Using the programme MET® for the PocketPC, you can rapidly access information concerning a substance or assess a hazard. You therefore have to be able to find the substance that you are searching for as effectively as possible.

The dialogue ‘MET- search’ in the programme has been provided for this purpose. In the dialogue at the top, you will be able to see the input area allocated for the identification of a substance. To the right of this you will see the ‘search’ box and underneath it you will find a list of substances that have been retrieved. You can then click one of the substances that has been found in this list and using the box ‘select,’ you can instruct the programme to download this substance from the database. 

You can do the following in the input area:

	.. type in the UN Nr. whereby an area showing 10 UN numbers will automatically be displayed in the list of results while typing. What is also especially convenient is that not only are the retrieved UN numbers displayed, but also the substance name itself appears in brackets.
	..alternatively, you can also enter the substance name. The programme in turn continually displays the substances found while you are typing. The advantage of this method is that you only have to enter as many letters as is necessary.
	.. enter a part of the substance name and activate the ‘search’ button. The programme then lists the hits found in the shortlist (picture, right). This form of entry is suitable e.g. when you wish to find an ‘oxide’.

Have you written the substance names incorrectly whilst in a hurry? No problem: in many cases, the programme shows you similar substance names. For example if you enter ‘Sulpur’ and press the ‘search’ button, you will obtain the following picture:

Although ‘sulpur’ was entered, the name ‘sulphur’ or ‘sulphur dioxide’ was nevertheless found. Just practical.

Once you have found the desired substance name, click it and press the ‘select’ button. The programme will then display the next dialogue:

Tour Step 2: NFPA Hazard Diamond