Application
This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to exhume above and below ground burial sites and to lift and reposition or deepen human remains to accommodate additional burials under supervision. It applies to cemetery and crematorium gravedigging staff and funeral directors. It requires liaison with a variety of personnel dependent on the context in which exhumation is performed. The application of universal precautions to prevent contamination or infection is required when exhuming or lifting and deepening or repositioning human remains. Work is performed according to work health and safety, relevant legislation and workplace policies and procedures.
No licensing, legislative or certification requirements apply to this unit at the time of publication.
Elements and Performance Criteria
ELEMENTS | PERFORMANCE CRITERIA |
Elements describe the essential outcomes. | Performance criteria describe the performance needed to demonstrate achievement of the element. |
1. Perform exhumation. | 1.1 Liaise with manager or leading hand to identify work requirements and own areas of responsibility in performing exhumation. 1.2 Identify and prepare tools, equipment and machinery according to work requirements. 1.3 Place protective restraints to restrict site access to authorised personnel. 1.4 Apply universal precautions to minimise risk of infection from contaminates. 1.5 Inspect and confirm nameplate as required. 1.6 Perform exhumation according to supervisor instructions. 1.7 Enclose remains of deceased person and coffin or casket in appropriate casing. |
2. Lift and reposition or deepen human remains. | 2.1 Identify storage requirements. 2.2 Remove adjacent monuments as required and reassess further digging with appropriate personnel. 2.3 Dig to required or anticipated depth according to safety requirements. 2.4 Remove coffin or casket and transfer or store remains according to supervisor instructions. |
3. Clean site. | 3.1 Liaise with appropriate personnel to determine clean up requirements. 3.2 Store and maintain tools, equipment and machinery. |
Evidence of Performance
Evidence of the ability to:
liaise with appropriate personnel to identify burial locations and safe exhumation methods
select, prepare, use, maintain and clean the required tools, equipment and machinery according to supervisor instructions, workplace policies and procedures, and manufacturer guidelines
apply safe and efficient exhumation of remains using infection control procedures
lift and reposition or deepen human remains, and reinstate good presentation of burial sites at conclusion of exhumation.
Evidence of performance of exhuming burial sites on two or more occasions is required to demonstrate consistency of performance and ability to respond to different situations.
Evidence of Knowledge
Demonstrated knowledge of:
federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to work health and safety/occupational health and safety, conduct of exhumations, and storage and handling of human remains
workplace policies and procedures relating to performing exhumations
appropriate care, use and maintenance of relevant tools, equipment and machinery, including protective restraints
universal precautions, including:
use of personal protective equipment
presumption that all blood and body fluids are infectious
covering exposed cuts and abrasions, particularly on workers’ hands, with waterproof coverings prior to commencing work
immediate treatment of puncture wounds or abrasions
use of protective clothing when cleaning spillage of body fluids
environmental impacts in relation to gravedigging and minimal impact practices to reduce these, especially those that relate to resource, water and energy use
environmentally sound disposal methods for all types of waste and in particular for hazardous substances.
Assessment Conditions
Skills must be demonstrated in a cemetery workplace or other burial environment:
using suitable equipment and resources, including:
protective restraints and appropriate casings for human remains and relevant tools, equipment and machinery, including personal protective equipment
under industry conditions where there is:
integration of tasks with possible interruptions to work typical of the job role
speed and timing requirements that reflect commercial operating conditions
interaction with team members and relevant personnel
Assessors must satisfy the NVR/AQTF mandatory competency requirements for assessors.
Foundation Skills
This section describes those language, literacy, numeracy and employment skills that are essential to performance.
Foundation skills essential to performance are explicit in the performance criteria of this unit of competency.
Sectors
Cemetery and Crematoria
Competency Field
Burial and Cremation Operations