The cremation will generally be carried out on the same day as the funeral service.
Verification of the Deceased – Crematorium staff must verify the identity of the deceased via the name plate on the coffin.
They must ensure the details match the ‘Application for Cremation’ (the document required by a State Government’s Health Regulations before a cremation can take place) and the required ‘Cause of Death Certificate’ or ‘Coroner’s Cremation Permit’.
All of the necessary documentation will be arranged by your funeral director.
In addition to confirmation of death, these documents indicate if the deceased had battery powered devices (such as a pacemaker) in place at the time of death. If this was the case, the funeral director will have arranged for them to be removed, and will provide a ‘Certificate of Removal’. The coffin remains sealed throughout the entire cremation process.
For more information, please see the ‘Burial and Cremation Acts’ for your State or Territory listed in our Useful Organisations section.
Even though cremation usually occurs soon after the funeral service, in accordance with the relevant State Government’s Health Regulations, it can occur up to 48 hours later. If the cremation is not to occur immediately, the coffin is held in a temperature controlled holding room.
The coffin is transferred onto an insertion trolley, and any item that may impede the cremation process is removed such as metal handles.
Flowers remaining with the coffin are disposed of. Families should ask their funeral director during the arrangement process if they wish to retain flowers following the funeral service.
The name plate is removed, and placed alongside the cremator, for identification throughout the process. The coffin is inserted into the cremator.
The coffin and deceased are cremated together. Cremation begins immediately once the coffin is inserted into the cremator.
All crematoriums must abide by their State or Territory’s Government Regulations, including those of the Health Department.
If you require a Funeral Director or Cemetery or Crematorium, please use our Business Directory Search facility.
