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Prepare for and assist in the burial of the deceased or interment of ashes/cremated remains

URN: PPLFOS20
Business Sectors (Suites): Funeral Services
Developed by: People 1st
Approved on: 2022

Overview

This standard is about preparing for and assisting in burial of the deceased, or interment of ashes/cremated remains.

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

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

  • Prepare and assist in the burial of the deceased or internment of ashes/cremated remains

Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. comply with the relevant processes and legal procedures for burial of the deceased or interment of ashes/cremated remains in a cemetery or churchyard 2. comply with the relevant processes and legal procedures for burial or internment of ashes/cremated remains in natural burial grounds or for home burials 3. perform the relevant checks in the cemetery, churchyard or other burial place in advance of burial or internment  taking place  4. Comply with relevant health and safety legislation when carrying out checks in the cemetery, churchyard or other burial place in advance of burial or interment taking place 5. inform your funeral business’ staff, your clients about transfer and bearing duties 6. confirm the length, depth and width of the grave is correct in advance of the burial or interment taking place 7. follow your funeral business’ procedures for the burial or interment of cremated remains 8. prepare the graveside flowers and materials and equipment required during the burial or interment 9. determine the most effective method of transporting the coffin or  ashes / cremated remains to the grave or burial site 10. assess the graveside area and ensure mourners are kept at a safe distance during the lifting and lowering of the coffin 11. assist in the transfer the coffin to the grave or interment 12. show respect for the mourners during all stages of the burial 13. safely assist colleagues or attendees at the funeral in lowering the coffin or placing ashes / cremated remains into the ground or designated location, using the correct equipment and tools 14. show respect and allow for cultural traditions and requirements of the mourners at the grave or interment 15. bow and retire following the lowering of the coffin or placing ashes / cremated remains in the designated location 16. ensure all your funeral business’ equipment is recovered and cleaned

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. what the relevant processes and legal procedures are for burial of the deceased in a cemetery or churchyard 2. what the relevant processes and legal procedures are for natural burial grounds and home burials 3. what the relevant checks are that must be completed in the churchyard, cemetery or other burial place in advance of a burial or interment 4. what is required to comply with relevant health and safety legislation when carrying out checks in the cemetery, churchyard or other burial place in advance of burial or interment taking place 5. why you need to inform staff and clients about transfer and bearing of the coffin 6. why to measure and assess the length, depth and width of the grave and why this must be checked in advance of the burial or interment 7. what the process and procedures are for the burial or interment of cremated remains 8. why you need to prepare the graveside flowers and materials and equipment which will be required during the burial or interment 9. what various methods are used to transfer the coffin to the grave or ashes / cremated remains to the designated locations 10. why you need to assess the graveside area and how to assist mourners in  keeping safe during the burial or internment activities 11. how to show respect for the mourners during all stages of the burial or internment 12. what safety techniques to use for lowering the coffin into the ground or placing ashes / cremated remains in designated locations 13. when to assist colleagues or attendees at the funeral and what equipment and tools are required to lower coffins into the ground or placing ashes / cremated remains in designated locations 14. why you need to show respect and allow for cultural traditions and requirements of the mourners at the grave or interment 15. why you should bow and discreetly retire following the lowering of the coffin or placing ashes/cremated remains 16. why your funeral business' equipment must be recovered and cleaned

Scope/range

Equipment and tools – appropriate and legally permitted for lifting and lowering a coffin into the grave or to use during interment of ashes/cremated remains.

Locations

1.1. religious or non-religious establishments
1.2. natural burial grounds
1.3. home burial

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

PPLFOS20

Relevant Occupations

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

SOC Code

6138

Keywords

Funerals; funerary; undertakers; undertaking; identifies; identifying; requirements; burial