T he dictionary defines cremation as a process of
incinerating the body of a dead person. It has also been defined as a rapid rate of
oxidation accelerated by intense heat.
The cremation process begins by placing the body into a specialized cremation casket or
cremation container that according to most laws, must be combustible, closed, and
resistant to the escape of bodily fluids. This container, with the body enclosed in it, is
placed inside the cremation chamber. The Environment Protection Agency refers to a
cremation chamber as a "pathological incinerator."
The body is totally consumed (incinerated) by intense heat and flame. The temperature
ranges between 1400 and 2100 degrees Fahrenheit. All substances are consumed and vaporized
except bone fragments and any non-combustible materials such as prostheses, jewelry, metal
hinges, etc.
The skeletal framework is reduced to bone fragments and particles (not ashes), called
cremated remains.
The time required for cremation to be completed may vary depending upon the weight and
the size of the person. Generally cremation takes 2 to 3 hours, with a cooling period of
an additional 1 to 2 hours. The cremated remains will weigh approximately 4 to 8 pounds.
Following the cooling period the cremated remains are removed from the chamber using
special brushes, rakes, and other equipment. Every effort is made to remove all cremated
remains. A small residue may remain inside the cremation chamber and may result in
incidental and unintentional comminglings with other cremated remains from previous
cremations or with future cremations. All non-combustible matter is separated and removed
from the bone fragments by visible and/or magnetic selection. This non-combustible matter
will be disposed of by the crematory in a non-recoverable manner. The bone particles
removed from the chamber vary in size and shape and may be mechanically processed to
reduce them to a manageable consistency for placement into an urn.
Upon completion of the cremation process, the crematory will notify the funeral home.
Final placement into the urn plus any packaging, delivery, shipment, and final disposition
of the cremated remains will take place in accordance with state laws and written and
expressed instructions.
Before Cremation takes place
- Any scheduled ceremonies, rites of passage or viewings have been completed.
- All authorization forms and permits must be completed and signed.
- The funeral director or cremation provider should be made aware if the decedent has a
pacemaker, prothesis or any other mechanical or radioactice devices or implants so that
they may be removed or if the decedent was treated with any radioactive medication. If
such devices or implants are not removed then the person(s) authorizing the cremation will
be responsible for any damages caused to the crematory or crematory personnel by such
devices or implants.
- All personal possesions or valuable materials such as jewelry or dental gold, if so
desired, should be removed by you or your designated agent prior to the time the decendent
is transported to the crematory. Due to the nature of the cremation process any materials
not removed from the casket/container prior to cremation will be destroyed, or if not
destroyed, will be disposed of by the crematory in a non-recoverable manner in accordance
with applicable laws.
- Most crematories require the body be cremated in a combustible, leakproof, rigid,
covered container, if a casket is not being used.
- Non-combustible materials on caskets, such as decorative handles or rails, latches,
etc., which would cause damage to the cremation equipment, may be removed prior to the
cremation and disposed of by the crematory in a non-recoverable manner. Some
states/provinces and some crematories do not allow metal caskets to be used in cremation.
If a metal casket is used, the remnants of the metal casket will be disposed of by the
crematory in a non-recoverable manner.
- Depending on state/provincial and local laws, there may be a waiting period of up to 48
hours from the time of death before the human remains may be cremated.
- The crematory must be notified if anyone wishes to witness the casket/container being
placed in the cremation chamber. Not all crematories offer this service. If witnessing is
offered, the crematory may require a waiver or hold-harmless agreement to be signed to
protect it from any liability.
- The crematory should be provided with an urn in which the cremated remains will be
placed. If no urn is provided or the urn is not large enough to hold all of the remains,
the crematory will place the remains or any excess in a container made of plastic, light
metal, cardboard, unfinished wood, or other suitable material to hold the remains until an
urn is acquired or the cremated remains are scattered.
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