GUIDELINES FOR THE HANDLING OF CREMATED REMAINS

Transcription

1 GUIDELINES FOR THE HANDLING OF CREMATED REMAINS First Published May 2004 Revised June 2009

2 Page 1. Introduction The Cremation Process Community Expectations These Guidelines Procedures Manual to be prepared by Crematorium Authority The Legal Status of Cremated Remains Coffin Constructions ACCA s expectations of its members Industry Endorsment Procedure for Cremation Receival of the body at the crematorium Security of the body prior to cremation Preparing for the Cremation Identification of the body during the cremation process Each body to be cremated separately Cremating the body of an infant or young child Removing Cremated Remains from the cremator Preparing, processing and storage of cremated remains Preparation of cremated remains Packaging of cremated remains Clear identification Storage of the cremated remains at crematorium or Funeral Director s premises Authorised instructions of the distribution of cremated remains Holding arrangements for cremated remains Legal authority to give instructions concerning cremated remains Correspondence with authorised person Timing of correspondence Handover of cremated remains Unclaimed cremated remains Memorialisation or dispersal of cremated remains Memorialisation Tenure on Memorials Interment of cremated remains in a grave Interment or strewing of cremated remains without a memorial Attendance of mourners at the placement or dispersal of cremated remains Health and safety considerations for crematorium staff Staff training The contents of coffins delivered for cremation Radiation Safety during cremation Safety during preparation of cremated remains Further Information

3 1. INTRODUCTION: 1.1 The Cremation Process The process of cremation is the reduction, by the application of heat, of the body of a deceased person and of the coffin in which it is enclosed to their non-combustible residue, being the cremated remains. 1.2 Community Expectations It is expected by the community that the cremation of the body of a deceased person, and the subsequent handling of the cremated remains, will proceed soon after the body is received for cremation in a considered and respectful manner so as to: maintain the dignity of the deceased person at all times; and ensure only the correct and appropriately identified cremated remains are produced for distribution, in accordance with correctly authorised instructions. The complete procedure must be capable of satisfying public scrutiny, with the crematorium authority (whether it be a public authority or a private enterprise) providing full disclosure of practices and procedures when responding to enquiries. 1.3 These Guidelines The Australian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association (ACCA) has developed these Guidelines to provide general direction to its member crematorium and cemetery authorities as to accepted standards of industry practice concerning the cremation process and the handling of the subsequent cremated remains. By preparing these Guidelines ACCA demonstrates a pro-active approach to self-regulation within the industry, having regard to community expectations. 1.4 Procedures manual to be prepared by Crematorium Authority Each crematorium authority should prepare a detailed manual of written instructions which describe legislative requirements and the exact manner in which their staff are required to perform all their duties concerning the cremation process and the handling of the subsequent cremated remains. These instructions should address health and safety issues for the staff involved and the performance standard required of its staff members. 3

4 The procedures manual should give particular emphasis to accurate identification of the deceased and the cremated remains throughout the process, so it may be demonstrated at any stage that the body or the resultant cremated remains are those of the correctly nominated person. Such written instructions should be used as the basis for training all relevant staff. These instructions should be subject to input from staff and regular review. 1.5 The Legal Status of Cremated Remains The legal status of cremated remains differs between the various States and Territories of Australia, and each crematorium and cemetery authority should be aware of such status as it applies in their area. Depending on the State or Territory, cremated remains may not have legal status and may be excluded from the definition of human remains. Whereas the body of a deceased person which is intended for burial may be required by legislation to be buried in a cemetery (and not on private land), a similar requirement might not apply to cremated remains. 1.6 Coffin Construction A crematorium authority will not accept for cremation any coffin which is not constructed principally of timber and/or wood derivatives, or other approved materials, so as to be both: satisfactory to relevant Health and Environment Protection agencies; and combustible to the satisfaction of the crematorium authority. Any coffin constructed of metal or having a metal or glass internal liner, or other metal insert, is not acceptable for cremation. See ACCA Policy: Use of Cardboard Coffins for Cremation See ACCA Guideline: Environmental Guidelines for Crematoria & Cremations. 1.7 ACCA s Expectations of its Members Subject to relevant legislation, ACCA expects its member cemetery and crematorium authorities to operate generally in accordance with these Guidelines, for reasons of: sound professional practice; ethical and community responsibilities; and assisting community understanding through the application of similar procedures. 4

