NZQA registered unit standard
Title
Embalm a dead human body
Level
5
Purpose
8357 version 6
Page 1 of 4
Credits
30
This unit standard is for people working in the embalming
industry.
People credited with this unit standard are able to: prepare a
dead human body without complications for embalming; pose
the features of the deceased; prepare arterial embalming fluid
for injection; embalm the dead human body without
complications; and suture and seal any incisions and wash the
dead human body 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 – Burial and
Cremation Act 1964; Coroners Act 2006; Hazardous Substances and New
Organisms Act 1996; Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992; Health Act 1956;
Human Tissue Act 2008; and Resource Management Act 1991.
4
This unit standard must be assessed against using a final national practical
examination in accordance with CMR 0221 and on the basis of evidence of
demonstrated performance in the workplace.
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand
SSB Code 101575
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
8357 version 6
Page 2 of 4
Prepare a dead human body without complications for embalming.
Evidence requirements
1.1
The dead human body is checked and it is verified that there are no indications
of life.
1.2
Hand washing is undertaken prior to embalming and personal protective
equipment is worn to prevent cross-infection in accordance with legislative
requirements.
1.3
Initial disinfection procedures are carried out in accordance with legislative
requirements.
Range
1.4
Pre-embalming analysis is carried out to determine embalming requirements in
accordance with legislative requirements.
Range
1.5
procedures include but are not limited to – the deceased is
washed, dentures cleaned, orifices swabbed and sprayed, nails
cleaned and cut, genitals covered, body topically disinfected.
analysis includes but is not limited to – international and domestic
transfers, cause of death, time between death and embalming,
time between embalming and disposition, climatic conditions.
Rigor mortis is relieved and the dead human body is positioned to assist the
embalming process.
Outcome 2
Pose the features of the deceased.
Evidence requirements
2.1
The mouth of the deceased is closed to attain a natural appearance.
Range
2.2
The eyes of the deceased are closed to attain a natural appearance.
Range
2.3
methods to achieve a natural appearance include but are not
limited to – mandibular, sub-lingual, spetum sutures;
may include but is not limited to – needle injector apparatus.
methods to achieve a natural appearance include but are not
limited to – eye caps, eye packs.
Secondary features are positioned to attain a natural appearance.
Range
methods to achieve a natural appearance include but are not
limited to – earlobes, nares, hands.
Outcome 3
Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand
SSB Code 101575
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
8357 version 6
Page 3 of 4
Prepare arterial embalming fluid for injection.
Evidence requirements
3.1
The type, composition, and amount of embalming fluid required are calculated
in accordance with the pre-embalming analysis.
3.2
The fluid is mixed in the injection apparatus, and the apparatus is tested for
pressure and flow.
3.3
Safe techniques are used when handling embalming fluid in accordance with
legislative requirements.
Outcome 4
Embalm the dead human body without complications.
Evidence requirements
4.1
Family’s wishes are considered in the embalming process and are actioned,
where possible, in accordance with legislative requirements.
4.2
Vessels are selected and raised, and cannula inserted safely.
4.3
Embalming fluid is injected, venous blood drained, and fluid distribution and
fluid diffusion is assessed.
4.4
Organs are aspirated, and cavity chemical injected with fluid.
4.5
Orifices are checked and sealed.
Range
sealing may include but is not limited to – packing, suturing, plug
apparatus.
Outcome 5
Suture and seal any incisions and wash the dead human body during the embalming
process.
Evidence requirements
5.1
Incisions made during the process of embalming are sutured using baseball,
worm, intra-dermal, purse, and ‘N’ sutures.
5.2
Sutures are sealed and covered to minimise visual appearance.
Range
5.3
covered may include but is not limited to – wax, cosmetic, surgical
covering, tapes.
The dead human body is washed, dried, and covered.
Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand
SSB Code 101575
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
Planned review date
8357 version 6
Page 4 of 4
31 December 2016
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