Caught You Melt-Handed

(A coworker and a trainee are opening a pipe which is supposed to have been emptied after containing hazardous waste. After loosening a clamp that holds the pipe together, liquid starts leaking out. My coworker realizes the pipe is still full of hazardous waste. Note that we all wear nitrile gloves while working.)

Coworker: “Wait here while I go ask the supervisor what he wants us to do. Don’t touch that clamp and don’t let anyone else touch it.”

Trainee: “Okay.”

(My coworker leaves and then returns. Upon returning, he sees that the clamp is off and all of the liquid has spilled out.)

Coworker: “I told you not to touch it!”

Trainee: “I didn’t touch it!”

Coworker: “I know you touched it.”

Trainee: “How?”

Coworker: “Your gloves are melting off your hands.”