Understanding the Cremation Process
There are many misconceptions about cremation so to make it easier to understand here are some facts on what occurs in the cremation process and answers to some very common questions we get asked. Once the body has been fully prepared, the coffin is moved to our Dignified Cremations crematorium. Once accepted by crematorium staff, the coffin remains sealed throughout the cremation process.
Verification of deceased
Our Dignified Cremations staff verify the identity of the deceased via the name-plate on the coffin, ensuring the details match the ‘Application for Cremation’ (the document required by Health Department Regulations before a cremation can take place) and the two Medical Certificates or Coroner’s Cremation Permit. In addition to confirmation of death, the medical certificate indicates if battery powered devices (such as a pace-maker) have been removed.
Flowers
Flowers remaining with the coffin are cremated with the coffin. Families should ask Dignified Cremations during the arrangement process if they wish to retain flowers.
When will the cremation occur?
The cremation will generally be carried out on the same day as the funeral service but in accordance with Health Department Regulations, can occur up to 48 hours later. If a Dignified Cremation is not to occur immediately, the coffin is held in a temperature controlled holding room.
Preparation for cremation
When cremation is due to occur:
- The coffin is transferred onto an insertion trolley
- The name plate is removed, and placed alongside the cremator, for identification throughout the process
- The coffin is inserted into the cremator.
- In all cases, the coffin and deceased are cremated together. Cremation begins immediately once the coffin is inserted into the cremator.
The cremation process
Cremators generally comprise of a main cremating chamber, a secondary air chamber and a holding chamber. In accordance with Health Department Regulations, coffins must be cremated individually, in other words, only one coffin is ever placed inside the main cremation chamber at any one time. Likewise, there may only be one body per coffin except in special circumstances, which require permission from the Director General of Health. At the completion of the main phase of the cremation process the cremated remains are moved into the holding chamber to finalise the cremation. Once finalised, the cremated remains are placed into a cooling container. When cooled, metallic contents (prostheses, coffin nails etc.) are separated from the remains and disposed of in an appropriate manner.
Cremated remains or ashes
Cremated remains are commonly referred to as ‘ashes’. However, technically there are no ashes, what are left are fragile calcified bone fragments.
Ashes container
The cremated remains are transferred to a processor to reduce the bone fragments to a fine granule-type consistency which in-turn is placed in a sealed container. The name-plate and an identifying label are then attached. The standard Dignified Cremations container accommodates all of the cremated remains. In the unusual event that an ash container is insufficient to hold all of the ashes, an extra container is used. The family or applicant will be notified that the ashes are ready and then either delivered or held for collection. If the ashes are not required they are then, subject to Health Department Regulations, dealt with according to the instruction given.
Interesting Facts
- Over 130 000 people die in Australia each year.
- 56% of people currently opt for cremation with the number slowly increasing. In urban area where crematoria are more readily available the rate approaches 70%.
- Cremation is usually not acceptable within Orthodox Judaism, Islam and Eastern Orthodoxy. However, most Christian denominations approve cremation, and it is the preferred method among Hindus and many Buddhists.
- The Roman Catholic Church no longer considers there to be a danger that Christian cremation will be associated with non-Christian belief, or with a denial of such doctrines as the resurrection of the body, immortality of the soul, and the existence of eternal life. The Catholic Church recommends cremated remains are disposed of in a way that indicates respect for the body of the deceased person. A memorial in a public place is favoured so that even in death the deceased person’s commitment to Christianity is still proclaimed.
- Once the crematorium has accepted the coffin it may not be opened.
- One person is only ever cremated at a time. The only exception is in the case of a mother and baby or twin children. It may also be acceptable for both a mother and baby or twin children to be in the same coffin. In these instances, approval is sought from the Health Department.
- A cremator is made from refractory (heat resistant) bricks and fuelled by natural gas.
- The coffin is always inserted into the cremator feet first.
- All coffin handles are cremated unless they hinder the cremation process.
- The time taken to cremate will depend on many factors including body mass, bone density and the materials from which the coffin is manufactured. The average time for an adult cremation is 90 minutes at a temperature of between 800 and 1000 degree Celsius.
- On average from insertion to final cooling the cremation process may take up to four hours.
