Propane tank leak results in $3,750 fine

The leak forced evacuation of the Timken Company's Gaffney Bearing Plant.

A Wisconsin maintenance company was slapped with a fine when at least 6,000 gallons of propane leaked from a tank at The Timken Company's Gaffney Bearing Plant in Gaffney last month.

The state office of Occupational Safety and Health Agency cited and fined Johnson Control of Milwaukee $3,750 for failing to lock a valve in the propane pipeline.

Mark Propst, The Timken Company plant manager, said OSHA issued no fine to The Timken Company.

Propst said the fines were issued to "other parties involved in the operation."

State OSHA officials completed their report two weeks ago, he added.

Twenty-four plant employees were taken to Upstate Carolina Medical Center after the propane leak occurred at the plant May 3.

Persons transported to the hospital complained of difficulty breathing, dizziness and nausea.

All of the employees were treated and released.