Exhumations

Decency and safety

An Environmental Health Officer must be present at the exhumation and must supervise the event to make sure 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 starts as early as possible in the morning to ensure maximum privacy
  • the plot is screened for privacy
  • health and safety of all workers is maintained such as 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 matches that on the licence
  • the new casket has been approved by the Environmental Health Officer
  • all human remains and all the pieces of the casket are placed in the new casket
  • the new casket is properly sealed
  • the area of exhumation is properly disinfected
  • satisfactory arrangements are in place for moving the remains.

If the conditions of the licence cannot be met, or there are public health or decency concerns, the exhumation may not go ahead.

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Bereavement services

Address: The Lodge
Cannon Hill Road
Coventry
CV4 7DF

Telephone: 024 7697 5520