Crematory Operators — Tasks

Task statements

• Clean the crematorium, including tables, floors, and equipment.
• Document divided remains to ensure parts are not misplaced.
• Embalm, dress, or otherwise prepare the deceased for viewing.
• Explain the cremation process to family or friends of the deceased.
• Offer counsel and comfort to bereaved families or friends.
• Pick up and handle human or pet remains in a respectful manner.
• Place corpses into crematory machines to reduce remains to bone fragments using flame, heat, or alkaline hydrolysis.
• Pulverize remaining bone fragments into smaller pieces, using specialized equipment, such as a cremulator or grinder.
• Read documentation to confirm the identity of the deceased.
• Remove jewelry, watches, or other personal items from the deceased prior to cremation.
• Sweep or vacuum the cremation chamber to retrieve remains for storage in an urn or other container.
• Transport the deceased to a funeral home or crematory using a van, hearse, or other vehicle.