After logging in to SDS Mobile™, you are taken directly to the Search SDS screen. This is where you can search the KHA database for the safety data sheet of any commercial chemical product.
Free and full access — Both text search and barcode scanning are available on the free version of SDS Mobile™.
SDS search requires an active Wi-Fi or cellular connection. If you are offline, use Offline Mode to search SDS sheets you have already downloaded to your device.
If you would prefer to watch the video tutorial on our YouTube channel, you can do so by following this link.
There are two ways to search for an SDS within the app.
Text Search
The search bar is at the top of the home screen when you open SDS Mobile™. Tap it to bring up your keyboard and begin typing.
Type your search term into the search bar.
Tap the Search key on your keyboard to run the search.
iPhone (iOS) | Android |
The keyboard shows a blue Search key in the bottom-right corner. Tap it to run the search. | The keyboard shows a magnifying glass icon in the bottom-right corner or Search key. Tap it to run the search. |
Important: The app does not search automatically as you type. You must tap the Search key on your keyboard to trigger the search.
Search tips
Search by | When to use it |
Product name | Most specific results. Use the exact product name as it appears on the label. Example: “WD-40 Multi-Use Product” |
Manufacturer name | Useful when you don’t know the exact product name. Example: “3M” or “Rust-Oleum” returns all SDS for that manufacturer. |
Generic chemical term | Returns many results. Use when you know the chemical type but not the brand. Example: “paint thinner” or “acetone.” Scroll results to find your product. |
Tip: If your first search returns no results, try a shorter or simpler version of the product name, or search by manufacturer name alone. Avoid punctuation and special characters in your search term.
Searching Within a Binder Location
The Search SDS screen includes a binder dropdown menu that controls what the search looks through. Its default setting depends on your account type:
Full-access users can also tap the dropdown and select any specific binder location in their hierarchy to narrow results to that area. Free users can only search the full KHA database and cannot save SDS sheets to binders.
When searching within a specific binder, results from that binder appear alongside KHA database results. A black star icon (★) next to a result indicates that SDS is saved within your selected binder location.
Dropdown setting | Who sees it / What it searches |
KHA Database (free default) | Default for free-tier users. Searches the full KHA database only. Free users cannot save SDS to binders or search within binder locations. |
Master binder (full access default) | Default for full-access users. The Master binder is the top-level binder in your company’s hierarchy and contains all SDS across all locations. Results show both your binder contents and the full KHA database. A black star icon (★) marks SDS that are saved within your binder. |
A specific binder location (full access) | Narrows results to a job site, storage area, or other specific location. Results show both that binder’s contents and the KHA database. A black star icon (★) marks SDS saved in that location. |
Tip: On a large job site or in a facility with multiple storage areas, select the binder for the location you’re working in. The black star icon (★) makes it easy to see at a glance which SDS are already assigned to that area.
UPC Barcode Search
The barcode scanner is the fastest way to find an SDS when you have the product container in hand. Tap the barcode icon next to the search bar to open the scanner, then point your camera at the UPC barcode.
Result | What happens |
Match found | The SDS for that product appears immediately in the results. Tap it to open the full SDS. |
No match found | The app prompts you to take photos of the product and submit them to KHA. Our team will source the SDS and add it to the database. |
Product has no barcode | Tap the No Barcode button on the scanner screen. This bypasses the UPC scan and takes you directly to the photo submission screen. |
Tip: Barcode scanning works best in good lighting with the full barcode visible and in focus. If the scan fails, try moving to better light or searching by product name instead.
If your search returns no results at all, see the SDS Not Found — What to Do article for next steps including how to request a missing SDS.