The cremation, processing and disposition of the remains of the deceased shall be performed in accordance with all governing laws, and the policies, procedures and requirements of the SouthCare Cremation & Funeral Society, SCFS.
This document describes many of the policies and requirements of SCFS and is incorporated in our Cremation Authorization Form. We suggest you take the time to read this document carefully before executing the Cremation Authorization Form or any other form authorizing the cremation of a loved one.
THE CREMATION PROCESS
All cremations are performed individually, in an empty chamber and the deceased is properly identified using a tagging system and a non-metal identification disc or coin.
Cremation is performed by placing the deceased in a fiberboard container and then placing the container into the cremation chamber or retort, where it is subjected to intense heat and flame. During the cremation process, it may be necessary to open the cremation chamber and reposition the deceased in order to facilitate a complete and thorough cremation. Through the use of suitable fuel, incineration of the container and contents is accomplished and all substances are consumed or driven off, except the bone fragments (calcium compounds) and metal (including dental gold and silver and other non-human materials) as the temperature is not sufficient to consume them.
Due to the nature of the cremation process any personal possessions or valuable materials, such as dental gold or jewelry (as well as any body prosthesis or dental bridgework), that were with or left with the decedent and not removed from the body at the time of removal from the location of death, a casket or container prior to cremation, will be destroyed or if not destroyed, will be disposed of or recycled by SCFS in normal waste or medical waste receptacles.
Following a cooling period, the cremated remains, which will normally weigh several pounds in the case of an average sized adult, are then swept or raked from the cremation chamber. SCFS makes a reasonable effort to remove all of the cremated remains from the cremation chamber but it is impossible to remove all of them, as some microscopic dust and other residue from the process are always left behind. In addition, while every effort will be made to avoid commingling, inadvertent or incidental commingling of minute particles of cremated remains from residue of previous cremations is a possibility.
After the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, all non-combustible materials (insofar as possible), such as bridgework, and materials from the container, such as hinges, latches, nails, etc., will be separated and removed from the human bone fragments by visible or magnetic selection and will be disposed of or recycled by SCFS with similar materials from other cremations in a non-recoverable manner.
When the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, the skeletal remains often contain recognizable bone fragments. Unless otherwise specified, after the bone fragments have been separated from the other material, they will then be mechanically processed (pulverized). This process of crushing, spinning or grinding may cause incidental commingling of the remains with the microscopic residue from the processing of previously cremated remains. These granulated particles of unidentifiable dimensions will be virtually unrecognizable as human remains.
CASKETS / CONTAINERS
SCFS requires an alternative (cremation) container for cremation. All containers must meet the following standards: 1) be composed of materials suitable for cremation; 2) be resistant to leakage or spillage; 3) be sufficient for handling, moving and lifting; 4) be able to provide protection for the health and safety of crematory personnel.
Many caskets that are comprised primarily of combustible material also contain some exterior parts, e.g., decorative handles or rails that are not combustible and may cause damage to the cremation equipment. SCFS, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to remove these non-combustible materials prior to cremation and to discard them with similar materials from other cremations and other refuse in a non-recoverable manner.
SCFS will not cremate metal caskets. Additional charges will apply for the disposal of a metal casket by SCFS.
PACEMAKERS, PROSTHESES AND RADIOACTIVE DEVICES
Pacemakers and prostheses as well as any other mechanical or radioactive devices or implants in the decedent may cause a hazardous condition when placed in the cremation chamber. It is imperative that all pacemakers, pain pumps, defibrillators and radioactive devices be removed prior to cremation. If SCFS is not notified about such devices and implants and not instructed to remove them prior to the cremation process, the person(s) authorizing and the person(s) contracting the cremation services will be responsible for any and all damages caused to SCFS or crematory personnel by such devices or implants.
WITNESSING
SCFS does allow immediate family members to witness the casket / container being placed into the cremation chamber. SCFS reserves the right to require alternative containers constructed of materials that increases the flashpoint and reduces the risk of premature ignition of the cremation container.
URNS / CONTAINERS
After the cremated remains have been processed, they will be placed in the urn or container designated by the authorized agent(s). SCFS will make a reasonable effort to place all of the cremated remains in the urn or container, with the exception of particulate residue that may remain in or on the cremation and processing equipment. In the event that the urn or container is insufficient to accommodate all of the cremated remains, the excess will be placed in a separate receptacle. The separate receptacle will be kept with the primary receptacle and handled according to the disposition instructions on the Cremation Authorization Form. Unless a suitable urn is provided for the cremated remains, SCFS will place the cremated remains in a temporary container or urn.
LIMITATION OF LIABILITY
The obligations of SCFS shall be limited to the cremation of the decedent and the disposition of the decedent’s cremated remains as authorized on the Cremation Authorization Form. No warranties (expressed or implied) are made. Damages shall be limited to the amount of the cremation fee paid.
FINAL DISPOSITION
Cremation is not final disposition of one’s remains. The cremation process simply reduces the decedent’s body to cremated remains. These cremated remains usually weigh several pounds and usually measure in excess of 150 cubic inches. Provisions must be made for the final disposition of these cremated remains. Unclaimed cremated remains may be subject to storage and disinterment fees after the date prescribed under final dispostion sub section E, and custody of the cremated remains will be transferred as prescribed by State Law.
