Mauldin, SC – Several employees were forced to evacuate an Upstate business warehouse Thursday morning.
Mauldin Fire Chief Russell Sapp said that workers at C.F. Sauer Company on North Main Street were using a forklift as usual, but the building had been shut up tighter than usual on Wednesday so the heat could be turned on.Because of that, the forklift caused increased carbon monoxide levels.
A human resources person who happened to be in the building noticed something unusual in the air, and called the fire department.
Once firefighters checked the building, they evacuated 12-15 employees.They placed fans in the doorways to clear out the fumes.
One employee was transported to the hospital with elevated carbon monoxide in their system.
Sapp said it is a reminder that the same thing can happen in homes if there is a problem with any fuel-burning heater, or even a faulty flue on a gas fireplace.He recommends that every home have a carbon monoxide detector installed as a precaution.
C.F. Sauer Co., which celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012, makes extracts, flavorings and spices. The privately owned company also sells mayonnaise, salad dressings, margarine and cooking oils under a variety of brand names, including Duke’s, Sauer’s, Gold Medal, Bama and Mrs. Filbert’s.