2026
The cremation of a human body is a significant and often deeply emotional occasion for those taking part in the service. This must never be forgotten
by crematorium staff, who must work together to create and maintain a dignified, respectful, inclusive and professional atmosphere throughout all
proceedings.
Great care must be taken in appointing members of crematorium staff who act with compassion, professionalism and respect, and who uphold the
standards expected within a modern bereavement service. All staff employed in the operation of cremators must be appropriately trained, competent
and compliant with all current technical, ethical, health and safety, environmental and legal requirements. Ongoing professional development should
be encouraged for all employees.
A coffin or container and its contents brought to the crematorium, whether for a service prior to cremation, an unattended cremation, or a service prior
to burial, shall be received through a designated entrance. Reception arrangements must preserve dignity, privacy and respect of the deceased.
If the coffin or container is to be cremated, it shall be transferred appropriately to the crematory. If the service is not to take place immediately, it
shall be placed on the catafalque or moved to secure and sanitary holding facilities within the building. If the coffin is to be removed following a
service prior to burial, suitable arrangements shall be made for dignified removal.
A body shall not be removed from the crematorium after the Service of Committal except for a lawful purpose.
Subject to receipt of the necessary authority to cremate, the coffin or container and its contents shall be placed into the cremator exactly as received
and as soon as practicable. Where cremation does not take place on the same day, retention must be with appropriate authority and in circumstances
deemed necessary by the Cremation Authority, including operational, environmental or exceptional circumstances. All bodies retained at the
crematorium must be accommodated in secure, sanitary and respectful conditions.
Once placed in the cremator, the coffin or container and its contents shall not be interfered with until the cremation process is complete. On
completion, all recoverable cremated remains, excluding metals and materials removed in accordance with process requirements, shall be collected
and dealt with in accordance with the applicant’s instructions and current legislation.
No coffin or container shall be accepted unless it bears adequate particulars confirming the identity of the deceased person contained therein. If
encased, both the outer cover and inner coffin must bear appropriate identification.
Every care must be taken to ensure correct identification throughout all proceedings, from reception at the crematorium to the final disposal or release
of the cremated remains. Robust tracking and recording systems, including digital systems where used, should be maintained.
Each deceased person given to the care of the Cremation Authority shall be cremated separately. Exceptions may be made, for example in the case of
parent and child, or siblings, where the applicant has made a specific request and where permitted by law and local policy.
Where a reusable cover or other approved reusable product is used, informed authority must be obtained from the applicant for cremation authorising
its use and consenting to its subsequent removal prior to cremation.
Any metal recovered following cremation shall be dealt with in accordance with the applicant’s wishes, the policies of the Cremation Authority,
environmental good practice and any applicable legal requirements.
The utmost care shall be taken to ensure that cremated remains following removal from the cremator are kept separate, correctly identified and
handled with respect at all times. Cremated remains shall be placed in an appropriate container pending collection, release or final disposal.
Where cremated remains are to be scattered or interred in a Garden of Remembrance or other approved location, this shall be conducted with dignity
and respect. Where conveyed by carrier or postal service, they must be packaged, labelled and transported in accordance with current guidance and
transport regulations.
Cremators and all ancillary equipment used in the crematorium shall be maintained in safe working order, serviced in accordance with manufacturers’
recommendations and operated in compliance with all current environmental permits, emissions controls, health and safety standards and relevant
legislation. Investment in modern technologies that improve efficiency, sustainability and service quality should be encouraged.
All cremations shall be carried out in accordance with the Cremation Acts, all regulations made thereunder, environmental legislation, health and
safety law, data protection requirements and any subsequent legislation or statutory guidance.
Cremation services shall be delivered fairly and without discrimination. Cremation Authorities should respect the diverse cultural, religious, spiritual
and personal needs of bereaved people wherever reasonably practicable, while maintaining legal and operational requirements.
Cremation Authorities should operate with regard to environmental sustainability, including emissions reduction, energy efficiency, waste
minimisation and responsible use of resources, while maintaining the highest standards of care and dignity.
Facultatieve Technologies (FT) with 145 years of experience in cremation is the international market leader in the design, construction and maintenance of cremation and filtration equipment.
With over 40 years industry experience RS Bruce ltd is a globally renowned expert in precious metal recovery. We have a proven experience in ensuring higher recovery rates and cost-effective recovery solutions.