5 1.8 Industry Endorsement The Australian Funeral Directors Association was consulted during the development of these Guidelines. 2. PROCEDURE FOR CREMATION 2.1 Receival of the body at the crematorium At the time of delivery of each body at the crematorium, or associated chapel, and prior to formally receiving it for cremation, the staff of the crematorium authority should (in accordance with legislative requirements and the written instructions of the crematorium authority); check the authorisation and completeness of the accompanying documentation, which may include a certificate of identification of the body; and determine whether the body can be received for cremation; and (assuming the body is received for cremation) allocate a unique cremation number and process the documentation. See ACCA Guideline: Guidelines on the Contents of Coffins Delivered for Cremation. 2.2 Security of the body prior to cremation After having been officially received for cremation, appropriate security must be maintained over the coffin and body contained therein, in accordance with the written instructions of the crematorium authority. Such instructions should recognise that, at any one time, there may be a number of coffins at the crematorium, one or more of which may be awaiting a chapel service prior to cremation. Coffins should not be opened by crematorium staff. If the person who authorised the cremation requests that the coffin be opened after it has been accepted by the crematorium authority, the relevant Funeral Director should be contacted. The crematorium authority may have a policy of requiring the coffin to be taken back to the Funeral Director s premises for such opening, following which it should be promptly represented to the crematorium authority. 5

6 2.3 Preparing for the Cremation If required by law, or approval is given in the written instructions of the crematorium authority, the nameplate and non-combustible (metal) handles may be removed from the coffin after it has been placed on the cremator charging bier. When the nameplate is removed it is then available to be used to identify the cremated remains at each stage of the process through to packaging. Non-combustible handles or other fittings, if removed prior to cremation as required by State law and/or the crematorium authority, should subsequently be mutilated and buried at a discreet location on the crematorium property, in accordance with the written instructions of the crematorium authority. 2.4 Identification of the body during the cremation process It is imperative that the body and the subsequent remains must be correctly identified throughout the cremation process, by a method such as: the coffin nameplate, code, tag or other form of identification (if removed from the coffin as in 2.3 above) being placed in a keeper on an external panel of the cremator so as to indicate in which compartment the relevant remains are located at that time, or a non-combustible metal tag or disc, stamped with a unique number previously registered on the cremation documentation of the deceased, accompanying the coffin and body into the cremator. 2.5 Each body to be cremated separately Each body should be cremated separately. Any exceptions require prior written approval from the crematorium authority. Examples of possible requests for exceptions might be in the case of the bodies of: two children of the same family who died at the same time; or both a mother and her baby who died at childbirth; or a parent and a very young child (less than 5 year old) who died at the same time. Under no circumstances should cremated remains in the main chamber be disturbed until their reduction is complete, and the hearth is being raked. A modern cremator may have one or two chambers. In two chambered models the cremated remains may be transferred to the secondary (lower) chamber by being raked to an opening in the main chamber as part of the cooling procedure. 6

7 Where the secondary chamber is above the main chamber the remains are raked into a sump. It is appropriate that, provided they are each clearly identified and kept separate at all times, the remains of one body may be in the main chamber while the remains of another body are in the lower chamber or sump. Only when final calcination is complete (that is when there is no combustible material left and the last flicker of flame has died out) should the remains be raked down and moved from the cremator. 2.6 Cremating the Body of an Infant or Young Child When cremating the body of a still-born baby (premature or full term) or young child, care should be taken to ensure that the temperature of the furnace is in the lower range. A confining tray or similar may be used to assist with the collection of the remains. 2.7 Removing Cremated Remains from the Cremator Care should be taken to ensure the maximum amount of recoverable remains is transferred through each stage of the cremator, and then into the cooling tray. As previously stated, it is imperative that the correct identification (whether by nameplate, code, tag or other form of identification outside the cremator, or numbered tag inside the cremator) should accompany the remains through all stages of this procedure. After the remains in the cooling tray have cooled sufficiently, the tray and its contents may be removed away from the cremator if accompanied by the relevant identification (whether by nameplate, code, tag or other form of identification, taking care to ensure a plastic nameplate does not melt). 3. PREPARATION, PROCESSING AND STORAGE OF CREMATED REMAINS: 3.1 Preparation of Cremated Remains It is usual procedure for the cremated remains recovered from the cremator to be processed to a granular or powder form. Equipment used to process the remains should be well maintained, presented and positioned. Dust should be kept to a minimum, by means of a proprietary installed dust extraction system. 7

