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- The cremation process explained
- Frequently asked questions
The cremation process explained
Before the service
- Hearse arrives at crematorium
- The coffin is removed from the hearse and moved into the chapel to be placed on the catafalque (see: Catafalque on Wikipedia)
During the service
- The coffin remains on the catafalque whilst the service takes place
After the service
- When the mourners have left the chapel the coffin is moved onto a transfer trolley
- The coffin is transferred to the charge area - which is where the cremators are located
- The identity is confirmed and details input into the computer system
The cremation
- The coffin is placed into the cremator and the cremation begins
- Approximately 1.5 hours after placing the coffin in the cremator (known as charging) the cremation is complete
After the cremation
- Cremated remains are raked into a cooling chamber
- Once cool the cremated remains are moved to a transfer container
- Metal residues are removed from the remains for recycling
- Remains are placed in the cremulator for reduction
- Ten minutes later the reduced remains are removed from the cremulator
- The remains are transferred into a suitable container which is clearly identified
- The remains are stored in temporary deposit, and either:
- Cremated remains are collected by the applicant or someone acting on their behalf, or,
- Ashes are dispersed within the crematorium grounds in accordance with the applicant's wishes
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Frequently asked questions
People often have many questions regarding Cremation practices and procedures. Some of the most frequently asked questions are listed below:
- How many people use cremation today in Great Britain?
- Is cremation more expensive than burial?
- Can relatives witness the committal of the coffin to the cremator?
- Is the coffin cremated with the body?
- How soon after the service will the cremation take place?
- Can more than one body be cremated at a time?
- Are coffins sold back to the funeral director for re-use?
- How are the ashes kept separate?
How many people use cremation today in Great Britain?
Since 1968 when the number of cremations exceeded burials for the first time, cremation has increased considerably. Current figures suggest that around 70% of all funerals are cremations.
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Is cremation more expensive than burial?
No. Generally the cost of a grave is much higher than the fee charged for cremation although the funeral charges are similar for both services. The only additional charge for cremation arises when the death has not been referred to a coroner and two doctors need to be paid for the necessary certificates. This does not apply to burial.
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Can relatives witness the committal of the coffin to the cremator?
Yes but you must inform us as soon as possible so that we may ensure that everything is ready for you on the day.
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Is the coffin cremated with the body?
Yes. The Federation Of Burial and Cremation Authorities (FBCA)Guiding Principles state that the container and the body shall be placed in cremator and cremation commenced. The coffin or container with the body inside shall not be opened or otherwise disturbed, other than in exceptional circ*mstances, and then only with the express permission and in the presence of the Applicant for Cremation (usually the executor or next of kin).
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How soon after the service will the cremation take place?
Under normal circ*mstances the cremation is carried out shortly after the service. However when a service takes place late in the day, or there is an equipment failure, the cremation can take place the next morning.
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Can more than one body be cremated at a time?
No, each cremation is carried out separately. However, exceptions can be made in the case of a mother and baby or small twin children, so long as the next of kin or executor has made this specific request.
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Are coffins sold back to the funeral director for re-use?
No. The coffin and the body inside are cremated together. There are occasions where the deceased or the family of the deceased has opted for using a cardboard coffin in which their loved one will be cremated. When this happens families often want to have a more aesthetically pleasing coffin or container on the catafalque during the service. Families therefore will opt for either a pall (a cloth covering the cardboard coffin), or a 'cocoon coffin' (an outer shell that covers the cardboard coffin). Neither the pall nor the cocoon is cremated. It is important to understand that the pall and cocoon do NOT contain the body of the deceased; they are simply superficial coverings for a cardboard coffin.
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How are the ashes kept separate?
A cremator can only accept one coffin at a time and all the remains are removed from the cremator before the next cremation. An identity card is used throughout the whole process until the final disposal, thereby ensuring correct identification.
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FAQs
How long does a cremation process take? Cremations last between one and three hours with cooling taking a further one or two hours. This depends on cremation temperatures, the size of the deceased, and coffin material.
