NZQA registered unit standard
8355 version 6
Page 1 of 3
Title
Apply knowledge of chemistry to the embalming process
Level
4
Purpose
Credits
6
This unit standard is for people working in the embalming
industry.
People credited with this unit standard are able to: identify the
chemicals used to embalm or assist the embalming process,
and describe the function each chemical performs; and select
and apply chemicals during the embalming process.
Classification
Funeral Services > Embalming
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
1
Competence demonstrated in this unit standard must comply with the requirements
of the Funeral Services Training Trust of New Zealand’s Industry Code of Ethics
available at http://www.fstt.org.nz.
2
References
References may include but are not limited to – Burton, GRW & Engelkirk, PG,
Burton's Microbiology for the Health Sciences (9th Edition) (Baltimore, MD: Lippincott,
Williams & Wilkins, 2010); Mayer, RG, Embalming History, Theory and Practice (5th
Edition) (New York, NY: McGraw-Hill, 2011); Mayer, JS, Colour and Cosmetics: The
Consummation of Restorative Art (Dallas, TX: Professional Training Schools, 1991);
Raymond, KW, General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry: An Integrated Approach
(Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2010); Spriggs, AO, Champion Restorative Art
(6th Edition) (Springfield, OH: The Champion Company, 1968).
3
Legislation relevant to this unit standard includes but is not limited to – Hazardous
Substances and New Organisms Act 1996; Health and Safety in Employment Act
1992; Health Act 1956; Health (Burial) Regulations 1946; Human Tissue Act 2008;
and Resource Management Act 1991.
4
This unit standard must be assessed against using a written examination and a final
national practical examination in accordance with CMR 0221.
Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand
SSB Code 101575
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
8355 version 6
Page 2 of 3
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Identify the chemicals used to embalm or assist the embalming process, and describe the
function each chemical performs.
Range
embalming chemicals used include but are not limited to – formaldehyde,
glutaraldehyde, paraformaldehyde, phenol, bleaching agents, dyes, surfactants,
solvents, glycerol, tissue moisturisers such as lanolin and deodorisers such as
esters, salt.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The description identifies the chemicals used to embalm or assist the
embalming process.
1.2
The description identifies each chemical in terms of its function.
1.3
Each chemical is described in terms of its application and any problems that
may occur during the application.
1.4
The description explains the reaction of embalming chemicals in the body.
Outcome 2
Select and apply chemicals during the embalming process.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Methods and applications for selecting and adjusting embalming fluids are
identified and described in terms of how they suit individual situations and the
use of chemicals in accordance with manufacturer’s specifications.
2.2
Chemicals are selected and applied to meet the requirements of the embalming
process.
Planned review date
31 December 2016
Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand
SSB Code 101575
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
8355 version 6
Page 3 of 3
Status information and last date for assessment for superseded versions
Process
Version Date
Last Date for Assessment
Registration
1
8 November 1996
31 December 2013
Revision
2
16 May 2000
31 December 2013
Review
3
20 September 2002
31 December 2013
Revision
4
27 June 2005
31 December 2013
Review
5
21 September 2007
31 December 2013
Review
6
19 April 2012
N/A
Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR) reference
0221
This CMR can be accessed at http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/framework/search/index.do.
Please note
Providers must be granted consent to assess against standards (accredited) by NZQA,
before they can report credits from assessment against unit standards or deliver courses
of study leading to that assessment.
Industry Training Organisations must be granted consent to assess against standards by
NZQA before they can register credits from assessment against unit standards.
Providers and Industry Training Organisations, which have been granted consent and
which are assessing against unit standards must engage with the moderation system that
applies to those standards.
Requirements for consent to assess and an outline of the moderation system that applies
to this standard are outlined in the Consent and Moderation Requirements (CMR). The
CMR also includes useful information about special requirements for organisations wishing
to develop education and training programmes, such as minimum qualifications for tutors
and assessors, and special resource requirements.
Comments on this unit standard
Please contact the Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand fstt@fstt.org.nz if you
wish to suggest changes to the content of this unit standard.
Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand
SSB Code 101575
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016