8 Before the cooled cremated remains are transferred into the processor, the practice should include: removing any metal items from the cremated remains, using a magnet or other appropriate method. Such items may include screws and pins from the coffin construction, or surgical implants which were in the body (hip joints, pins and screws etc.); and checking that the processor has been emptied of previous remains. When the cremated remains are transferred into the processor it is important to relocate the identification (nameplate, code, tag or other form of identification) from the cooling tray to the keeper on the outside of the processor, or similar. The dust extraction system must be operating during all transfers of the cremated remains. All separated metal items should be buried at a discreet location on the crematorium property, in accordance with the written instructions of the crematorium authority. The salvaging of any items should be prohibited. 3.2 Packaging of Cremated Remains The crematorium authority should package the total volume of recoverable cremated remains into an appropriate container of adequate capacity. The volume of cremated remains will vary depending on the physical structure of the deceased and the extent of the processing of the remains. If the crematorium authority makes available for memorialisation or collection less than the total volume of recoverable cremated remains, this fact should be communicated in writing to the person authorising the cremation and/or the person arranging the memorial or collection before any of those remains are otherwise dispersed. An example of a procedure to package the cremated remains is: an empty cremated remains container, pre-engraved or indelibly marked on the outside with crematorium identification and the relevant cremation number, may be fitted internally with a plastic liner so that the neck of the liner protrudes outwards through the opening; the processed cremated remains are taken from the processor and poured, with the assistance of a funnel, into the container. If a plastic liner has been used, its neck is tied off with tape. Shredded paper may then be packed into any free space inside the container, to prevent movement of the cremated remains. the stopper is placed into the opening on the end of the container, and a pre-gummed label (bearing details of the crematorium and the cremation number together with the deceased s name, date of death and date of cremation) is placed over the stopper to seal it in position; 8

9 this sealed container may be placed inside additional protective packaging, in which case the correct identification details should first be endorsed on the exterior of such packaging. At the completion of packaging, the identification (nameplate, code, tag or other form of identification) used during the cremation may be dispensed with in accordance with the written instructions of the crematorium authority. 3.3 Clear Identification Clear and correct identification is important so that it may be demonstrated at any time that the cremated remains are those of the deceased concerned, and are labelled accordingly. The client, funeral director or community at large must be assured that through the storage procedure and recording systems, cremated remains are safely and caringly processed and held awaiting instructions. Examples of options for identification include: a label attached to the container with the cremation number and the name of the deceased; the code or name details engraved into or indelibly marked upon the cremated remains container or inscribed on an item of durable material placed within the container so that in the event of labels being removed, or if exhuming the container, identification will still be possible. 3.4 Storage of the cremated remains at the Crematorium or Funeral Director s premises The packaged cremated remains should be transferred to a lockable storage area in a fire resistant environment, with a recommended minimum one hour fire rating, and placed on shelves in a chronological, alphabetical or other efficient sequence so that they can be easily identified when the time comes for them to be transferred. The relevant details should be entered into a register and the cremated remains protected from unauthorised removal from storage, in accordance with the written instructions of the crematorium authority. In the event that Funeral Directors are required to store cremated remains that are awaiting collection by a client, it is recommended they apply similar safeguards. 9

