GUIDELINES FOR THE
SAFE WORK PRACTICES
FOR
BURIALS AND CREMATIONS
CEMETERIES & CREMATORIA ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA
April 2004 Edition
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
Contents
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Purpose
1.2
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
1.3
Regulations & Codes
1.4
Australian Standards
4
4
4
5
PUBLIC SAFETY
2.1
Legal Requirements
2.2
Contractors and Sub-Contractors
2.3
Safety
6
6
6
HEALTH
3.1
Code of Practice
3.2
Hepatitis B & Tetanus
3.3
Ultra Violet Radiation (UV)
3.4
Inclement Weather
3.5
Exposure to Human Remains
3.6
Hearing Protection
3.7
Notification of Accidents and Incidents
3.8
Register of Injuries
8
8
8
8
8
8
9
9
GENERAL
4.1
Plant and Equipment
4.2
Training and Qualification of Plant Operators
4.3
Remote Workplaces
4.4
Booking Systems
4.5
Confined Spaces
4.6
Unsuitable Containers
10
10
10
10
11
11
GRAVES
5.1
Grave Digging Personnel
5.2
The Principal Guideline for Safe Grave Digging
5.3
Dimensions of the Grave
5.4
Placement of Spoil
5.5
Timber of Grave
5.6
Timber
5.7
Final Preparation of the Grave for the Funeral
5.8
Ground Water
5.9
Monuments
5.10 Ladders
5.11 Safety Helmets
5.12 Manual Handling
12
12
12
13
13
14
15
15
15
15
15
16
2
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
6.
7.
8.
9.
EXHUMATION
6.1
Ground Support
6.2
Washing Facilities
6.3
Injury
17
17
18
CREMATORIA
7.1
Operators of Cremation Furnaces
7.2
Pacemakers, Electronic Implants
7.3
Charging the Furnace
7.4
Water
7.5
Fire Extinguishers
7.6
Cremated Remains
7.7
Personal Protective Equipment
7.8
Contents of Coffins Delivered for Cremation
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
20
MONUMENTS
8.1
Standards
20
COUNSELLING
20
3
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
1.
INTRODUCTION
1.1
Purpose
The purpose of the Guidelines is to provide practical guidance on
Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) as it applies to the operation of
Cemeteries and Crematoria in Victoria.
It is emphasised that nothing contained in these Guidelines
precludes the application of any additional safety measures as
may be necessitated by individual circumstances.
1.2
Legal Rights and Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of employers and employees at Cemeteries and
Crematoria to actively promote the health and safety of:
• Employees at these work sites,
• Persons other than employees to whom access, services and
facilities are provided, e.g. funeral directors, monumental masons,
volunteers, mourners and
• Contractors and sub-contractors.
Individual cemeteries should prepare detailed safe operating
procedures manuals which are tailored to the specific situations within
their cemeteries. These manuals should be issued to staff and form
the basis of ongoing training.
1.3
Regulations and Codes
The Victorian OH&S Act is supported by various Regulations and
Codes of Practice proclaimed under Sections 59 and 55 respectively of
that Act.
Codes of Practice relevant to the Cemeteries and Crematoria industry
in Victoria include:
• Safety Precautions in Trenching Operations
• First Aid in the Workplace
• Plant
• Confined spaces
• Temporary Electrical Installation on Building and Construction Sites
• Noise
• Manual Handling
There are also Regulations on a number of the above topics and on
other relevant subjects such as:
• Incident Notification Storage
• Handling of Dangerous Goods
• Prevention of Falls
All of the above Codes and Regulations can be accessed via
WorkSafe Victoria, Free Call 1800 136 089
4
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
1.4
Australian Standards
In addition to legislation there are a number of Australian Standards
applicable to OH&S aspects within the cemeteries industry such as:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Health and Safety at Work, AS 1470 - 1986
Safe Work in a Confined Space, AS 2865 - 1986
Chainsaw Safety Requirements, AS 2726 - 1984
Chainsaws - Guide to Safe Working Practices, AS 2727 - 1984
Mechanical Stress Graded Timber, AS 1748 - 1978
Head Stones & Cemetery Monuments, AS 4204 - 1994
Above Ground Burial Structures, AS 4425 – 1996
All of the above Australian Standard documents can be accessed by
calling the National Customer Service Centre on Free Call 1300 65 46 46
5
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
2.
