye laws and Environmental (NEMA) regulations.
e) Cost of works
 Design calculations
 Preparation of drawings;
a) Choice of paper size depending on scale
b) Choice of Pen size for the various outlines
c) Drawing
d) Plan printing

The student should be introduced to the relevant reference building services design
guides as a way of appreciating a simplified approach to design.

2.05 Preparation of bills of quantities

After design and drawing, the student(s) should now be introduced to the preparation of
Tender documents and taking off of quantities.

Emphasis should be made on the choice of quality materials, fittings and

Equipment and the need to have these meet minimum standard set by the
Kenya Bureau of Standards, British Standard, ISO or any other recognized body.

The technical specifications related to the works.

 Choosing of materials, fittings and equipment with the following in mind

a) Materials, fittings and equipment that will meet the set/ designed parameters
b) Functionability, quality and durability of materials, fittings and equipment
c) serviceability and availability of spares
 Taking off quantities from drawings
 The various contractual obligations
 Procurement of works (Invitation to tender)
 Tender opening and analysis
 Tender award

2.06 Implementation process

 Site hand over and supervision of construction works
 Recording of site meeting minutes
 Valuation of work done and preparation of interim payment certificates
 Hand over of works
 Preparation of final account

3.0. TRAINING OF ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING STUDENTS

3.1. Introduction:-
For the student(s) to appreciate the role of an Electrical Engineer in building services, a brief
overview of the various services encountered in works associated with buildings should be
introduced namely:
 Electrical and Electronics installation works.
 Standby power systems.
 Telecommunication infrastructure in buildings.
 Fire detection and alarm systems.
 Vertical transportation systems.

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3.2. Basic Electrical Engineering Systems Building Services.
The students to be introduced to the various building blocks of an electrical system in a
building namely.
 Metering points
 Control and switch/isolation gear (Switch boards, distribution boards and consumer
units.).
 Protection devices.(fuses,MCBs,MCCBs,RCDs etc)
 Circuits
 Switches.
 Accessories
 Light fittings
 Security Lighting
 Generators
 PABX etc
The relationship and the interconnection of the above items should be clearly demonstrated in a
schematic drawing.

3.3 Design calculations

The students to be introduced to basic design concepts and calculations taking into consideration
the following.
 Brief from client
 Services to be included
 Design considerations
 Statutory and technical regulations and requirements. (KEBS standards,IEE , KPLC)
 Cost of works.
3.4. Electrical drawing.
The student to be taught how to read and interprete electrical drawing with emphasis on the
following.
 Symbolic representation (legend).
 Symbolic interpretation.
 Schematic representation and translation of electric circuits.
 Choice of paper size depending on scale
 Choice of Pen size for the various outlines
 Drawing
 Plan printing
3.5. Preparation of bill of quantities.
After introduction to design and drawing, the student should now be introduced to the
preparation of Tender documents and taking off of quantities from the drawings. The Focus
should be on the following:
 Taking off quantities from drawings
 Technical description of items.
 The various contractual obligations
 Procurement of the works (Invitation to tender)

3.6. Practical activities.

The student to be given a practical assignment involving the following:
 Preparation of simple drawings
 Identification of drawing components
 Taking quantities from drawings
 Physical identification of components and functions on site.
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  Attending site meetings and inspections.
 A brief attachment to a construction site.

4.0. TRAINING OF FIRE ENGINEERING STUDENTS

4.01 Introduction
For the student(s) to appreciate the role of a Fire Engineer/Officer in building services, a
brief overview of the various fire services offered in works associated with buildings should
be introduced.

4.02 Introduction to Fire Services in buildings

 Installation of both fixed and portable fire fighting equipment

 Inspection and servicing of fire protection and prevention equipment/installations for
both new and old buildings
 Inspection of both new and old buildings for fire safety compliance
 Fire Safety Sensitization for occupants of buildings
 Fire investigations

The student(s) to be attached to a Fire Officer / Engineer after the above brief introduction .The
Fire Officer / Engineer will take the student(s) through the following core subjects:

4.03. Building construction

a) Interpretation of plans of buildings and graphical symbols used for fire protection
drawings
b) Uses of various building materials and on their behaviour in fire
c) Elements of structure, their functions and fire resistance
d) Various types of heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems that are used in
buildings and the effects they may have on a fire and the fire suppression methods used in
these systems.
e) Methods of servicing buildings with electricity, gas, water, lifts and escalators

4.04. Fire protection equipments

(i). Design features, installation, use, maintenance and operations of the following types of fixed
installations
a) Sprinkler systems
b) Drencher and Water Spray Projector Systems
c) Rising mains
d) Hose reels
e) Foam systems
f) Gas/Vapour Systems
g) Dry Powder Systems
h) Fire Detection Systems – Smoke, Heat and Flame
i) Electrically Operated Fire Alarm Systems – manual and automatic
k) The use, siting and maintenance of portable fire extinguishers

4.05. Fire safety practice

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i) The principles of means of escape in case of fire
ii) Principles of evacuation procedures that should be adopted in case of fire
iii) The use, siting and contents of fire notices
iv) Methods of improving public fire safety
v) Basic principles that apply to the installation of:-
a) Emergency lighting system
b) Fire venting systems

4.06. Fire investigation

1. Effects of structures, occupancy and contents on a fire and state their significance to fire
investigators
2. How fire fighting operations may affect fire investigations
3. Principal methods of gathering and recording information on the cause of fire including:-
a) Taking of notes
b) Use of tape recorders
c) Photography
d) Visual recording systems
e) Plans and drawings
f) Interviewing witnesses
g) Excavation of site

4. Methods used to locate the seat of the fire including: -

a) Physical signs illustrating the general location of the point of origin
b) Indirect methods of locating the seat
c) Apparent seats of fire
5. Fundamental principles of fire investigation where a person dies as a result of fire
6. Possible causes of ignition and problems from the misuse and malfunctions of heating,
cooking and lighting equipment
7. Reasons for suspecting arson from the general characteristics of a fire

4.07. Practical activities.

Students to be also involved in practical aspects of:

1. Inspection and servicing of both portable and fixed fire fighting equipment and fire
detection and alarm systems
2. Training, drills and demonstration on fire fighting and rescue
3. Fire investigation
4. Writing fire reports

5.0 MAINTENANCE

a) The student(s) should be introduced to the importance of plant maintenance

and the various types of maintenance schemes i.e.
i. Planned Preventive Maintenance
ii. Emergency Services and
iii. Minor Maintenance

b) Upon identification of each item of plant/equipment to be maintained, the

student should be introduced to the operating principles and the
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 safety precautions to be followed when undertaking a maintenance task.

The student(s) should be guided through the plant layout/equipment drawings and any
literature/catalogues available.

c) Thereafter; the student(s) should be introduced to:-

i) Maintenance and servicing periods and procedures
ii) Troubleshooting
iii) List of tools/equipment
iv) Staff required
v) Spares procurement/stores management
vi) Logging of all maintenance tasks carried out
vii) Testing and commissioning

6.0 STANDARDS AND STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS

The student(s) should also be made aware of;

 Occupational, Safety and Health act
 Electric act
 Engineers Registration act
 Public Procurement and Disposal act

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