10 4. AUTHORISED INSTRUCTIONS OF THE DISTRIBUTION OF CREMATED REMAINS: 4.1 Holding arrangements for cremated remains It is reasonable that the crematorium authority should retain cremated remains in safe storage for some months awaiting instructions from the authorised person for dispersal, memorialisation, collection or transfer to another location. It is important that funeral directors and the community are aware of timeframes and that there is flexibility in facilitating an extension of time in special circumstances. 4.2 Legal authority to give instructions concerning cremated remains Legislation governing the authority over cremated remains differs between the States and Territories of Australia, and each crematorium authority should be aware of the situation as it applies in their area. Depending on the State or Territory such authority may be held by the person ("the authorised person") who authorised the cremation, or the executor of the deceased estate, or other party. The crematorium authority should seek written instructions from the authorised person concerning distribution of the cremated remains. These instructions may have been included on the Order for Cremation. If not, it is reasonable that the crematorium authority forwards correspondence seeking such instructions direct to the authorised person. 4.3 Correspondence with authorised person Correspondence from the crematorium authority should explain the range of options available concerning the cremated remains, including their availability for collection or other receival by the authorised person or representative, and it should not appear that there is no alternative to a memorial purchased from the crematorium authority. If cremated remains have been properly claimed by the authorised person, or representative appointed in writing, that person is able to deal with the cremated remains in any way which does not breach the relevant legislation or cause public offence. 4.4 Timing of Correspondence Typically the first letter with memorial and other options and a schedule of fees will be sent soon after the cremation. This will provide information necessary for the authorised person to make an informed decision at a time convenient to that person. 10

11 A second or reminder letter may be sent two or more months after the first letter and would typically indicate that storage has been maintained for a reasonable time and instructions on the future of cremated remains are now requested. Often the crematorium authority will indicate at this time that if no instructions are received within, say, two months or an extension of storage arrangements requested and approved, then the cremated remains will be disposed of or otherwise dealt with according to law, without further notice. It is important that the timeframe of correspondence supports the crematorium authority s policy for holding cremated remains. 4.5 Hand over of Cremated Remains If acting in accordance with the written instructions of the authorised person (or of a representative acting with the written authority of the authorised person), the crematorium authority may hand over the cremated remains. The identification of the proposed recipient should first be verified to the satisfaction of the crematorium authority, and a signed receipt obtained for the cremated remains. The appropriate signed entry should be made in the register (Refer to Item 3.4 "Storage") of cremated remains at the crematorium, and relevant details added to the authority's database which may be in either written or electronic format. If the cremated remains are handed over to a funeral director, responsibility for finalisation of arrangements for the remains transfers to the Funeral Director. In this situation the crematorium authority may forward information concerning memorialisation options to the authorised person, including confirmation that the cremated remains have recently been handed over to the funeral director as instructed. 4.6 Unclaimed Cremated Remains In cases where it becomes apparent the authorised person does not wish to collect the cremated remains or arrange any memorial, the crematorium authority should have a clear policy regarding placement of the remains and this policy should be available to Funeral Directors and the community. If some months after the cremation the authorised person has not provided the crematorium authority with written instructions concerning the cremated remains, despite a number of letters being forwarded to the authorised person, the crematorium authority may determine to dispose of the cremated remains if this is in accordance with the authority's own written policy, instructions to staff and relevant legislation. 11

12 If the crematorium authority does have such a policy it is recommended this be brought to the attention of the authorised person in writing at the time of arranging the cremation. Should a Funeral Director or other authorised recipient wish to be relieved of the responsibility of storing cremated remains at least six months after the cremation, the person who authorised storage should be invited to claim the cremated remains from their holder within a stipulated time, and advised that if not collected the cremated remains will be returned to the crematorium authority. The crematorium authority should subsequently forward a letter to the authorised person giving a final notice of intention to disperse the remains unless instructions satisfactory to the authority are received within one month. 5. MEMORIALISATION OR DISPERSAL OF CREMATED REMAINS: 5.1 Memorialisation It is usual for the crematorium or cemetery authority to offer a range of memorialisation options, principally located in memorial gardens on property administered by the authority. This range may include niche walls with individual or companion positions; garden niches, being positions where the cremated remains are interred around the border of a garden bed or at individual features in the garden, with fixing available for a memorial plaque; individual trees, shrubs and other features; an entry in a Book of Remembrance which is kept on public display in a building. Such an entry may be arranged in addition to a more traditional memorial, or if the remains are to be interred or strewn. 5.2 Tenure on Memorials Cremated remains placed at memorials may be subject to renewable tenure. This means that the authorised person may arrange for the remains to be in position for a definite time, rather than indefinitely (in perpetuity). Renewable tenure periods may range up to 50 years, depending on the policy of the crematorium authority or cemetery. Note: Tenure duration may be referred to in relevant State or Territory legislation. 12