PUBLIC SAFETY
2.1
Legal Requirements
The cemetery management authority (Cemetery Trust) is responsible
for the public safety of all persons entering that cemetery.
Responsibility for protection of the public is determined not only in
Common Law, but in Statute Law also. The Victorian OH&S Act
requires cemetery and crematoria management to ensure that persons
other than employees are not exposed to risk to their health or safety.
This requirement encompasses:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
2.2
The general public
Funeral Celebrant
Funeral Director
Pall Bearers
Mourners
Stone Masons
Independent Contractors and employees
Volunteers
Contractors and Sub-Contractors
The cemetery management authority is responsible under the Victorian
OH&S Act “Occupational Health and Safety (Manual Handling)
Regulations 1999, Regulation 11, “Duty of employer to independent
contractor” for contractors, sub-contractors and their employees when
working in cemeteries, as if they were employees of that authority.
2.3
Safety
The cemetery management authority must ensure:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Authorised persons only are in the immediate vicinity when a grave
is being dug.
Each open grave is free from the risk of collapse.
Any open graves left unattended are securely barricaded and
covered. (Refer to OH&S Prevention of Falls Regulations 2003)
Access to and egress from an open grave for all persons is safe.
All public areas of the cemetery are firm under foot, with minimal
subsidence in lawn burial areas.
All monuments are safe and without risk to the public or cemetery
staff.
Any structure, thing, machinery or material brought into the
cemetery by any person for any purpose is safe and without risk to
the health or safety of the public or cemetery staff.
6
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
•
•
All items of cemetery infrastructure such as buildings, roads, paths
and drains are safe and without risk to the health and safety of the
public or cemetery staff.
Any area of, or object within, a cemetery which poses any risk to
the health or safety of the public or cemetery staff should
immediately be securely barricaded with warning signs erected.
Action should then be taken as soon as practical to remove or
make safe the hazard.
7
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
3.
HEALTH
3.1
The provisions of the OH&S “Code of Practice for First Aid in the
Workplace” apply to the operations of cemeteries and crematoria in
Victoria.
3.2
Hepatitis B & Tetanus
The cemetery management authority should ensure that all outdoor
employees at the cemetery are encouraged to be vaccinated. As per
award requirements, it is noted that employees have the choice of
refusal for vaccination.
The level of immunity of individual staff should be checked on a regular
basis, by means of blood tests conducted by a medical practitioner.
Employees also have the choice of refusal on blood tests.
3.3
Ultra Violet (UV) Radiation
Employees should be made aware of the danger of UV radiation.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be issued and used. The
minimum requirement for PPE is outlined in the relevant award i.e.
sunblock, hats sunglasses etc.
3.4
Inclement Weather
As some outdoor staff are committed to working in inclement weather,
provision should be made for their health and comfort.
In wet conditions, protective wet weather gear should be provided.
In hot weather, adequate clean and cool drinking water should be
readily available and access to shade should be close at hand.
3.5
Exposure to Human Remains
In the event that human remains or apparel are exposed outside of a
coffin or casket or during exhumation, cemetery or crematorium
employees should not handle the remains unless they have completed
a Mortuary Hygiene course and are properly attired and equipped to do
so. Otherwise the body or remains should only be handled by a
recognised funeral director or an employee of a recognised funeral
director.
This section does not relate to cremated remains.
