Is Hydraulic Fluid Toxic? Dangers, Symptoms & How Flat-Face Couplers Prevent Injury

Hydraulic fluids power the machinery and equipment that perform essential work across a wide range of industries. When pressurized, these fluids deliver the force needed to operate attachments for lifting, digging, pushing, pulling, and many other critical functions.

Worker safety is a top priority in every industry, which is why maintaining reliable, leak-free hydraulic connections is essential for preventing serious injuries. High-pressure hydraulic fluid can be hazardous, and exposure to hydraulic fluid may occur during quick coupling or quick release, when changing equipment attachments, during routine maintenance, or from accidental leaks caused by the failure of a quick coupler under pressure.

Workers may be exposed to hydraulic fluid while operating or maintaining hydraulic equipment. Connecting or disconnecting any type of quick coupler carries a risk of fluid leakage; however, using leak-free flat-face hydraulic quick couplers can help reduce this danger. Because different types of exposure can lead to serious health and environmental consequences, proper precautions are essential.

When working with hydraulic machinery and equipment, taking proper precautions is essential, especially during quick-connect and quick-release operations. Typical hydraulic systems operate at temperatures between 120° and 180° F and under varying pressure levels. High-pressure systems can reach pressures of 10,000 psi or even higher. At these temperatures and pressures, hydraulic fluid can cause severe burns, and steel fittings or hydraulic adapters can become extremely hot to the touch.

With over 30 years of experience, EH is a leader in designing hydraulic quick coupler solutions. We focus on providing quick-connect and quick-release products that enhance both safety and efficiency. Our technical support team is available to answer questions, review drawings, and assist you in selecting the right quick coupler products for your operations. Discover our product offerings to see how we've helped customers enhance efficiency, safety, productivity, and overall business performance.

EH is recognized for manufacturing and supplying innovative hydraulic quick coupler solutions. Our development of the flat-face valve in flat-face hydraulic quick couplers has greatly reduced fluid leaks while improving operational efficiency. Our design strictly adheres to the ISO 16028 standard, established in 1999. Both flat-face and threaded flat-face quick couplers help minimize air inclusion, prevent contamination from debris, and reduce environmental pollution.

Flat-face hydraulic quick couplers are proven to minimize or eliminate fluid leaks during quick-connect and quick-release operations, enhancing safety and preventing environmental spills. Our threaded flat-face coupling line includes the popular VEP threaded quick coupler, designed to resist wear in high-pressure impulse applications. 

Many operations that use multiple hydraulic lines at once benefit from multi-coupling plates. These plates allow multiple lines to be connected or disconnected simultaneously with a single lever movement. This simple action not only improves productivity but also enables workers to perform tasks and maintain equipment more efficiently and safely. EH's multi-coupling plate systems have been proven to enhance both safety and operational efficiency.