Back

Prepare the coffin and place the deceased into it prior to visiting, cremation or burial

URN: PPLFOS14
Business Sectors (Suites): Funeral Services
Developed by: People 1st
Approved on: 2022

Overview

This standard is about preparing coffins and placing the deceased into the coffin prior to visiting, burial or cremation. The standard covers other methods of disposal when required, further information is outlined in the additional information of this standard.

This standard is for funeral directors, funeral director assistants, funeral operatives and embalmers.

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

  • Prepare the coffin and place the deceased into it prior to visiting, cremation or burial

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. confirm that the coffin is correct, is free from defects and that selected fixed fittings meet the client’s specifications 2. fix the fittings and prepare the coffin using the correct tools in accordance with safe working practices and procedures and health and safety legislation 3. check that the linings and head support meet client specifications, are free from defects and are of the correct type according to the method of disposal 4. fit the linings and head support using the correct tools in accordance with safe working practices and procedures and health and safety legislation 5. respect the deceased’s dignity at all times 6. respect client requirements arising from religious, cultural and other customs at all times 7. confirm that the identity of the deceased is correct, matches the details on the nameplate, and that the nameplate has been engraved to the client's specifications in accordance with relevant regulations, legislation and codes of practice 8. place the deceased in the coffin using safe lifting and handling techniques that are relevant to the size and weight of the deceased and to the type and weight of the coffin and the location 9. confirm that the final presentation of the deceased in the coffin meets client requirements and is natural and restful 10. follow your funeral business' policies and procedures for closing the coffin 11. Dispose of waste materials in line with relevant legislation and funeral business policies and procedures

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. why you need to check the coffin is the one selected, is free from defects and meets the fixtures and fittings selected by the client 2. how to fit fixtures and fittings to a coffin 3. how to check that the coffin, fittings, linings and head support meet client specifications, are free from defects, and are of the correct type according to the method of disposal 4. how to fit the linings and head support using the correct tools 5. the importance of maintaining respect for the dignity of the deceased at all times 6. why you must respect client requirements arising from religious, cultural and other customs at all times 7. why you must check that the identity of the deceased is correct and matches the details on the nameplate, and that the engraving meets client specifications 8. the safe lifting and handling techniques to use when placing the deceased in the coffin 9. how to check that the final presentation of the deceased in the coffin meets client requirements and is natural and restful 10. your funeral business' policies and procedures for closing the coffin 11. why you must dispose of waste materials in line with relevant legislation and funeral business policies and procedures

Scope/range

When preparing the exterior of the coffin, you must show that you can achieve the outcome when dealing with each of the following:

1. Coffin:
1.1. veneered wood
1.2. solid wood
1.3. zinc-lined
1.4. casket
1.5. wood effect or foil
1.6. woven
1.7. cardboard
1.8. alternative to traditional materials

2. Method of disposition
2.1. burial
2.2. cremation
2.3. repatriation
2.4. burial at sea

3. Waste materials
3.1. Clinical
3.2. Non-clinical
3.3. Metal
3.4. Plastic
3.5. Wood products
3.6. packing material

4. Specifications:
4.1. Written instructions
4.2. Verbal instructions

5. Tools:
5.1. power tools
5.2. hand tools

6. Health and safety procedures:
6.1. lifting and handling techniques
6.2. use of PPE
6.3. use of tools
6.4. use of engraving machine

When preparing the interior of the coffin, you must show that you can achieve the outcome when dealing with each of the following:

7. Specifications:
7.1. Written instructions
7.2. Verbal instructions

8. Tools:
8.1. power tools
8.2. hand tools

9. Coffin:
9.1. veneered wood
9.2. solid wood
9.3. zinc-lined
9.4. casket

10. Health and safety procedures for:
10.1. lifting and handling techniques
10.2. the use of tools

When placing the deceased in the coffin, you must show that you can achieve the outcome when dealing with each of the following:

11. Method of disposal:
11.1. burial
11.2. cremation
11.3. repatriation
11.4. burial at sea

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

PPLFOS14

Relevant Occupations

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

SOC Code

6138

Keywords

Funerals; funerary; undertakers; undertaking; prepares; preparing; fits; fitting; casket; burial; cremation; repatriation; decedent; cadaver; corpse