How long does it take to cremate a body in a crematorium? ›
How long does a cremation process take? Cremations last between one and three hours with cooling taking a further one or two hours. This depends on cremation temperatures, the size of the deceased, and coffin material.
What body parts are removed before cremation? ›
The only parts of the body that are removed before cremation are artificial ones like a medical device or implant with a battery, silicone, pins, radiation pressurization, pacemakers, and large hip, knee, and shoulder replacements along with any external jewelry.
Why is cremation not done at night? ›
In Hindu religion there are total 16 rituals which include death rituals too. According to scriptures a dead body does not cremate after sunset. It is because the presence of sun (surya) is important during last rituals of death. As it had told in scriptures that human body is made up of five elements.
Do they take the clothes off a body before cremation? ›
Typically, if there has been a traditional funeral (with the body) present, the deceased will be cremated in whatever clothing they were wearing. If the cremation is done right after death, then it is usually done with the deceased wearing whatever clothing they were wearing at the time they died.
Do they drain the blood before cremation? ›
Is a body drained before cremation? Draining a body of fluids does not happen before cremation. If a body is embalmed before cremation, the bodily fluids are exchanged (drained, and then replaced) with chemicals during the embalming process. These chemicals are also fluid.
Why is the skull broken during cremation? ›
It is believed that the myth arose when many firefighters found the fragmented skulls of burn victims, without realizing that skulls have a thin layer of tissue that quickly becomes brittle when exposed to extreme heat and can easily be broken by falling debris or other such means.
Do they remove your teeth before cremation? ›
Removing all internal rods, pins, or plates made from steel or titanium before cremation is best. Generally, silicone implants can remain intact during flame cremation. However, the melted material may adhere to the remains. Dental implants, as are gold or silver teeth, are usually safe to leave intact.
What is the last part of the body to burn during cremation? ›
The bones, which are the last to go, become calcified as they are exposed to the heat and begin to flake or crumble [source: Pope]. An average human body takes from two to three hours to burn completely and will produce an average of 3 to 9 pounds (1.4 to 4.1 kilograms) of ash.
Why do you have to wait 3 days before cremation? ›
Why do you have to wait 3 days to cremate a body? In the United States, the law requires that a body must be held for three days before it can be cremated. This waiting period gives family and friends time to plan a funeral or memorial service.
Is cremation a sin? Burying the dead was the usual practice in Biblical times, and until recently, the preferred method for most people when they passed. Even though many Bible passages see cremation as necessary in only dire times, nowhere in the Bible is cremation directly condemned.
How many bodies are cremated at once? ›
Can more than one body be cremated at a time? No, each cremation is carried out separately. However, exceptions can be made in the case of a mother and baby or small twin children, so long as the next of kin or executor has made this specific request.
Why do people sit up when being cremated? ›
Because of the cremation chamber's high heat, some bodies go into what's called a pugilistic stance, meaning the elbows, knees, and fists clench from dehydration due to the extreme heat. The pugilistic stance may make the body appear shorter or stiffer, but it will not make the body sit up.
Do we still feel pain during cremation? ›
When someone dies, they don't feel things anymore, so they don't feel any pain at all.” If they ask what cremation means, you can explain that they are put in a very warm room where their body is turned into soft ashes—and again, emphasize that it is a peaceful, painless process.
Why do people shower after cremation? ›
Bathing, a common practice after cremation, helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene, as scavengers near cremation grounds carry bacteria from feasting on animal and bird carcasses. Bathing also serves as a way to normalize routine and cope with grief after cremation.
How fast can a body be cremated after death? ›
How long does cremation take? The entire cremation timeframe — including any waiting period, authorization, and the actual cremation — can take anywhere from four days to two weeks from start to finish. The cremation itself takes about three to four hours, with another one to two hours for processing.
What do funeral homes do with the blood from dead bodies? ›
What Do Funeral Homes Do with the Blood from the Dead Body? The funeral home drains off the blood via the veins. They then send the blood and other fluids such as lymph into the municipal sewage system. In turn, the waste disposal officers treat these fluids before entering the town's wastewater system.