8
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
3.6
Hearing Protection
Employees who are exposed to continuous noise levels in excess of
85 decibels should be provided with and should use appropriate
hearing protection. Relevant training in the correct use of hearing
protection must also be provided. Appropriate systems of work should
be developed as a means to ensure exposure is kept to a minimum.
Where employees work in an environment of noise level over 85
decibels hearing tests should be conducted every 2 years and
equipment tested every five years.
The provisions of the OH&S "Noise" Regulations and Code of Practice
apply to the operations of Cemeteries and Crematoria in Victoria.
3.7
Notification of Accidents and Incidents
The cemetery management authority must notify Worksafe Victoria
immediately it becomes aware of an accident or notifiable incident at
the workplace. Such notification must be followed with written details to
Worksafe Victoria as described in the Regulations. It should be noted
that significant financial penalties may be imposed if notification is not
provided to Worksafe.
Notification is required when an accident at a workplace results in
death or specified serious injury.
Notification is also required of dangerous occurrences which do or
could endanger the lives or the health and safety of people in the
immediate vicinity. Such dangerous occurrences include:
•
•
•
•
•
Collapse, overturning, failure or malfunction of, or damage to,
certain items of plant.
Collapse or failure of an excavation or the shoring support of an
excavation.
Collapse of part of a building or structure.
Implosion, explosion or fire.
Escape, spillage or leakage of substances.
Refer to:
• Occupational Health & Safety (Incident Notification) Regulations
1997.
• Equipment (Public Safety) (Incident Notification) Regulations 1997.
3.8
Register of Injuries
The Accident Compensation Act (S.106) and the Occupational Health
& Safety Act requires all employers to maintain a register of injuries in
the prescribed form at their workplaces.
This must be accessible to employees at all reasonable times.
9
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
4.
GENERAL
4.1
Plant and Equipment
The Occupational Health & Safety (Plant) Regulations 1995 require
employers to manage the hazards associated with plant.
•
•
4.2
All hazards associated with plant and related systems of work must
be identified and recorded.
When such a risk to health and safety has been identified, controls
must be introduced to eliminate the risk or reduce it to an
acceptable level. These controls must also be documented.
Training and Qualifications of Plant Operators
Cemetery and crematoria management authorities should ensure that
they have adequate induction training in place for new employees.
Induction booklets are an effective means of accomplishing this.
Employees must be adequately trained in the correct and safe use of
the equipment they are required to use. Where manufacturer's
instructions are provided, these should be provided to the employee as
well as the cemetery’s own procedure manuals.
Where licences or competency certificates are required by law, such
as for operators of excavators, the cemetery management authority
must ensure that operators are licensed or hold the relevant
competency qualification.
4.3
Remote Workplaces
A remote workplace is defined as a place of work in excess of 500
metres from human habitation.
A minimum of two persons should be present when work in a grave or
monument is to occur in any remote workplace.
There should be adequate communication facilities so as to access
medical, rescue or police services if required.
The cemetery management authority is directly responsible for the
supervision of employees, contractors or sub-contractors at remote
workplaces.
4.4
Booking Systems
Cemetery booking systems should be designed to eliminate errors and
to ensure that all necessary information is obtained, accurately
recorded, securely stored and that back up records are kept. The
correct exterior dimensions for a coffin/casket are most important.
10
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
4.5
Confined Spaces
A risk assessment should to be completed by the cemetery authority
for graves and crypts within the cemetery. If either of these are
deemed a confined space, the cemetery authority is required to:
•
•
•
•
•
•
Provide a safe system of entry and exit.
Complete a Job Safety Analysis
Design emergency and first aid procedures.
Implement an entry and exit permit system and retain the record for
one month.
Provide a stand-by person who has continuous contact with the
employee within the confined space.
Give employees all information, instruction and training associated
with the confined space.
The provisions of the OH&S Confined Space Regulations and AS2865
– 1995 will apply if a grave or crypt is deemed a confined space.
