NFDA Cremation 5 Flashcards
- Two separate containers- inner and outer box
- Each container must be strong, durable, and siftproof.
- USPS recomments but does not require mailer to place the inner siftproof container in a sealed plastic bag.
- Proper padding should be used
- USPS recommends lining shipping box with plastic to prevent leakage
Domestic Shipping
- Certified copy of a death certificate
- Burial transit permit
- letter on the funeral home’s letterhead stating that only the cremated remains of the identified individual are in the container being shipped
Required Documents -Domestic Shipping
Domestic shipments of cremated remains must utilize this.
Priority Mail Express Service
- USPS requires identifying contents on the address side next to the shipping label
- Recommended to always select signature upon delivery to eastablish an extra level of security
Developed to clearly identify cremated remains in the mail stream, where they are not currently identifiable.
- When they cannot be located, causes negative customer experiencess and unfavorable publicity for USPA, as well as for the funeral home and crematory.
- USPS sales and service associate apply label when the mailer discloses the package contains cremated remains or can be located in USPS postal store
USPS Label 139
- When cremated remains are not otherwise prohibited by the destination country. (check USPA International Mail Manual)
- Package is sent either Priority Mail Express International Service or First-Class Package International using Registered Mail service (using the method available for the destination country)
- 4lb weight limit for packages sent by registered mail.
- Required-applicable customs declaration form completed and has been indicated on the form that the package contains cremated remains.
- Countries may require other documents or consulate inspection before transportation.
- Always contact the consulate and/or embassy
- A lot of counries do not allow this shipment, but there are exceptions.
International Shipping
- Hand Carrying Remains
- Funeral Home Shipping
Shipping Remains on Domestic and International Flights
- US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will not ship any container/urn that is lead lined, since all packages must be x-rayed
- Contact each individual airline to find out specific regulations
- Required paperwork must at all times accompany the package through the inspection process. Most airlines do not allow CR to be contained in luggage: must be hand carried.
- Most airlines require that someone must be present for pickup at the state or country of destination. Certain countries require funeral home representative to do this- not the family of the deceased.
- All documentation must at all times accompany the urn/container.
Hand Carrying Remains
The funeral home is responsible for first contacting each individual airline to find out if there are any specific shipping regulations in force.
- If airline has a cargo department, it should be contacted to find out the airline’s specific cargo policy regarding cremated remains.
Funeral Home Shipping
- Costs a fee
- Provides shipping services: package pick-up, completion of paperwork for th destination state or country, shipping arrangements, and package delivery.
- Primarily work with the funera home; on rare occasions they make exceptions and work with the family.
Working with a Mortuary Shipping Company
- Permits
- Recordkeeping
- Crematory Inspection (required in 39 states)
Cremation Safety and Compliance- State Laws and Regulations
Crematory or operator noncompliance with state and local permit licensure requirements and codes can result in fines and other enforcement actions.
- Air quality control permits/ air pollution permits
- Burial transit permit/disposition permit
- Construction permit
- Licensed crematory establishment
- Crematory Operator license (required 15 states)
- Other permits
Permits
- Not required by all states
- States with regulations- compliance requirements vary widely
- Some states exempt crematroies from obtaining air pollution construction permits or air pollution operations permits, such as Wisconsin
- Typically issued by state departments or environmental conservation
Air Quality Control Permits/Air Pollution Permits
- Required to accompany the decedent to place of final disposition
- Typically issued by local registrar or vital records
- Placed in the establishment’s permanent files and a copy should accompany the cremated remains when they are returned to the party authorized to receive them.
Burial Transit Permit/Disposition Permit (Permit for dispostion of human remains)
- Crematory cannot begin construction until this state-issued permit is obtained
- Includes any site preparation work
- Compliance requirements vary
Construction Permit
In some states crematories must be licensed by the board of funeral or cemetery service or other state agencies.
- Regulations vary
- If cremation services are provided directly to the public, may also need licensed funeral establishment license.
- Before operating permit can be obtained (ordinarily)- demonstrate to the environmental agency, either by stack testing or by providing the report of testing conducted on similar furnace model in the state, that emissions are below state-specified levels
Licensed Crematory Establishment
- Complete a training course
- May be a condition for a crematory to obtain a license
- Specifically provided in state law that the state regulatory board must approve course providers.
- Requirements vary
Cremator Operator License (15 States)
Be aware that some states may require the submission of certain o ther forms and permits.
Other Permits
- Keep detailed cremation records until the state statutes of limitations for breach of contract and tort claims have expired in the state in which business is conducted.
- Crematory may want to expand retention period to be prudent for an additional 10 years
- Ceratin states mandate the amount of time that crematories must maintain records of all cremations performed and the disposition of all cremated remains.
Recordkeeping-Retention Period
- The crematory has complied with any state recordkeeping requirements
- Crematory operator certification of training or other requirements are available (some states-conspiciously displayed)
- Cremation device has a current operating permit issued by proper authority (some states-conspiciously displayed).
- The crematory authority is in compliance with local zoning requirements
- The crematory authority license issued by the proper authority is displayed at the crematory.
Compliance for Recordkeeping (what Inspectors Look For)
- Weight of each charge
- Temperature fo the secondary chamber on a continued basis for the crematory
- Hours of operation of the crematory; date and time of each start-up and shut-down
- Quaterly check to determine if visible emissions are being emitted.
Example of Records: West Virginia
Comprehensive inspection laws and regulations exist in Maryland, Florida, and Georgia.
- Just that entry is authorized- Arkansas and Connecticut
- Purpose- crematory is in compliance with all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations
- Open-door policy- allow anyone to inspect at any time as long as cremation is not being performed.
Crematory Inspection (39 States)
- Ask for credentials of official or inspector
- Ask for reason of inspection
- Be professional
- Be pleasant- not combative
- Don’t complain that the inspection has come at a bad time.
- Make sure the inspector is accompanied at all times during his or her visit by a crematory representative.
- In the absence manager- all employees should be cooperative
- Permits, records, charts- properly posted as required and readily available
- Maintenance records readily available
- Desingations of certification displayed in conspicious manner.
- Answer any and all questions to the best of your ability
- Do not offer or show information other than that which the official/inspector asks to see.
- If technical or legal questions arise during the inspection, take a break, accompany the inspectior to a conference room, and call the manufacturer’s representative or legal counsel for help.
- Do not discuss any other crematory
- Take notes of hte meeting with the inspector
- Thank the official/inspector for coming; ask when you will receive written report.
- Retain copies of documents provided to the inspector. Agree to provide documents and records requested immediately following the inspection, if possible.
Recommended for When Inspector Visits
- Work safety procedures
- Proper handling procedures
- Monitoring control systems
- Recordkeeping procedures
- Malfunction prevention and abatement procedures
Crematory Policies and Procedures: