Is Hydraulic Oil Flammable?
Hydraulic oil can burn, but it doesn’t always behave like what most people think of as a “flammable liquid.” In many cases, standard hydraulic oil won’t ignite easily at room temperature. The real risk shows up when hydraulic systems get hot, hoses age, and leaks create a fine oil mist that can hit a hot engine, exhaust, or other heated surface. In this guide, we’ll break down what “flammable” really means, why high-pressure spray leaks are one of the biggest fire hazards in hydraulic equipment, and what steps you can take to reduce the risk. If you work around hydraulics in any industrial or mobile equipment setting, understanding these basics can help prevent costly damage, downtime, and dangerous fire conditions.