4.6
Unsuitable Containers
The cemetery management authority should ensure that unsuitable
objects, including flower containers, are not placed at or remain at
memorials in the cemetery.
Consideration should be given to providing alternative safe flower
containers.
11
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
5.
GRAVES
Cemeteries must develop safe grave digging procedures manuals,
tailored to their local conditions. These would cover all aspects of
grave digging, shoring, trenching, backfilling and exhumation.
5.1
Grave Digging Personnel
The cemetery management authority should ensure that all personnel
involved in
• digging and backfilling graves, and
• performing exhumations
are adequately trained and appropriately equipped.
5.2
The Principal Guidelines for Safe Grave Digging
No gravedigger should enter and work in a grave more than one metre
deep unless:
•
•
•
•
Another person, trained as an observer, in close proximity to the
grave so as to render assistance and/or summon additional help if
necessary using appropriate communication equipment, and;
The gravedigger is wearing an approved safety helmet, and;
The grave contains at least a sufficient number of timber box sets
as per section 5.5 and 5.6 or other approved safety protection
system, and;
A ladder is available as per section 5.10.
If a person is unlikely to enter the grave, consideration need only be
given to the placement inside the grave of either:
•
•
1 timber box set at the top of the grave, or
Some other safety device such as a steel safety shield or frame,
to prevent ground collapse at the top lip of the grave and provide a
safe footing.
5.3
Dimensions of the Grave
The grave should be dug with sufficient length and width to allow the
coffin/casket to be lowered horizontally with ease. Some monuments
do not allow for this. The actual dimensions of the grave may be
reduced or enlarged according to the dimensions of the coffin/casket to
be used.
As a guide, CCAV adopted that the standard rectangular shape of a
grave would be
Length 2,100 mm
Width 650 mm.
12
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
5.4
Placement of Spoil
Spoil, being the material dug from the grave, should not be placed
adjacent to the top lip of an open grave unless that grave is adequately
supported to withstand this additional load.
If a grave being dug is to be unsupported and its spoil is to be placed
on undisturbed ground, then that spoil should be placed away from the
top lip of the grave by a minimum distance equivalent to one third of
the finished depth of the grave.
However, if the spoil from such an unsupported grave is to be placed
on disturbed ground, then that spoil should be placed away from the
top lip of the grave by a minimum distance equivalent to the finished
depth of the grave.
Undisturbed ground has the characteristics of ground which has never
been dug and/or filled. An example of disturbed ground is a grave
which has been dug and backfilled.
Spoil should be placed n the down hill side of the grave where
practicable.
5.5
Timber of Grave
5.5.1 Single Interment
Single interment graves to 1.5 metres deep should have a minimum of
2 timber box sets placed one hard on top of the other (timbers could be
spaced apart). The method of timber placement should be to:
1.
Dig the grave to a depth of 1.2 metres.
2.
Install 2 timber box sets commencing with the top set.
3.
Dig down through the timbers for the last 0.3 of a metre to make
room for the coffin.
5.5.2 Double Interment
Double interment graves to 2.1 metres deep should have a minimum of
3 timber box sets. The method of timber placement should be to:
1.
Dig the grave to a maximum depth of 1.2 metres, depending on
ground stability.
2.
Install 2 timber box sets commencing with the top set.
3.
Install the third set 0.3 of a metre below the other sets.
4.
Dig down through the timbers for the last 0.6 of a metre to make
room for the coffin.
5.5.3 Triple Interment
Triple interment graves to 2.7 metres deep should have a minimum of
6 .timber box sets. The method of timber placement should be to:
1.
Dig the grave to a maximum depth of 1.2 metres, depending on
ground stability.
13
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Install 2 timber box sets commencing with the top set.
Install the third set 0.3 of a metre below the top 2 sets.
Dig down, through the timbers for the next 0.9 of a metre.
Trim down installing the remaining 3 sets.
