Friday, January 20, 2006

Clumsiness? Or Stupidity?

I know I shouldn't blog about work. But this is so "eventful" that I can't help myself. And anyway, I'm blogging about something that happened at work, not work itself. But anyway, lets start the story:

I was asked to take the lid of one of the big distillation tanks and in order to do so, I have to unbolt 50 (probably less, but felt like 50) bolts, nuts and washers holding the lid in place. So while doing it, there were a few that were rusted shut, and can't be taken out. Thus, my boss lent me a hand by climbing up on top of the distillation tank (he is my hero man). Now the interesting part. I have illustrated this "historic moment" for all to enjoy:

I'm sure you guys know what happened next. Yes, I fell in. And the drum was filled with SOLVENTS! (I have no idea what solvent was in it, but it looked very much like paint thinner) My right leg went in first. Then the only thing I remember was "Niama! Don't let solvent touch body and face ah!". So I "threw" myself over the drum and onto the floor fast enough so that only my right leg got soaked. Superman or Sohaiman?

I had to take off my pants, socks and boots at that stage. Why? Because I have no idea what solvent it is, and some solvents cause cancer and some just burn the skin off you. Driving back, I was half expecting all my leg hair to have came off and I would be left with a silky smooth right leg that will put any transsexual to shame. Now I'll have something to say when my lecturer asks "Did anyone of you do anything stupid during your internship?"

Now before I tell my friends, I must think of what they might say, and think of a comeback so as to salvage whatever dignity I still have:

Q : Why didn't you just climb off and take the thingy instead of putting your weight on the drum?
A : Because I was lazy lar. The thingy was like 1m from me and ladder was like 5m from me.

Q : Why la you do something so stupid!
A : It was 10 minutes before knocking off, and I've worked on getting the bolts undone for most of the day. I was tired, hungry and not thinking right. Plus the drum itself told me its lid won't come off.

Q : Eh Yoong Wei, you too fat la. If you lose 20 kg, this won't be a problem
A : Go die la you

Q : What did your boss say?
A : "Take off your pants". Oh yes, I was as shocked as you are when he said that.

So there you go. So how? Was it an accident that could be avoided? Was it because I was clumsy and didn't shift my weight properly? Or was it because I was just plain old stupid? I'll let you judge for yourself.

:: 10:18 PM | Link | E-mail | Comments (5) ::

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