Proper Placement of Fire Extinguishers

Hanging on the Wall

• Many fire extinguishers are kept on the wall, off the floor, so that they aren't kicked over or able to get lost. Fire extinguishes are highly pressurized and a hard impact to a fire extinguisher will cause it to explode, which can be both hazardous and dangerous. So hanging the extinguisher on the wall is a good idea to lessen the chances of it being kicked over, but it must be braced or secured in some way so no one can bump into it and knock it off the wall, as this may cause it to explode. Putting it beside open doors or high traffic areas where people may bump into the wall is also not a great idea, unless it's very well secured.
  
  

Uncovered and Alone

• A fire extinguisher should always be visible in the room it is stored in, whether it is on the wall, on a table or in another secure location. There shouldn't be furniture in front of it, and it should not be hidden behind an open door. In a business, the fire extinguisher should be in a place that is regularly seen and people can subconsciously know where it is at all times, so that if a fire does break out, someone will know where the extinguisher is. In a home, if you don't want a fire extinguisher out on the open on your walls, it should be in a place where it can be easily accessed and close enough to a place where you might need it in your own home, like the fireplace or the kitchen.
  
  

Temperature of Placement

• While fire extinguishers should be placed near places where you might need it, like a kitchen, fireplace or outdoor grill, that doesn't mean it should be placed near the actual heat sort. As mentioned, fire extinguishers are under high pressure. If the metal heats up to much it will explode and be hazardous to anyone in the vicinity. Direct sunlight and heat will also run the pressure of the fire extinguisher down more quickly. So it is best to keep the extinguisher in a cool, dark place.