Burial Rules & Regulations

Hearse & Horses

Photographer Mr. T. Egan-Fowler

REGULATIONS: FOR THE MAINTENANCE OF BLABY CEMETERIES INTRODUCTION Once a funeral cortège enters the Cemetery gates it is under the jurisdiction of the Burial Authority (the Parish Council). Prior to the arrival of the cortège, a member of the Parish Council staff will ensure that the grave is correctly dug to the depth specified, that the grave is supported by shoring if required and the grave surround timbered. Grass matting must be laid on the grave surround. The approach to, and the surround of the grave, will be clean and tidy. Coffins must bear the correct identity of the person contained within. The Clerk (Assistant Clerk or a member of the Councils permanent staff in the Clerks absence) will, before a coffin leaves the car park area, ensure, as far as is reasonably possible, that the coffin is correctly identified. Every care is taken to log the identity of each grave space, and keep up to date, Cemetery plans and registers. LAYOUT The Cemeteries on Mill Lane comprise three distinct areas; i) Cemeteries 1, 2 and 4 and car park - fronting Mill Lane; ii) Cemetery 3 - fronting Mill Lane - being separated from Cemeteries 1, 2 and 4 by a bridlepath; iii) Extension - 3 acres - purchased 1997 ; beyond the original Cemeteries, away from Mill Lane. Plans of the Cemetery are kept by the Blaby Parish Council and are available for inspection. DESIGNATION Cemetery 1 has either been consecrated, or is so considered. Cemetery 2 is reserved for the burial of non-conformists. Cemetery 3 - non-conformist - is full and closed. Cemetery 4 and the Garden of Remembrance (for the burial of cremated remains) are not specified. GRAVES A single grave is 8 ft. x 4 ft. and may contain a maximum of 2 interments. Cremation plots are; 1st, 2nd and 3rd rows, 2 ft. x 2 ft. 4th and subsequent rows, 2 ft. x 2 ft. 6 ins. Each cremation plot may contain a maximum of 2 caskets, side by side. A grave in which there have been two interments may be re-opened for the burial of cremated remains. Interments of coffins (caskets) larger than 6 ft. 6 ins. x 2 ft. 4 ins. (except in exceptional circumstances when the deceased was a big person), two single plots, side by side, must be purchased, at the appropriate fee. The coffin (casket) may be buried double deep, leaving room for additional interment(s), but must be interred centrally. No kerbs are allowed. Older graves have kerbs. This is historical and is not considered to have set a precedent for future graves. Graves and cremation plots (G. of R.) may be purchased in advance, at double current prices. Pre-bought single graves may not be used for the interment of coffins (caskets) larger than 6 ft. 6 ins. x 2 ft. 4 ins. The payment of a single fee in the case of a parishioner, does not automatically mean that only single fees will be charged upon interment if the purchaser becomes a non-parishioner in the intervening years. Ashes, for example of children, may be interred within the Cemetery in areas other than those set aside for burials, at the discretion of the Burial Authority (Blaby Parish Council). Graves or cremation plots may be purchased, at the current price, for the siting of memorials only, without there having been or intending to be, an interment. RIGHT OF BURIAL Fees are periodically reviewed. There are two types of grants; i) EXCLUSIVE : giving exclusive right to the ground for 100 years which may be extended for periods not exceeding 100 years. ii) CREMATED REMAINS : giving exclusive right to the ground for 100 years which may be extended for periods not exceeding 100 years. The Burial Authority does not differentiate between the ages of the deceased and the same fees are payable for the interment of the body of a still-born child as for an adult. A Deed of the Grant of Exclusive Right of Burial is issued by the Burial Authority in respect of every exclusive right purchased. Any person who purchases the exclusive right of burial in a grave space/cremation plot, shall not convey, assign or transfer such right without the consent of the Burial Authority. INTERMENTS Notice of interment is to be made to the Burial Authority at least 2 days in advance. Such notice shall be given in the form prescribed by the Burial Authority (Interment Notice). If an exclusive right of burial has already been granted in respect of a grave space to be used for the interment, the Deeds must be produced to the Funeral Director who will sign the Interment Notice to the effect that they have been produced, OR an Indemnity Form signed by the owner or legal successor of the owner will be forwarded to the Burial Authority. Burials may take place on weekdays only, not including Bank Holidays, between the hours of:- January, February, November, December : 9.00 a.m.-3.00 p.m. March, April, September, October : 9.00 a.m.-3.30 p.m. May, June, July, August : 9.00 a.m.