Urban myth? Crematoriums
Discussion
I know a myth has persisted that at crematoriums they burn all of the days bodies in one large furnace, so that what the family get in the urn is a mixture of that days ashes not solely their loved ones.
I find that myth difficult to believe, and although everyone knows someone who knows someone who used to work at a Crem who says it is true, it sounds so disrepectful and nasty that I don't think it can be true. I prefer to think they have separate compartments in the furnace or send the through separately in a James Bond conveyor kind of way.
Also, what happens to jewellery left on the body? Is it taken off (again that sounds disrepectful) or does it melt in the furnace and mix with the ashes?
Does anybody know for sure?
I find that myth difficult to believe, and although everyone knows someone who knows someone who used to work at a Crem who says it is true, it sounds so disrepectful and nasty that I don't think it can be true. I prefer to think they have separate compartments in the furnace or send the through separately in a James Bond conveyor kind of way.
Also, what happens to jewellery left on the body? Is it taken off (again that sounds disrepectful) or does it melt in the furnace and mix with the ashes?
Does anybody know for sure?
Edited by Four Cofffee on Sunday 14th February 15:33
Found this, sounds all above board:
What happens to the coffin after the committal?
The coffin is withdrawn into the committal room where the nameplate is carefully checked by crematorium staff to ensure the correct identity. An identity card will then accompany the coffin and the resultant remains until their final disposal or removal from the crematorium.
Can relatives witness the committal of the coffin to the cremator?
The reception of the coffin in the committal room and its introduction into a cremator can be witnessed by arrangement with the Crematorium Registrar. It is preferable to advise the Funeral Director of these requirements as early as possible when making the funeral arrangements.
Is the cremation of a body governed by a code of ethics and working practices?
Cremation Authorities who are members of the Federation of British Cremation Authorities are required to operate strictly in accordance with a Code of Cremation Practice. This Code, which provides the only ethical standard of cremation practice in Great Britain, is often displayed in the public areas of the building.
How soon after the service will the cremation take place?
The cremation will usually be commenced shortly after the service. The Code of Cremation Practice specifies that the cremation is always completed on the same day as the service.
Is the coffin cremated with the body?
The Code requires that the coffin be placed in the cremator in exactly the same condition as that in which it was received at the crematorium. Crematorium regulations require that the coffin and all its fittings and furnishings be made from materials suitable for cremation. The Environmental Protection Act 1990 has placed a new responsibility on Cremation Authorities to ensure that the process is completed under controlled conditions which will minimize the impact on the environment. In these circumstances it will be necessary for any items included in the coffin for presentation of viewing purposes to be removed by the Funeral Director before the coffin is conveyed to the crematorium. It will not be possible for any floral tributes to be included with the coffin for cremation.
Should items of jewellery be left on a body for cremation?
It is preferable that all items of jewellery be removed from the body before the coffin is conveyed to the crematorium. The Funeral Director should ascertain your wishes in respect of this matter when the funeral arrangements are being discussed. It will not be possible to recover items of jewellery after the coffin has been received at the crematorium.
Can more than one body be cremated in a cremator at the same time?
The code insists that each cremation is carried out separately. Exceptions may be made for instance in the case of mother and baby or twin children providing that the next of kin has made a specific request in this regard.
What happens to the cremated remains after the cremation?
At the conclusion of a cremation the cremated remains are removed in their entirety and conveyed to a treatment area in a special container. Ferrous metals used in the construction of the coffin or metal used in medical implants are extracted and retained for separate disposal. Non-ferrous metals which may include some unrecognisable element of precious material will not be salvaged for any purpose and will be disposed of in accordance with the requirements of the Code of Cremation Practice and invariably this will be by burial in the crematorium grounds.
What procedures are followed to ensure that cremated remains are kept separate?
A cremator can physically accept only one coffin at a time and all remains are removed before the unit can be used again. The identity card referred to previously accompanies the coffin and cremated remains throughout the process until final disposal. The code of ethics and practical necessity are complementary and combine to ensure that the separation of cremated remains is achieved.
How are cremated remains treated at the crematorium?
Cremated remains are removed from the cremator only when no further reduction is possible. The remains are withdrawn into a cooling area and finally into a special container for transfer to a purpose made unit which, after removal of ferrous metals, will reduce the residue to a fine consistency suitable for storage and eventual disposal. The remains are enclosed in a suitable and carefully identified container to await dispersal or collection.
