Participate in the lawful exhumation of human remains

URN: PPLFOS28
Business Sectors (Suites): Funeral Services
Developed by: People 1st
Approved on: 2022

Overview

This standard is about supervising the lawful exhumation of human remains, it    involves ensuring the necessary permissions are obtained and the exhumation is conducted privately and respectfully.

This standard is for funeral directors.

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

  • Participate in the lawful exhumation of human remains


Performance criteria

You must be able to:

1. confirm the permission to exhume human remains has been granted in accordance to relevant regulations and legislation  2. identify the correct location of human remains prior to exhumation and complete a risk assessment  3. liaise with burial authority, environmental health authority and other stakeholders to plan and carry out the exhumation 4. identify tools, equipment, personal protective equipment and machinery required for the exhumation 5. brief your team on the exhumation, ensuring all risks are managed and controlled 6. place protective restraints to restrict access to site to authorised personnel only 7. use screens or other means to protect the privacy of the remains. 8. ensure exhumed remains are transported and stored in accordance with the  permissions granted

Knowledge and Understanding

You need to know and understand:

1. the required permissions to exhume human remains, including ashes / cremated remains in accordance with relevant regulations and legislation  2. how to confirm the location of human remains prior to exhumation 3. the risks which must be assessed when an exhumation has been requested 4. the relevant burial authority, environmental health authority and other stakeholders with whom you must liaise when planning and carrying out an  exhumation 5. the relevant tools, equipment, personal protective equipment, machinery and operator’s licence     which may be required for the exhumation 6. the importance of restricting access to the site of exhumation to authorised personnel only 7. why the privacy of and respect for the human remains and the public must be maintained at all times during the exhumation 8. the relevant regulations, legislation and your funeral business’ policies and procedures relating to exhumation 9. the requirements for safe storage of exhumed human remains 10. the statutory documentation required for final disposal of human remains following exhumation

Scope/range


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

PPLFOS28

Relevant Occupations

Funeral Director

SOC Code

6138

Keywords

exhumation, funeral, funerary