-4.00 p.m. These times may be varied slightly, in special circumstances, at the discretion of the Clerk, and dependent upon the availability of staff to supervise the interment. Ashes are usually, though not necessarily, interred in caskets or urns. Deed-holders must be aware that some disruption may occur to the surface of a grave if an adjacent grave is opened. This may be unavoidable. Disruption will be kept to a minimum and the grave will be tidied afterwards, as much as possible. (Agreed 13.10.98.) MEMORIALS Memorials (monuments) may only be placed on graves/cremation plots for which an exclusive right has been granted. Plans and inscriptions for memorials must be submitted to the Clerk to the Council for approval before the memorial is sited. A headstone shall be no more than 3 ft. 6 ins. in height and a maximum width of 2 ft. 6 ins. Footstones are not allowed. A headstone may be placed at the foot of the grave, depending on the layout of the Cemetery. On 2 x single plots purchased for the interment of coffins (caskets) larger than 6 ft. 6 ins. x 2 ft. 4 ins., memorials must be placed either to the left or right, in alignment with memorials on other rows. They may not be placed centrally. All memorials will be in line. Smaller memorials are allowed on cremation plots. These must be; a maximum height of 12" from the ground, including the base, a maximum width of 15", including the base, a maximum length of 15", including the base. All memorials; Maximum depth (front to back) of the base: 15"; Maximum thickness (front to back) of the inscribed slab, whether upright or sloping: 5"; Overall thickness (front to back) of the memorial, including vases, supports, inscribed slab, etc. must not exceed depth of base: 15". Only one memorial is allowed per grave/cremation plot. Small, moveable vases may be sited on graves, in addition to a memorial. Memorials remain the property of the purchaser. The Council is not liable for damage, however caused, and it is the purchaser's responsibility to organise insurance, if required. All memorials shall be securely fixed to concrete bases provided. From 1.1.03, memorials must conform to the National Association of Memorial Masons Approved Method of Fixing. Any repairs must be carried out by the purchaser on being informed of a problem by the Council. If repairs are not carried out within a reasonable period, the memorial may be removed by order of the Burial Authority. The Council reserves the right to lower headstone plinths to ground level when, in the Council's opinion, such headstone is unsightly due to incorrect placement. UPKEEP OF GRAVES Charged per grave, per year. (N.B. On existing contracts only. No new agreements will be made after 3.12.02.) A single fee is charged for those graves managed by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission. Currently, this service is VAT rated at 17½%. Otherwise, the Burial Authority cuts the grass on a regular basis and generally attempts to maintain the Cemeteries to a high standard. The Council reserves the right to remove unauthorised items and to maintain graves to a reasonable standard. No small stones, gravel, chippings or pebbles may be used on cremation plots or graves. FLOWERS, PLANTS, ETC. Cut flowers may be placed in a suitable container on the grave, e.g. iron or stone vase, not exceeding 1 ft. x 1 ft. x 1 ft. in size, on the grave. Bottles, jars and jugs or other unsightly ornaments are only permitted on a temporary basis. Broken bottles, ornaments, etc. will be removed immediately if it is considered that broken edges constitute a danger to users of the Cemetery. Turf may be removed by the holder of the deeds, or his/her relative to enable planting to take place. The "garden area" so created must not exceed a maximum width of 2 ft. 6 ins. If the area is not maintained by the Deed-holder and/or relatives, the Council will allow the grave to grass over naturally. The planting of trees, shrubs (including roses) is not allowed. The Council will make up ground, on grassed or garden graves, if sinking occurs, with good top soil. On cremation plots (G. of R.) there is little room for plants. No planting is allowed to the rear or the sides of a memorial. Vases may only be sited to the front of memorials and must not encroach onto adjacent plots. If no memorial is present, the same boundaries for the siting of vases/planting must be assumed. Aluminium markers on cremation plots must not be removed, buried, or moved from the centre front of the plot, under any circumstances. SCATTERING OF ASHES On exclusive plots or cremation plots only. FEES Are charged; on each individual interment, on each individual interment of ashes, for the scattering of ashes, for the purchase of exclusive right of burial (ordinary, walled graves or vaults), digging of cremation plots, for the right to erect a memorial, for the right to make