UKAS slip testing for
supermarkets.

Why supermarkets commission UKAS accredited slip testing

Supermarkets are one of the most-claimed-against sectors in UK slip litigation. The combination of heavy footfall, wet-weather entrance contamination, freezer-door condensation and spillage events on the main sales floor produces a consistent claim profile that insurers price aggressively. A UKAS accredited baseline, refreshed periodically, is the single most cost-effective claims-defence measure a supermarket operator can take.

Specific issues we see in supermarkets

• Entrance transition zones. The 2-metre band inside the entrance where customers walk from wet outdoor paving onto interior floor. Undersized matting here causes a disproportionate share of claims.
• Produce aisles. Water misting systems and dropped produce create intermittent wet contamination. Testing should represent both dry and wet conditions.
• Freezer compartment fronts. Condensation from open freezer doors can cause very localised wet PTV failures. Defrost-cycle conditions need specific testing.
• Checkout approach zones. Dropped items, spilled drinks, wet umbrellas — all concentrate in the last few metres before the till.

Which standards apply

Testing to BS EN 16165 Annex C with water contamination, supplemented where appropriate with representative contaminants. Interpretation against the HSE PTV 36 threshold and UKSRG Guidelines Issue 6.

What you get

• UKAS accredited pendulum test report (Lab 7933)
• PTV results for every test location, dry and wet
• Interpretation against BS EN 16165 and UKSRG benchmarks
• Photographic record of test locations
• Measurement uncertainty statements (required for admissibility)
• 5 working day turnaround from site visit to report

Common questions

A customer has claimed after slipping — how urgent is this?

Post-incident testing should ideally happen within days, before the claim gains momentum and before the surface condition changes. Call 020 8246 5562 and we will prioritise your case.

Do we need to close during testing?

Normally no. Testing is discrete and uses small amounts of water contained to the test area. Most supermarket surveys run during trading hours without any customer disruption.

We have 200 stores — how do you approach multi-site work?

Large supermarket estate audits are typically scheduled in geographic batches of 5-10 stores per visit. A 200-site estate audit is realistic across 12-18 months at 15-20 stores per month.

What happens if a test fails?

The report identifies the specific failure location and quantifies the PTV shortfall. Remediation options depend on the cause: matting extension, cleaning regime change, surface treatment, or full replacement. We issue the evidence; we do not sell remediation.