The elderly, those with reduced mental health capacity, and anyone with mobility and/or sensory impairments. who cannot react appropriately, or quickly enough, to prevent injury are all at risk from hot surfaces.

Individuals who cannot move away from a heat source (ie. hot water pipes, radiators or other forms of space heating devices) quickly enough can sustain serious burns.  This often occurs because they have fallen and are physically unable to move due to their mobility or are trapped by the furniture arrangement.  Incidents often occur in areas where there is not a regular flow of people to raise the alarm, eg in bedrooms (especially during the night), bathrooms, and some lounges.