Free Wi-Fi at Puma in Windhoek
Puma Energy Namibia has announced that the implementation of free Wi-Fi for its customers is being completed at 10 filling stations in Windhoek, with the last three to happen towards the end of this week.The use of cellphones at these sites will be subject to strict safety rules as Puma is committed to protecting both its customers and employees, it said.
According to general manager Adell Samuelson, the company is planning to extend free Wi-Fi to about 90% of Puma sites throughout the country. However, she advised cellphone users to exit their vehicles and move away from the forecourt during the fuelling process. Signs prohibiting the use of cellphones near filling pumps have been put up at all filling stations.
According to the provisions of Namibia’s Petroleum Act, no one is allowed to receive or make a call or text on cellphones or any other electronic apparatus within two metres from a dispensing pump or any other petroleum supply point. When fuel is dispensed from a fuel tanker into an underground storage tank, the user of a cellphone or any electronic equipment should be at least 15 metres away from the process. Any person who contravenes or fails to comply with any provisions of the regulation shall be guilty of an offence.
Safety is Puma's top priority, the company said. "All mobiles and wireless devices transmit and receive electromagnetic waves. These electromagnetic waves can induce current and generate an electric spark in metal conductors. This can be hazardous near a fuel pump. Radio waves emitted by phones, while unlikely to directly ignite fumes, can potentially interfere with sensitive equipment at fuel stations. This could lead to pump malfunctions or inaccurate readings," the fuel supplier warned.
Bank point-of-sale (POS) devices are certified as essentially safe for use in hazardous environments, so vehicle owners can pay for fuel transactions by credit or debit card on the forecourt. Regular cellphones do not have this safety certification, Puma explained.