Dig down through the timbers for the last 0.6 of a metre to make
room for the coffin.
The above requirements for timber box sets are minimum
requirements only and additional timber box sets must be installed if
required.
Measurements for the installation of timber box sets are from ground
level to the underside of timber.
5.5.4 Further Protection Considerations
Nothing before mentioned should preclude the use of other industry
recognised ground support or shielding methods such as a safety
frame, steel or aluminium shields or alternative timber ground support
methods. Such alternatives must be able to provide ground support to
no less a standard than the requisite number of properly installed
timber box sets.
5.5.6 Backfilling
If the grave to be backfilled is shored with timber box, it may be
entered by a grave-digger, and the following procedure can then be
performed:
•
•
•
5.6
Backfill material should be placed around the coffin to a level
slightly below the timber box sets.
Only one or two timber box sets should be removed at any one
time. Backfill material should then be added.
Repeat this process to the surface.
Timber
Timber planks for ground support should be to the Australian Standard
for Stress Grades Timber for Building Purpose AS 1557 - 1974.
Plank grading and dimensions should be:
Hardwood F17, 200 x 38mm, or
Oregon F11, 200 x 50mm.
•
•
•
Timber planks to be used must be carefully selected and must be
without splits or other imperfections.
Side planks should be end banded and toms end capped to
prevent splitting when driven home. A timber dolly should be used
rather than a hammer to protect the timber.
Timbers should be discarded when split or cracked.
14
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
5.7
Final Preparation of the Grave for the Funeral
In addition to the ground support placed inside the grave, it is
necessary to provide a secure position, at ground level on each side of
the grave, upon which:
•
•
the coffin bearers stand while lowering the coffin by hand, or
the coffin lowering device is placed.
This secure position at the edge of the grave may be provided by
timber side planks which are 600mm longer than the grave, being
placed flat on the ground immediately on each side of the grave. This
protrudes 300mm past the end of the grave in each direction.
Artificial grass matting, if used, may be draped over these side planks
and down into the grave. Care should be taken to ensure the grass
matting is firm under foot.
If a canopy is used it must be secured as to prevent it being blown
away in windy conditions.
5.8
Ground Water
Where water is present in a cemetery due to natural ground water or
as a result of build up in old graves, a pump of adequate capacity
should be available at the grave site while the gravedigger is working in
the grave.
The pump should have a minimum length suction hose of 6 metres
and a delivery hose of at least 8 metres in length and be positioned as
far away from the grave as possible.
5.9
Monuments
Where any monument, headstone or other stone or masonry is in
position, the digging of the grave, whether by mechanical or hand
means, should not commence until it is safe to do so.
Should there be any doubt as to the safety of the gravedigger or other
persons, then the monument should be removed in whole or part or
supported by external means.
5.10
Ladders
Access to or egress from a grave must be by means of a properly
constructed ladder that should extend at least 0.6 of a metre above the
stepping off point.
5.11
Safety Helmets
When working in a grave of any depth, or in proximity of an excavator,
an employee should at all times wear an approved safety helmet.
15
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
5.12
Manual Handling
The provisions of the OH&S "Manual Handling"-Regulations and Code
of Practice apply to the operations of Cemeteries and Crematoria in
Victoria
.
Where coffins and caskets are manually lowered a minimum of four
adult persons should be involved.
16
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
6.
EXHUMATION
6.1
Ground Support
Exhumations should be treated as with new graves in relation to the
requirements for ground support, ground protection, monuments,
stonework and foundations.
Because of the nature of exhumations, consideration should be given
to the possible need for more than the minimum amount of ground
support.
In the case of a monumental grave consideration should be given to
removing the monument.
Lifting of the coffin or casket must be performed by mechanical means
only, using a block and tackle on an A frame.
Hydraulic means could be used where practicable e.g. backhoe
excavator.