an additional inscription to a memorial, for the upkeep of graves (plus VAT), for transfer/renewal of exclusive right of burial, for searches in registers, for copies of entries in registers. Single fees apply when the person to be interred, or in respect of whom the right is granted is, or immediately before his/her death was, an inhabitant or parishioner of Blaby or, in the case of a still-born child, where the parents (or one of them) are, or at the time of interment were, such inhabitants or parishioners. The Clerk has discretion to waive increased fees for non-parishioners in the case of parishioners of long standing who have been obliged to reside outside the parish during their declining years in order to receive nursing or other residential care. OPENING HOURS Pedestrian access is available at all hours. The car park is also generally open at all hours, but the Council reserves the right to close and lock the car park whenever it deems it appropriate. DONATIONS OF SEATS/TREES The Council will generally accept any reasonable donation. Siting of donated trees, seats, etc. is at the Council's discretion. No item may be pinned on, attached to or hung from trees. CODE OF SAFE WORKING PRACTICE FOR THE CEMETERY (See below) A copy of the Code has been given to the gravediggers, all funeral directors and full-time members of Council staff. No deviation from the Code is allowed. BEHAVIOUR OF STAFF AND PUBLIC All employees involved with the disposal of the dead, at all times, conduct themselves in a discreet and reverent manner whilst engaged in duties on behalf of the Burial Authority. The Council takes steps to ensure that whilst on the Cemeteries, no person creates a disturbance, commits any offence, wilfully interferes with any burial, grave, vault, memorial or plant, plays any game or sport, or allows an animal to run free or foul any area. Employees are at all times, suitable attired for the duties in which they are engaged. If in attendance at a funeral, an employee will be well presented in clean, sombre clothing. Adopted 9.6.98 (Updated March 2004 in line with various agreements made by the Council since 1998) HEALTH & SAFETY SAFE WORKING PRACTICE ON THE CEMETERY The only gravediggers on the Cemetery, Mr. D. Barnacle and his sons, have been instructed to follow (from 8th May 1997) the Code of Safe Working Practice for Cemeteries, issued by the Institute of Burial and Cremation Administration. A copy of the Code has been lent to Mr. Barnacle. The Parish Council's groundstaff take no part in the digging of any graves. The Parish Council's groundstaff have been advised to keep their tetanus vaccinations up to date. (Code: 1.1.7). No-one must enter an unsupported excavation (i.e. excavations below 4'0" must be shored). (Code: 5.1.5). It is noted that once the funeral cortège enters the Cemetery gates it is under the jurisdiction of the Burial Authority (the Parish Council). (Code: 1.2.7). Graves, whether partly dug or completed, are covered by boards, timbers or other suitable material when not being excavated or required for a funeral (Code: 3.1.21) and are left unattended. (Code: 4.1.17). A grave is completely refilled after the interment and before staff/gravedigger leaves the Cemetery at the end of the day. (Code: 3.1.23). When the gravedigger is digging below 4'0" (1.219 mtrs) in depth, a member of Parish Council staff must be present in the event of an accident. (Code: 4.1.13). Any memorial which is unstable or hazardous will be reported to the Clerk. EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO COLLAPSED GRAVES (Code: 5.4) In the event of a soil collapse during digging, the main objective is to SAFELY repair the damage in order that the funeral may proceed. If the grave is a new one it may be safer to backfill the resulting hole, including the shoring, and provide a new grave. The final decision rests on the circumstances prevailing at the time. Where the interment is to be in an existing grave, an assessment of the time it will take to repair the damage and prepare the grave for the funeral must be made by the Clerk or Assistant Clerk. When the estimated repair time is liable to approach or exceed the estimated time of the arrival of the funeral, the funeral director must be informed of the following alternatives:- a) Re-scheduling of the funeral, or b) Commit the coffin at the side of the grave for burial. When repairs are finished, the burial will be completed. This work must be completed and burial take place on the day of the funeral. The Clerk and representative of the funeral director will be present until burial is completed. The bereaved family and mourners must not be allowed to approach the grave. A minimum safe distance must be designated. This distance will depend on the amount of the collapse, but should not be less than 2 metres (6'6") from the perimeter of grave side. This is to prevent