Does anyone know of any written guidance re lifting of coffins and other MH tasks in funeral parlours. Manual handling is obviously something that has to be done although I can't find any information to give the pall bearers. I dont know if there is any specific manual handling course that would cover the issues faced by them. or would a general course be adequate?

Hi! handling coffins requires special techniques - There are links on the web: http://www.colerainebc.g...nt_gfx/other/Funeral.pdf Also try the BIE below. Health & Safety in the Funeral Service British Institute of Embalmers, Anubis House, 21C Station Road, Knowle, Solihull, West Midlands B93 OHL Tel: (01564) 778991 Hope this is helpful!

The use of mechanical aid in the form of trolleys and similar devices, with hydraulic height adjustment capability where appropriate, apparently became standard many years ago for various tasks involving dead bodies, including in hospitals and mortuaries, at undertakers and also "backstage" at crematoria. Trolleys with suitable decorative drapes also seem to be the norm for conveying coffins at funerals from hearses into churches and crematoria chapels, etc. (Though I've been to various funerals over the years, I can't recall any where pall bearers have carried the coffin. Also, I've been surprised at the number of crematoria with one or two entrance steps which could and should have been eliminated in order to avoid problems for trolleys and pall bearers.) One factor which increases dependence on mechanical aids is the rise in obesity in the UK. The posh/medical adjective for matters relating to people who are heavier/larger than average is bariatric. This includes the dead as well as the living. Therefore, increasing numbers of funeral directors and operators of crematoria, etc have appropriate facilities including extra-weight bearing trolleys and larger size cremators.

One lesson from teh_boy's concluding comment at #2 regarding pall bearing is to check beforehand that all the pall bearers for a coffin have shoulders of generally matching height. Another point in relation to lifting coffins is that what appear to be metal handles on their sides are more likely to be plastic ones with a convincing metallic coating intended mainly for aesthetic purposes. This is based on what I was told either while inspecting a coffin factory (an interesting experience, though it was slightly spooky to see stacks of finished coffins of different sizes and colours, etc.) during my HSE days and/or shadowing the operatives some 20 years ago at my employer's crematorium. One reason is that real metal handles are expensive. Also, the materials and fittings of coffins destined for cremation need to be readily combustible and leave minimal residue for removal from the cremator after each session. Hopefully, others with more reliable knowledge can confirm or refute these aspects. Also, for a touch of levity, is it true that some pall bearers at a funeral are only there for the bier?!! :-)