How should water sounding tapes be sanitized?

The correct method for sanitizing water sounding tapes is soaking them in a 100-ppm FAC (Free Available Chlorine) solution for 2 minutes. This approach is effective because the solution not only disinfects the surface of the tapes but also adheres to health standards for sanitation practices, particularly in settings such as healthcare or military operations where contamination risks must be minimized.

Using a chlorine-based solution helps to eliminate a broad spectrum of pathogens, making it suitable for equipment that may come into contact with water and possibly introduce harmful microorganisms. The duration of 2 minutes is typically sufficient to ensure effective sanitization while preventing any potential damage to the material.

Other methods, while they may seem effective, do not meet the specific sanitization requirements for water sounding tapes or might carry risks of damaging the equipment. Soaking in bleach solution for an extended period, for instance, might degrade the material. Boiling can alter the structural integrity of the tape, and using alcohol wipes may not provide an adequate level of sanitization needed for items that could come into contact with water used for medical or operational purposes. Therefore, the 100-ppm FAC solution is the most appropriate choice for this task.