Where it is not possible to lift the body and coffin as a complete unit,
the gravedigger should clear to the body as far as is practical and the
person authorised to qualified to remove the body, should then remove
the remains.
Coffin debris should not be left within the grave. It should be removed,
broken up and disposed of in a manner satisfactory to the cemetery
management authority.
All material, coffin, protective clothing, ropes and any other disposable
matter used in the exhumation should be placed with the deceased.
All other tools should be thoroughly washed and disinfected.
Where a body has been buried without a coffin, the gravedigger should
dig down to the covering timber, if any, assist the funeral director to
remove the timber and then leave the grave. The qualified person will
remove the human remains.
6.2
Washing Facilities
At an exhumation, adequate facilities for the washing of hands and
face should be provided at the site. Washing water should contain
disinfectant. Care should be taken to protect eyes from these
disinfectants.
The following disinfectants can be used:
• Bleach in water (household bleach, Milton solution, etc.) freshly
prepared at a concentration of five percent, or
• Disinfectants containing iodine (Betadine, etc.).
No gravedigger, either during or after an exhumation, should enter any
dining area provided for fellow workers without having first showered
and changed into clean clothing and footwear.
17
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
6.3
Injury
If a gravedigger sustains an injury resulting in a breakage of skin or a
puncture wound, he must immediately seek first aid and notify the
cemetery management authority. (Refer to 3.9 "Register of Injuries".)
All open wounds and cuts should be covered until such time as it is
appropriate to remove the dressing.
18
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
7.
CREMATORIA
7.1
Operators of Cremation Furnaces
The cemetery management authority should ensure that operators of
cremation furnaces are trained and competent in all aspects of the
operation of the furnaces including emergency procedures. Operators
should complete at least 25 cremations under the direct guidance of a
competent operator before being placed in charge of a cremation
furnace. A Training and Operations Manual for the individual model of
equipment in use should be available for the operators for quick
reference.
7.2
Pacemakers, Electronic Implants
Prior to the delivery of the deceased to a crematorium, implanted heart
pacemaker or other like device must be removed and so certified.
7.3
Charging the Furnace
Before being delivered to the crematorium, the body of the deceased
person must be placed into a coffin or casket constructed to the
requirements of the cemetery and crematorium management authority.
7.4
Water
A constant supply of cool, fresh water should be readily available.
7.5
Fire Extinguishers
Appropriate fire extinguishers and fire blankets should be placed in
convenient locations close to the crematorium furnace.
7.6
Cremated Remains
The room used for the preparation and packaging of cremated remains
should be kept free from dust and have adequate ventilation.
7.7
Personal Protective Equipment
Crematorium operators should be supplied with and wear heat
resistant gloves, face protection and protective clothing while charging
and raking, to protect against radiated heat or flashback. A furnace
fitted with a water spray curtain and the use of an automatic charging
bier greatly reduces these risks. The protective clothing or overalls
should, as far as is practical, be manufactured of natural fibres and
should cover all the body including the lower arms and neck.
19
Safe Work Practices for Burial and Cremation Guidelines
7.8
Contents of Coffins delivered for Cremation
The contents of coffins delivered for cremation should conform to the
“Guidelines on Contents of Coffins delivered for Cremation” adopted by
the Australasian Cemeteries and Crematoria Association.
8.
MONUMENTS
8.1
Standards
The cemetery management authority should institute a system for the
approval of monument permits and supervision of monument
construction. This may include obtaining professional engineering
services.
All monuments and stonework should be constructed so as to conform
to Australian Standard AS4204-1994 Headstone and Cemetery
Monuments, or to the Monumental Regulations of the Cemetery
Authority, if of a higher standard.
Where steel reinforced concrete piers are used as foundations, the
piers should be plumb and not encroach into the grave so as to
interfere with timber box sets to be installed during any reopening or
exhumation.
9.
COUNSELLING
In the event of an incident occurring confidential counselling should be
available to all affected employees.
20