Learn open a gas station in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania gas stations provide a easy way to make money, because cars always need gas. The biggest challenge is the process involved in opening a gas station in Pennsylvania. Unlike a typical small business, a gas station business also involves continuous environmental inspections to ensure compliance with Pennsylvania state laws. Moreover, the initial business costs can be high. Nonetheless, with enough determination and special attention to detail, anyone can open a Pennsylvania gas station, despite expensive startup costs.
Instructions
1. Get financed or raise capital. It costs a significant amount of money to purchase or build a gas station in Pennsylvania. Price depends on the location of the gas station and the manner in which the gas station will operate. The two types of operating models for gas stations are franchises and independent operations.
2. Select a location in Pennsylvania. The cities with the top three largest populations in Pennsylvania are Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Allentown. These areas provide the most opportunities to find high-traffic areas to generate profits. As a result, most gas stations are concentrated in these areas. However, consider opening a gas station in rural Pennsylvania areas, since these areas usually receive high traffic from out-of-area shoppers.
3. Research local rules and regulations. Each Pennsylvania city has different rules, regulations and tax codes that can affect the price of opening a gas station, aside from Pennsylvania state laws.
4. Ensure compliance with state regulations. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry requires strict adherence to the Combustible and Flammable Liquids Act, which regulates businesses that manage gasoline. This act requires special color coding for gas storage tanks, safety standards for gas nozzles, emergency controls, and the presence of a gas attendant at any gas station open to the public. Before opening a gas station, ensure all gas pumps and gas tanks meet state compliance regulations.
5. Examine gas storage options. Gas station operators must follow Title 37 of the Pennsylvania Code, which refers to the state storage policies of the gasoline. Pennsylvania gas stations must use special gas tanks and ventilation systems for their gas pumping systems. Special labels must be placed on gas canister tanks. The Pennsylvania gas tank container requirement is also dependent on the location of the gas station. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation defines the limits of the property boundaries where gas storage tanks may be stored.
6. Create a safety hazard plan and provide consumer warning labels. Since gas is flammable, a gas station operation should maintain a safety plan for the benefit of employees and customers in the event of an emergency. The plan should encompass an automatic shut-off feature for gas spills, fire extinguishers, and a method of quickly contacting the fire department. In addition, gas stations tend to be targets for robberies. Investing in bright lights and enclosed attendant windows will help foster a sense of safety that can help attract more business to your station.
7. Obtain a permit from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry. The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry grants gas station operators a permit to open for business following a safety inspection and approval for the gas station to store and handle gas. Failure to obtain this permit can result in an initial fine of $500 and subsequent fines of $1,000 for each additional violation of the Combustible and Flammable Liquids Act.
8. Establish an employee schedule and a timeline for business grand opening. A Pennsylvania gas station may not be open to the public without an attendant present. You will need to hire reliable staff to work full-time or part-time, unless you will function as the employee of your station. You will also need to report your hours of operation to the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
Tags: Pennsylvania Department, Department Labor, Department Labor Industry, Labor Industry, opening station, Pennsylvania Department Labor