@lordlocotx, preventing legal issues is a broad category.
Read the following threads, and at the very least they might help you to ask more specific questions:
If you are currently working in a shop, ask if the Fire Marshall routinely inspects. The inspectors are probably firemen from your local fire department …but don’t call them with questions. A one-man operation is not likely on their radar, but they may take an interest in a small business if other folks are allowed in the building, such as employees or customers. The Fire Marshall has the legal authority to make you comply with their safety regulations.
It’s ok to call your Department of Revenue for answers about reporting revenue and tax.