Industry glossary
Terms you will meet in the documents, systems and scenarios.
First call
The initial notification that a death has occurred and a funeral director is needed, and the transfer that follows it.
Transfer
The movement of a deceased person from the place of death or another custodian into the funeral director's care.
Chain of custody
The documented, unbroken record of who has had custody of the deceased and every movement between locations.
Arterial embalming
The injection of preservative fluid through the arterial system and drainage of blood to preserve and sanitise the deceased for viewing or transport.
Encoffining
Placing the prepared deceased in the selected coffin or casket, with the coffin identification plate checked against the arrangement record.
Committal
The final part of a funeral at which the coffin is lowered into the grave or transferred to the crematorium.
Cremation permit
The authorisation required by law before a cremation can take place, issued after the medical certificates or coronial release are held.
Identification disc
A numbered fire-resistant disc that stays with the coffin and then the cremated remains through every step of the cremation.
Shoring
Hydraulic or timber supports installed in an excavated grave to prevent the walls collapsing before anyone enters.
Pre-need funeral
A funeral arranged and sometimes paid for in advance of death, with funds held in a trust arrangement required by law.