Exhumations are generally rare and tend to be traumatic for
the family involved.
They can take a long time to arrange and are usually
expensive. For these reasons, it is always best to consult with all
the relatives before proceeding.
Exhumation of both buried and cremated remains generally
requires a
Home Office licence
Reasons - Exhumations occur for a number of reasons,
including:
- movement from the original grave to a subsequently acquired family
- plot in the same or other cemetery;
- repatriation overseas to be buried along with other family;
- transfer from one cemetery scheduled for development to another;or
- court orders requiring further forensic examination.
Requirements
However, it is an offence to exhume any human remains without
first obtaining the necessary lawful permissions.
Funeral directors can help in obtaining these.
A licence must be obtained from the Home Office .
Exhumation licences will also contain certain conditions that
have to be observed.
If the person is buried in Consecrated grounds, permission
from the church must also be obtained.
An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the
exhumation of a body to ensure that there is no threat to public
health.
Occasionally cadaver
certificates are required in addition to exhumation
licences
Decency and Safety
An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the
exhumation and supervises the event to ensure that respect for the
deceased person is maintained and that public health is protected.
The Officer will also ensure that:
- the correct grave is opened,
- the exhumation commences as early as possible in the morning to ensure maximum privacy,
- the plot is screened as appropriate for privacy,
- health and safety of all workers is maintained e.g. protective clothing including masks and gloves, task lights and all other necessary equipment,
- everyone present shows due respect to the deceased person and to adjoining graves,
- the nameplate on the casket corresponds to that on the licence,
- the new casket has been approved by the Environmental Health Officer,
- all human remains and all the pieces of casket are placed in the new casket,
- the new casket is properly sealed,
- the area of exhumation is properly disinfected, and
- satisfactory arrangements are in place for the onward transmission of the remains.
If the conditions of the licence cannot be met, or there are
public health or decency concerns, the exhumation may not
proceed.
For further information Contact
Environment Services
Friars Wynd
Richmond
North Yorkshire
DL10 4RT
Tel: 01748 829100 Fax: 01748 826186
Friars Wynd
Richmond
North Yorkshire
DL10 4RT
Tel: 01748 829100 Fax: 01748 826186
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Last updated:
06 November 2008
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