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Decency and safety

 
An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation (unless the remains have been cremated). The Officer will supervise the event, protect public health and make sure the deceased person is treated with respect. The Officer will make sure that:

  • the correct grave is opened

  • the exhumation starts as early as possible in the morning for maximum privacy

  • the plot is screened as appropriate

  • all workers follow health and safety rules, eg wear protective clothing including masks and gloves, task lights and all other necessary equipment

  • everyone present shows due respect to the deceased person and adjoining graves

  • the name plate on the casket is the one on the licence or faculty

  • the new casket has been approved by the Environmental Health Officer

  • all human remains and all the pieces of casket are placed in the new casket

  • the new casket is properly sealed

  • any possibility of infection is controlled

  • satisfactory arrangements are in place for the transfer of the remains.
The Oficer will not allow the exhumation to go ahead if the conditions for the licence cannot be met, or there are public health or decency concerns.

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