further damage and to protect members of the funeral party. STABILITY OF MEMORIALS (Code: 6.0) Attention is given to the stability of memorials on graves surrounding a re-opening of an existing grave. If the stability of any memorial is in doubt, work to the grave will cease until the Clerk has viewed the situation. The memorial may:- a) Be removed to a safe place by Parish Council staff, to be replaced after interment. b) A memorial which presents a hazard but is too heavy or difficult to remove by Parish Council staff will be moved by a stonemason. UNSTABLE MEMORIALS (Code: 6.2) A memorial remains the property of the owner of the Exclusive Right of Burial and it is that person's responsibility to ensure the memorial is safely erected. Where memorials are found to be unstable, they will be a) Laid flat on the ground. b) The owner of the Exclusive Right of Burial will be notified, and instructed to have the memorial safely re-erected. EXHUMATION (Code: 7.0) The Clerk takes overall responsibility for the safety precautions that are needed and ensure that the operations are carried out in such a manner so as to prevent as far as is reasonably practicable any danger to the health and safety of the operatives. The Environmental Health Officer will be responsible for preventing the spread of disease and for ensuring there is no danger to public health. Whilst the Clerk supervising the operation has overall responsibility for procedures carried out under his/her direction, the responsibility for operating a safe system of work in general terms lies with the gravedigger. No member of Parish Council staff apart from the Clerk, will take any part in an exhumation. PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF DISEASE (Code: 7.3) The Clerk will ensure that all work people have protective clothing to minimise the likelihood of the spread of disease and that all clothing provided for this purpose will be worn by the operatives during the operation. The gravediggers must wear adequate footwear but, during the exhumation, it may be necessary for them to wear safety wellingtons of the correct size and in a good condition that can be readily disinfected after the operation has been completed. Clean protective overalls must be worn by the gravediggers during the time of the exhumation (these preferably to be of a disposable type). Rubber protective gloves must be worn by the gravediggers when handling the coffin or remains. These gloves must be of recent manufacture and in good condition. They should be tested for pinholes before being worn to ensure there is no risk from the rubber perishing. The gravediggers should have a further supply of gloves readily available in case of damage; gloves must be of the correct size. Sufficient respirators of the disposable type should be readily available on site for all personnel (Supervisors (Clerk) and operatives) that are present. The conditions of the Licence, Faculty or Warrant must be observed and when ground lime is called for as part of those conditions, it should be freely sprinkled over the coffin, any remains which may be exposed, and any soil removed from or adjoining the grave. It is the responsibility of the Clerk to ensure that both respirators and dustproof goggles are worn by all persons in the immediate vicinity when freshly made ground lime is spread in conditions that may give rise to a hazard as part of the conditions of the licence. Disinfectant, ground lime, or any other chemicals will be stored in accordance with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Act 1988 and all manufacturers recommendations with regard to protective clothing will be strictly adhered to. Disinterring the Coffin The Clerk will be satisfied wherever possible that the coffin to be moved is that of the person referred to in the 'Licence' and the precautions necessary will depend on the condition of the coffin and remains, although it will not be possible to determine this condition exactly until the coffin is exposed. The Clerk will give direction as to the precautions to be observed, which will reflect the conditions of the Licence, Faculty or Warrant and the following procedures:- Where the coffin is intact and can be lifted in one piece, and if required within the conditions of the Licence, Faculty or Warrant, the coffin will be liberally sprinkled with fresh ground lime, after which it can be examined for seepage. If no seepage is occurring and the coffin is to be re-interred in the same site this operation will be carried out forthwith. If alternatively the coffin is not seeping but requires removal to another site, it will be enclosed in new coffin or shell, which has been made in such a way so as to prevent seepage from the joints, and surrounded by 4 inches of newly made ¼ inch grade vegetable charcoal and transferred to the new site as soon as possible. If, on examination, the