'Snake Dance' and 'Pop Music'.

 This episode, which had happened years back illustrates the fact that human element will always play a role in any activity.

In a work place there is no dearth for earthly humor as this episode illustrates.

Prof. X, dim-wit, new entrant and man-Friday (mF) for company were discussing about commissioning a pulveriser.  Prof. X said “Boys, let ourselves do the needed works” To emphasize the importance of the work on hand, he gave an extempore lecture on particle surface, surface moisture and his pet theory about anti-caking agents etc. Thus electrified, the team proceeded to put together the mechanical assemblies. If a fastener was short mF ran to the next facility (43 meters) to fetch it. If a gasket was needed again mF ran another 43 meters. Similar exercises were given to him (you see Prof. X liked to handle one issue at a time) to collect a hose, hose clamp, “T” couplers, pressure gauge and flanged sleeves. Like a mule driver, Prof. X made his team to sweat it out.

The time came for a test run (CBM) before inviting a VIP to declare the equipment commissioned. Prof.X looked at his watch and said “Now it is 1130 and by 1200 hrs we will have the 1st dry run”.

At the stroke of noon, the signal was given to open the compressed air supply line to the pulveriser. With a vroom the equipment started the pulverizing action. Elation was painted all over Prof. X’s sizeable face. Dim-wit, New entrant and mF stood close by not to miss the excitement.

Five minutes passed without any hiccup. Suddenly, there was a whoosh and out came the temporarily tethered air supply hose – rearing like the hood of an enraged king cobra.

Exactly at that instant, Mr. Strict (safety officer) entered the scene, took in the details and left in a hurry.

Ten minutes later, Prof. X and Dim-wit were subjected to a verbal grinding and could barely escape with their professional integrity intact. “Pop” music was still ringing in their ear drums.

[The narrative though set in a specific environment, could have taken place in a Fine-Chemical's manufacturing unit. This setting helps the reader spin their own yarn :)]