13 It is important that, at the time of arranging the limited tenure cremation memorial, the authorised person signs and is given a copy of an agreement with the crematorium authority which clearly states: the term of the tenure; and alternatives available concerning the cremated remains at the end of the tenure; and that the authorised person will keep the authority advised of any changes in their name or address, for the purpose of future contact. Renewable tenure is usually not applied to entries in the Book of Remembrance. 5.3 Interment of Cremated Remains in a Grave Subject to the approval of the holder of the Right of Burial first being obtained, cremated remains may be interred in an existing family grave in a cemetery. Care should be taken to position the cremated remains so that, if practical, they need not be disturbed if the grave is subsequently reopened to permit another burial. 5.4 Interment or strewing of cremated remains without a memorial The interment or strewing of cremated remains, which are to have no memorial, must always be carried out with respect for the dignity of the deceased, in accordance with relevant legislation and the written instructions of the crematorium authority. It is desirable that an appropriately dressed member of staff is assigned for this task. Strewing of cremated remains may take place in a memorial garden, bush land area, or informal lawn areas. If so, the surface where this occurs should be strewn lightly with remains and the area subsequently top-dressed with a light covering of fine soil. 5.5 Attendance of mourners at the placement or dispersal of cremated remains Family members and other mourners may wish to make an appointment to be present when the cremated remains are placed at a memorial, interred or strewn as instructed by the authorised person. They may wish to be accompanied by clergy or a civil celebrant, and conduct a short service of remembrance. 13

14 An appropriately dressed member of staff should attend, to ensure the cremated remains are correctly positioned. The crematorium authority may consider it appropriate to charge an additional fee to cover the additional time and expense required to prepare for and participate in such arrangement. 6. HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS FOR CREMATORIUM STAFF 6.1 Staff Training When selecting staff to work in a crematorium and handle cremated remains, the crematorium authority should have regard to the ability of individual personnel to perform the required duties in a dignified and sensitive manner. The crematorium authority should prepare a detailed manual of written instructions which describe legislative requirements and the exact manner in which their staff are required to perform all their duties concerning the cremation process and the handling of the subsequent cremated remains. Such written instructions should address health and safety issues, performance standards, and be used as the basis for training all relevant staff. These instructions should be subject to input from staff and regular review. 6.2 The Contents of Coffins delivered for Cremation Staff of the crematorium authority are usually unaware of the precise contents of a coffin delivered for cremation, as the lid remains closed in accordance with Section Having respect for the privacy of the deceased person, staff of the crematorium authority must not open the coffin prior to cremation. Particular items in the coffin with the body of the deceased may, when subjected to heat, upon combustion, generate temperatures, emissions or residues which are unacceptable to the crematorium authority or the relevant Environmental Protection Agency, explode (examples being: electronic implants in the body, or sealed containers of liquid) or otherwise compromise the health and safety of crematorium staff. See ACCA Guideline: The contents of coffins delivered for Cremation. This Guideline should be promoted by the crematorium authority and brought to the attention of Funeral Directors and others involved in the cremation process. 14

15 6.3 Radiation Minute amounts of radiation emanating from the cremated remains of a person who was treated with strontium -89 (a pain relief treatment for certain types of cancer) may constitute a potential safety hazard. See ACCA Policy: Radiopharmaceuticals 6.4 Safety during cremation Unless the cremation furnace is fitted with an inspection glass, no other visual inspection of the cremation by authorised staff through either the charge or rake doors in automated (computer controlled) cremators is possible. Staff involved in raking the remains from the furnace hearth, and removing the cooled cremated remains, must be provided with adequate protective clothing and equipment. 6.5 Safety during preparation of cremated remains The area used for preparation and packaging of cremated remains should be kept tidy and free from dust. A properly installed dust extraction system should be available in the preparation area. Staff who work in this area must be provided with adequate protective clothing and equipment including latex gloves and breathing masks. 15

16 7. FURTHER INFORMATION Cemetery and crematoria authorities who are members of ACCA are able to provide further information on these guidelines and associated matters. Similarly, the Head office of ACCA is available to assist organisations and individuals seeking further detail or contacts. The Guidelines for the will be reviewed regularly, to reflect changes in practices and legislation. Please direct comments in relation to the Guideline to the Head office of ACCA. Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association Suite North Bell Street PRESTON Vic 3072 Telephone: Fax: admin@accaweb.com.au 16