coffin does show signs of seepage, the coffin and surrounding areas that have been contaminated will be treated with fresh ground lime as stated in 7.4.2, assuming the use of lime has been given as a condition of the Licence, Faculty or Warrant. The coffin will be placed in a well sealed coffin or shell and surrounded by 4" of ¼ inch newly made vegetable charcoal after which the coffin can be removed for re-interment. If the coffin has deteriorated to such an extent that it cannot be lifted whole or if the remains are exposed, then it will be necessary to remove the remains manually from the grave ensuring that the coffin, soil and other offensive matter are treated in accordance with the conditions of the Licence, Faculty or Warrant, or in any case are liberally sprinkled with ground lime. The coffin and remains will then be immediately placed in a well-pitched or otherwise waterproofed shell and entirely surrounded by 100mm (4") of newly made ¼ inch grade vegetable charcoal. This shell will then be sealed and removed for re-interment. Pitched coffins will not be used if the remains are to be cremated. One must have due consideration as to the propriety of removing remains where a coffin has collapsed within a short period from interment. In the event of the coffin having broken up and the remains being at an advanced stage of decomposition the removal is not recommended unless specific instructions are received from the approved authorities. There are certain circumstances where the original burial may have taken place many years ago and all that will be found on the grave site, when exposed, will be fragments of bone. In these circumstances, no offensive matter may be found and, boxing of the remains will be necessary, there is little point in surrounding the remains in newly made vegetable charcoal and, unless categorically specified in the Exhumation Licence, this procedure may be disposed with. The above criteria act as a general guide but it is not possible to cover all situations and the Clerk supervising the work has the discretion to react to conditions found on site. The Environmental Health Officer present has the responsibility to prevent the spread of disease. It will be this officer's responsibility to see that the conditions laid down in the 'Licence' are adhered to and that any special conditions are observed. NOTE There may be special conditions applied if the body is to be exported or removed by air etc. Vaults; When an exhumation takes place from a vault, it will be necessary to ensure that it is opened up for ventilation purposes prior to the dis-interment. This is best achieved by opening up more than one entrance if possible to allow a through current of air. The Environmental Health Officer before entering the vault, will take all necessary precautions to satisfy himself that the quality of air within the vault is fit to breathe. Dust can also be a problem in vaults and where a dust nuisance is anticipated, respirators will be used. Disinfectants; Phenolic fluids will be stored in the original metal containers and the necessary amounts recommended for dilution poured into a suitable bucket, the dilution recommended by the manufacturers will be used for washing down soiled items of equipment and contaminated or soiled clothing. Rubber gloves and wellingtons will be washed in disinfectant prior to being washed down under cold water. Site Facilities; Gloves, Wellingtons, Helmets and Goggles After contact with the coffin remains and on completion of the operation, all gloves and wellingtons will be washed down in a sterilising solution using a suitable disinfectant of a Phenolic fluid of the recommended dilution. Prior to the disinfecting of gloves and wellingtons, they will be washed free gross soiling. Overalls; (a) In the case of re-usable clothing overalls will be sterilised by immersion in a suitable disinfectant (1% Sudol) for a period of 20-30 minutes. The articles will then be washed clean in running water and sent for launder. (b) If disposable overalls and respirators are used as recommended on completion of the task they will be placed in a polythene bag, sealed and sent for disposal as instructed by the Environmental Health Officer. Eye Wash; Suitable water facilities for eye wash will be available on site to deal with chemical contamination of the eyes. Washing; Facilities will be available nearby for the workmen to thoroughly wash down their clothing and equipment and a supply of hot water, soap, towel and nail brush will be provided to enable them to thoroughly wash their hands prior to taking a meal, or eating any form of food (including sweets). Smoking; Smoking may present a risk to health by introducing bacteria or chemicals to the smokers lips. Smoking will therefore be prohibited throughout the process. Source: Code of Safe Working Practice for Cemeteries - 1992 (I.B.C.A.) Adopted 9.6.98