Cremation and Identity Verification Procedure

Purpose. This procedure sets out the checks, operating steps and records required for every cremation at Everlasting Memorial Park so that the right person is cremated, the licence conditions are met and the cremated remains are returned to the right family.

1.Documentation check

Before a coffin is accepted into the crematorium, the operator will confirm that the interment register entry shows the cremation permit number as recorded by the arranger, the medical certificates or coroner's release, the signed application for cremation and the family's instructions for the remains. A cremation will not proceed if any document is missing or the names on the documents do not match.

2.Identity check on receipt

The operator and the conducting funeral director will together check the coffin identification plate against the interment register and the cremation permit. The operator will attach the cremation identification disc to the coffin and will record the receipt time and both names. The coffin will be held in the committal room or cool room until its scheduled charge.

3.Implanted devices and coffin fittings

The operator will confirm from the case record that any pacemaker, defibrillator, radioactive implant or other device has been removed and documented by the mortuary. Coffins must be constructed of approved materials with no metal handles, glass, PVC or non-combustible fittings. A coffin that does not comply will be refused and the funeral director notified.

4.Charging and operating the cremator

Only trained operators will charge a cremator. The operator will confirm that the secondary chamber has reached operating temperature, will charge one coffin only, will place the identification disc in the disc holder and will monitor the combustion and emission readings throughout. Opacity and temperature will be logged at the intervals set by the environmental licence. Any alarm will be actioned immediately and recorded.

• Confirm secondary chamber temperature
• One coffin per chamber, one at a time
• Disc placed in the holder before charging
• Monitor and log temperature and opacity
• Record start and completion times

5.Processing cremated remains

After cooling, the operator will remove the cremated remains and the identification disc, will process the remains in the cremulator with the disc kept with them at every step, and will place them in a labelled container showing the deceased's name, date of cremation and register number. Only one set of remains will be processed at a time and the processing area will be cleaned between cases.

6.Storage and release

Cremated remains will be stored in the locked remains room and recorded in the interment register. Release will be only to the applicant or a person the applicant authorises in writing, on presentation of identification and with a signed receipt. Interment in the memorial gardens, niche wall or a grave will be recorded with the location and date. Remains not collected after the period set by the regulations will be managed under the regulations and the family notified in writing.

7.Records and licence conditions

The cremation register is a permanent record and every field must be completed on the day. Emission monitoring records, maintenance records and any breach of licence conditions will be reported to the Compliance and Records Manager and, where required, to the Environment Protection Authority within the period the licence specifies.