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Attend to, remove and transfer the deceased to the designated premises

URN: PPLFOS06
Business Sectors (Suites): Funeral Services
Developed by: People 1st
Approved on: 2022

Overview

This standard is about attending to and removing the deceased from their current location and transferring them to a designated premises.

This standard is for funeral directors, funeral director’s assistants, funeral attendants and funeral operatives.

When you have completed this standard you will be able to demonstrate your understanding of and ability to:

  • Attend to, remove and transfer the deceased to the designated premises

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. check with clients or relevant authorities that authorisation for the removal of the deceased has been received 2. check cleanliness of the vehicle and make sure you have sufficient PPE and equipment to effect the transfer 3. introduce and identify yourself at the location of the deceased, presenting identification upon request 4. check the identity of the deceased with the client in accordance with relevant regulations, codes of practice and your funeral business’ policies and procedures 5. assess the location, deceased and removal route options to plan the removal of the deceased 6. identify if any specific resources are required for the removal and check that they are available 7. take action to protect yourself and others, including the use of relevant personal protective equipment during attendance, removal and transfer of the deceased 8. maintain the dignity of the deceased throughout the attendance, removal and transfer to the designated premises 9. attend, remove and transfer the deceased to the designated premises in accordance with the specification from the first call 10. follow your funeral business’ policies and procedures to ensure the identification process is recorded 11. ensure that following removal of the deceased, the location is left in the correct condition according to your funeral business' policies and procedures 12. inform the client of the next steps and provide relevant information and contact details 13. record and store any personal effects in accordance with relevant regulations, legislation, codes of practice and your funeral business' policies and procedures 14. take precautions to avoid the spread of infection and disease 15. dispose of waste correctly and according to relevant health and safety legislation

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. what resources are available for use and when to use them during attendance, removal and transfer of the deceased to a designated premises 2. the correct and safe use of cleansing equipment, PPE and other equipment required to effect the transfer 3. why it is important to check and confirm the identity of the deceased and record their details and relevant information 4. what health and safety requirements apply, and any specific precautions to be taken to adhere to relevant codes of practice, regulations and your funeral business' policies and procedures 5. the methods of communication with third party or family member(s) that meet the sensitivity of the situation relating to the removal and transfer of the deceased 6. why it is important to check if clothing, jewellery or other property is to be removed or remain with the deceased 7. how to confirm the requirements identified at first call for the removal and transfer of the deceased 8. the relevant legislation relating to removing the deceased 9. what religious, cultural and other customs may be encountered when attending and transferring the deceased 10. the methods to use to maintain the dignity and respect of the deceased 11. how to establish your own identity upon request 12. what types of personal protective equipment to use, including suit, footwear, gloves, mask 13. how to use safe lifting and handling techniques when effecting the removal of the deceased 14. the documentation that must be correctly completed to adhere to relevant regulations, legislation, codes of practice and your funeral business' policies and procedures 15. how to record and store any personal effects to adhere to relevant regulations, legislation, codes of practice and your funeral business' policies and procedures 16. the infectious diseases which may be encountered at the scene and how to identify risks associated with these and the procedures for control 17. the requirement to dispose of waste correctly and according to current health and safety legislation 18. your funeral business' policies and procedures relating to the condition in which premises after removing the deceased from a home 

Scope/range

When preparing for the removal of the deceased, you must show that you can achieve the outcome when dealing with each of the following:

1. Method of removal:
1.1. in a coffin
1.2. in an alternative container
1.3. manual handling before placing the deceased in a coffin
1.4. using a stretcher

2. Locations:
2.1. ground floors of premises
2.2. upper floors of premises
2.3 using stairs or lifts
2.4. private and public institutions
2.5. public places
2.6 inside or outside of private dwellings

3. Condition of the deceased as determined by:
3.1. appearance
3.2. clinical condition
3.3. size and weight

4. Resources:
4.1. staff
4.2. vehicles
4.3. equipment and materials

When removing the deceased to designated premises, you must show that you can achieve the outcome when dealing with each of the following:

1. Locations:
1.1. local
1.2. non-local

2. Interested parties:
2.1. client
2.2. medical authorities
2.3. religious authorities
2.4. legal authorities

3. Condition of the deceased:
3.1. complete
3.2. incomplete
3.3. desiccated
3.4. traumatised
3.5. decomposed
3.6. oedematous
3.7. possible presence of infectious disease
3.8. infestation

Scope Performance

Scope Knowledge

Values

Behaviours

Skills

Glossary

Links To Other NOS

The standards in the funeral operations suite should be complemented by pan-sector standards such as working relationships, business, administration and resource management, as well as any other specific requirements of the employer.

External Links

Version Number

2

Indicative Review Date

2027

Validity

Current

Status

Original

Originating Organisation

People 1st International Ltd

Original URN

PPLFOS06

Relevant Occupations

Funeral Director, Funeral Director’s Assistant, Funeral Services Attendant, Funeral Services Operative, Funeral Arranger

SOC Code

6138

Keywords

Attend; deceased; transfer; funeral