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Handle and carry/bear the coffin and floral tributes at funeral services

URN: PPLFOS19
Business Sectors (Suites): Funeral Services
Developed by: People 1st
Approved on: 2022

Overview

​This standard is about handling and carrying/bearing coffins and floral tributes at funeral services.

This standard is for funeral directors, funeral attendants and funeral operatives.

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

  • Handle and carry/bear the coffin and floral tributes at funeral services

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. check the nameplate of the coffin prior to transportation to the funeral vehicle 2. load and unload the coffin containing the deceased into the funeral vehicle without causing harm to the deceased or damage to the coffin or vehicle 3. secure the coffin so that it is safe and secure for transit 4. check that selected equipment is appropriate for handling of the coffin and safe for use 5. handle and carry/bear the coffin with dignity and respect, carefully keeping it level at all times and using safe lifting and handling techniques 6. work with your team to carry out safe lifting, carrying and movement when handling tributes following relevant health and safety legislation 7. work with your team to carry out safe lifting, carrying and movement of the  coffin following relevant health and safety legislation 8. carry out safe positioning and lowering of the coffin on the catafalque or at the  graveside 9. check that the number and type of floral tributes correspond to your client’s requirements 10. follow your funeral business' requirements for handling floral tributes from  attendees at the funeral 11. carry and arrange floral tributes for transit and at the place of service and  committal according to client requirements 12. carry and handle floral tributes in a way that is appropriate to their type to  minimise damage 13. follow your client’s requirements regarding floral tributes after the funeral  service

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. why the nameplate must be checked prior to transport 2. the relevant health and safety legislation 3. how to lift and handle the coffin containing the deceased when loading and  unloading into the funeral vehicles safely and without causing harm to the deceased or damaging the coffin or funeral vehicles 4. the different types of equipment which can be used when handling a coffin  and how to use them safely 5. how to handle and carry/bear the coffin in accordance with client’s wishes  and your funeral business’ policies and procedures 6. why working as a team and following instructions are important when  handling and bearing the coffin 7. the techniques and methods to use for securing the coffin 8. the techniques for the safe lifting and lowering of the coffin 9. how to handle floral tributes without damaging them 10. how to work with your team to carry out safe lifting, carrying and movement when handling tributes  11. why floral tributes are important to the funeral 12. your funeral business' requirements for handling floral tributes from  attendees at the funeral 13. what local custom and practice is, regarding floral tributes 14. why your client’s instructions for removal and transit of floral tributes  following the funeral service must be followed

Scope/range

When handling and bearing the coffin at funeral services, you must show that you can achieve the outcome when dealing with each of the following:

1. Equipment:
1.1. trestles
1.2. catafalque
1.3. wheeled bier
1.4. webbing straps
1.5. trolley
1.6. putlocks / staves 

2. Handling techniques for:
2.1. manual handling (bearing and carrying)
2.2. equipment

When handling and positioning floral tributes at funeral services, you must show that you can achieve the outcome when dealing with each of the following:

1. Type of floral tribute:
1.1. wreaths
1.2. funeral crosses
1.3. cushions
1.4. sprays
1.5. set piece arrangements

2. Instructions:
2.1. client instructions
2.2. organisational instructions

3. Place of service and committal:
3.1. crematorium
3.2. cemetery
3.3. religious and non-religious establishments

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

PPLFOS19

Relevant Occupations

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

SOC Code

6138

Keywords

Funerals; funerary; undertakers; undertaking; carries; carrying; casket; pall bearers; pall bearing; wreaths