Why Can’t You Pump Your Own Gas in Jersey?

You might have noticed that New Jersey is one of the few places in the US where you can’t pump your own gas if you’ve ever driven through it. Instead, a gas station employee will do the pumping for you. Why is this law still being enforced after being in place for so long? The laws of the state include the solution. The Retail Gasoline Dispensing Safety Act, passed by the state of New Jersey in 1949, mandated that gas stations have attendants pump gas for consumers. The law was passed in order to safeguard gas station safety and prevent accidents. Only two states in the US have such a statute, the other being Oregon, and New Jersey is one of them.

However, it goes beyond mere safety. The law also promotes job growth. In addition to pumping gas, gas station employees—often referred to as “station foremen”—are also in charge of other duties. To keep the station operating efficiently, they also check the oil and tire pressure, clean the windows, and do other things.

Depending on the station and the amount of authority granted to them, a station foreman’s duties may change. In addition to managing other attendants and procuring supplies, they might be in charge of processing cash and making deposits. Given that station foremen frequently have to manage huge sums of money and a group of employees, the position calls for a specific level of aptitude and accountability.

Despite its apparent simplicity, operating a gas station can be a complicated business. Gas stations are subject to a number of laws and safety requirements. They must also handle cash and credit card transactions, maintain inventory, and handle customer care issues. It’s crucial for gas station operators to understand their industry and be able to successfully manage their workforce.

Last but not least, have you ever pondered why gas stations include water? It isn’t simply for window washing. In event of a spill or fire, gas stations must keep a supply of water on hand. Before emergency services arrive, the water can be used to assist control a spill or put out a fire.

In conclusion, the regulation in New Jersey mandating attendants at gas stations to pump gas is not simply for safety but also to create jobs. Station foremen are essential to the proper operation of a gas station and have a number of duties. Gas station operators need to have a solid understanding of the sector because it may be a complicated company. And the next time you see water at a petrol station, keep in mind that it serves a crucial safety function in addition to being a means of cleaning.