Rapid Technical Assessment Rapid technical assessments are used to review existing technologies to determine what is working and what could be working better as well as to develop marketable solutions to make on-site wastewater systems easier to purchase, install, use and maintain. [[San_Fernando_City_-_Assessments|In San Fernando, La Union, Philippines, teams of Barangay health workers and licensed plumbers performed a rapid technical assessment of 125 homes in 2 days.]] The entire force of health workers used the information gathered from the assessment in campaigns to promote their program. The following is adapted from their training manual:
''====Performing Rapid Technical Assessments''====
*Step 1: Gather baseline data and document existing conditions
In this step, the team gathers the baseline data and documents existing conditions. This generally starts with the team touring the house and property accompanied by the building owner or occupant. As the team walks around, they look for key sanitation components: toilets, septic tanks, drainage lines and others. After the brief tour, the plumber and engineer work together to document the existing conditions by preparing a site plan sketch. At the same time, the health worker sits down with the owner or occupant and conducts a survey about his or her knowledge, attitudes and practices regarding sanitation. The end result is a completed site plan sketch and valuable survey data.
''====Site Plan Checklist''====
*North arrow shown
*Topography: arrows that indicate the slope shown
''====Questions to consider as you make the site plan sketch:''====
''1. Is this property in a flood plainfloodplain?''
*Yes. If so, how often does it flood, and how high does the flood water get?
=== Step 2: Evaluate the Septic Tank ===
'''Safety tips for septic tanks:'''
*'''Never enter a septic tank'''. Septic tanks are confined spaces that can accumulate toxic gasses and displace oxygen. Workers entering a tank can be quickly overcome. Only licensed septic tank desludgers should clean septic tanks.
*'''Secure septic tank access ports'''. Access ports must be protected from unauthorized entry. Children especially are at risk of falling into or otherwise entering unsecured septic tanks. Secure lids with safety screws or other devices to keep kids out.
'''Checking the septic tank'''
#Locate the septic tank; it may be under the building. Look for cleanout or access ports in the bathroom or kitchen.
