There is no legal requirement to use the services of a funeral
director to make the arrangements on your behalf.
If the death occurred at home, the deceased's doctor and
nearest relative should be contacted as soon as possible.
Once the doctor has certified the cause of death, the body may
be washed and dressed. If the death occurred in hospital the family
will need to collect the body from the mortuary.
A coffin can be made or purchased from a funeral director, and
a large estate car or similar vehicle may be used for
transportation of the deceased.
Arrangements for the ceremony can usually be made direct with
the cemetery or crematorium.
However, if the body is to be cremated, you will need to check
with the crematorium which materials are suitable to ensure that
they are combustible and do not give off any toxic gas.
A typical example of instructions from the Crematorium
are;
"The coffin must be made of wood or a wood by-product which,
when placed in the cremator and subjected to the accepted cremation
processes, is easily combustible and which does not emit smoke,
give off toxic gas or leave any retardant smears or drips after
final combustion. No metal furniture or fittings whatever shall be
used on a coffin for cremation. No metal of any kind shall be used
in the manufacture of such coffin except as necessary for its safe
construction and then only metal of a high ferrous content.
Cross pieces must not be attached to the bottom of the coffin.
If it is desired to strengthen the bottom of the coffin, wooden
strips may be placed lengthways for this purpose. The coffin must
not be painted or varnished but may be covered with a suitable
cloth. Products manufactured in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) must not
be used in the construction of the coffin or its furnishings. The
use of polystyrene must be restricted to the coffin nameplate only
in which case it must not exceed 90 grams in weight.
In the lining of the Coffin, the use of sawdust or cotton wool
must be avoided. If circumstances require, suitable sealing
material may be used, but no metal, rubber or PVC will be permitted
and on no account must pitch or similar substance be used.
Where the external dimensions of the coffin are likely to
exceed length 81 inches (206cm) width 28 inches (71cm) depth
22inches (56cm) the proper officer of the crematorium must be given
advance notice."