What quantity of remains will there be following a cremation?
The cremation of an adult will normally result in the presentation of cremated remains weighing between 2 and 4 Kg. In the case of the body of an infant it may not be possible to guarantee that any remains will be collectable. This is due to the cartilaginous nature of the bone structure.
It's a myth I am afraid.
From the ones which I have been behind the scenes at, it is definitely one coffin to one cooker at any one time, and then brushed out afterwards.
The ashes are them tumbled in a drum with some (my words) ball bearings to make sure that any larger pieces of skeleton are pulverised to powder. The remains are then placed in the jar to be returned. As long as there are no admin errors a family should get the right ashes back.
Where it does get more complicated is with artifical limb joints which do not burn as they are metal.
In my experience these are collected together and then interred together when the 'bucket' is full.
One of my most vivid and captivating, whilst at the same time being wierdly unnerving, memories is watching through the window of a furnace as the gas jets came on and lit up the coffin.
May I claim PH points for stating that I did think of Kenneth Williams in Carry on Screaming.
That was a very odd day.
- SPOILER ALERT** IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO ACTUALLY KNOW WHAT HAPPENS, PLACE YOUR FINGERS IN YOUR EARS AND SAY "LA LA LA" WHILST CLICKING AWAY FROM THIS THREAD!!
From the ones which I have been behind the scenes at, it is definitely one coffin to one cooker at any one time, and then brushed out afterwards.
The ashes are them tumbled in a drum with some (my words) ball bearings to make sure that any larger pieces of skeleton are pulverised to powder. The remains are then placed in the jar to be returned. As long as there are no admin errors a family should get the right ashes back.
Where it does get more complicated is with artifical limb joints which do not burn as they are metal.
In my experience these are collected together and then interred together when the 'bucket' is full.
One of my most vivid and captivating, whilst at the same time being wierdly unnerving, memories is watching through the window of a furnace as the gas jets came on and lit up the coffin.
May I claim PH points for stating that I did think of Kenneth Williams in Carry on Screaming.
That was a very odd day.
Edited by Skywalker on Sunday 14th February 15:52
Mobile Chicane said:
You can have a cardboard box if you want one...
My Aunt died in January and she had a wicker (I found out later it was actually bamboo) coffin. When the day cometh I am having cardboard or whatever is cheapest, waste of money imo.Vron said:
Mobile Chicane said:
You can have a cardboard box if you want one...
My Aunt died in January and she had a wicker (I found out later it was actually bamboo) coffin. When the day cometh I am having cardboard or whatever is cheapest, waste of money imo.A basic coffin costs £60 to make,then sold on in the trade for about £160 fully furnished(handles,interior,breastplate etc).The price you pay is about £500!
HTH.
Vron said:
Mobile Chicane said:
You can have a cardboard box if you want one...
My Aunt died in January and she had a wicker (I found out later it was actually bamboo) coffin. When the day cometh I am having cardboard or whatever is cheapest, waste of money imo.GreenDog said:
Vron said:
Mobile Chicane said:
You can have a cardboard box if you want one...
My Aunt died in January and she had a wicker (I found out later it was actually bamboo) coffin. When the day cometh I am having cardboard or whatever is cheapest, waste of money imo.These are artisan crafted in Lancashire, and I thought it would be nicer to choose something that keeps a traditional skill alive than 4 grossly overpriced planks of MDF.
It was cheaper too, and interwoven with flowers and autumn foliage looked as good as these things ever can.
I work in one sometimes. The guys that work there take their work very seriously. I once asked a few questions about the process and one of them talked me through it, I found it very interesting (if a bit spooky!).
Its definitely one coffin to one burn, sweep out, mash up ashes and box up. The one I was at has cameras in each furnace so you can see in some detail whats going on in there.
The staff are all very respectful from what I've seen on many many visits to this one particular place. They are good humored but well behaved. That I guess is the kind of people you need in a place like that!
Its definitely one coffin to one burn, sweep out, mash up ashes and box up. The one I was at has cameras in each furnace so you can see in some detail whats going on in there.
The staff are all very respectful from what I've seen on many many visits to this one particular place. They are good humored but well behaved. That I guess is the kind of people you need in a place like that!
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