NZQA registered unit standard
8358 version 6
Page 1 of 4
Title
Apply specialist embalming skills
Level
5
Purpose
Credits
25
This unit standard is for people working in the embalming
industry.
People credited with this unit standard are able to: embalm
bodies of people who have died of infectious and other
diseases; embalm human bodies following a post-mortem or
autopsy procedure; embalm dead human bodies with
complications; demonstrate knowledge of embalming an infant;
and embalm dead human bodies for long-term embalming.
Classification
Funeral Services > Embalming
Available grade
Achieved
Explanatory notes
This standard was republished in June to correct an error.
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;
Health (Burial) Regulations 1946; and Human Tissue Act 2008.
4
This unit standard must be assessed against using a final national practical
examination in accordance with CMR 0221 or on the basis of evidence of
demonstrated performance in the workplace.
Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand
SSB Code 101575
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
8358 version 6
Page 2 of 4
Outcomes and evidence requirements
Outcome 1
Embalm bodies of people who have died of infectious and other diseases.
Range
infectious diseases include those listed in Schedule 1 of the Health Act 1956.
Evidence requirements
1.1
Personal protective equipment is worn in accordance with legislative
requirements when an infectious body is embalmed.
1.2
Methods to prevent cross-infection are used during the embalming process in
accordance with legislative requirements.
1.3
The process when embalming infectious bodies is adhered to in accordance
with legislative requirements.
1.4
The process of embalming takes into account the disease condition present in
accordance with legislative requirements.
Outcome 2
Embalm human bodies following a post-mortem or autopsy procedure.
Evidence requirements
2.1
Autopsy instruments and embalming equipment are selected and used safely.
2.2
A container is prepared for the reception of the organs.
2.3
The organs are removed from the deceased.
2.4
The organs are cleaned of non-biological material, chemically treated and the
cavities are topically disinfected.
2.5
The organs are returned to the respective body cavities.
Range
2.6
The autopsied cavities are reconstructed to create natural form and shape.
Range
2.7
returned includes but is not limited to – wet pack, dry pack.
cavities include – thoracic, abdominal, cranial.
Autopsy sutures are sealed and covered to minimise visual appearance.
Range
sutures include – cranial, thoracic.
Outcome 3
Embalm dead human bodies with complications.
Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand
SSB Code 101575
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
8358 version 6
Page 3 of 4
Evidence requirements
3.1
A dead human body with circulatory breakdown is embalmed.
Range
3.2
A dead human body with compromised skin condition is embalmed.
Range
3.3
evidence is required of a minimum of two of – arteriosclerosis,
cerebro-vascular accident, ruptured aneurysm, decomposition,
tumour, tissue gas, non-surgical trauma, surgical trauma.
evidence is required of a minimum of two of – oedema,
desquamation, ulceration, surface tumours, trauma, purge, burns.
A dead human body with other complications is embalmed.
Range
evidence is required of a minimum of two of – frozen,
decomposed, poisoning, drowning, burns, gangrene, severe
oedema, disfiguration, severe ulceration, tissue gas.
Outcome 4
Demonstrate knowledge of embalming an infant.
Range
infant refers to a child under two years of age where arterial injection is
possible.
Evidence requirements
4.1
The methods of embalming an infant are identified and described.
Range
evidence of a minimum of two methods is required.
4.2
The embalming fluid composition required for embalming an infant is identified
and described.
4.3
The instruments and embalming aids required to embalm an infant are
described in accordance with the method of embalming chosen.
4.4
The process for aspirating the organs of an infant is described.
Outcome 5
Embalm dead human bodies for long-term embalming.
Range
long-term may include but is not limited to – three weeks or longer, international
repatriation, above ground internment.
Evidence requirements
5.1
The methods of embalming for a long-term period are identified and applied to a
specific situation.
Funeral Service Training Trust of New Zealand
SSB Code 101575
 New Zealand Qualifications Authority 2016
NZQA registered unit standard
5.2
8358 version 6
Page 4 of 4
Post embalming checks are carried out to ensure preservation, sanitation and
presentation aspects of the embalming are maintained.
Planned review date
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