SIFFFNL003
Transfer coffins and caskets


Application

This unit describes the performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required to move and transfer coffins and caskets from one location to another It applies to funeral home staff working as part of a team and may direct or supervise others 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. Prepare to transfer coffin or casket.

1.1 Interpret and complete documentation to transfer coffin or casket.

1.2 Liaise with manager to identify transfer time and any social, religious or cultural requirements.

1.3 Locate and prepare appropriately equipped transfer vehicle.

1.4 Locate and prepare appropriate transfer equipment.

1.5 Identify and use personal protective equipment.

2. Complete transfer.

2.1 Determine most appropriate method of moving coffin or casket.

2.2 Move coffin or casket using appropriate manual handling techniques and transfer it to trolley or other appropriate apparatus.

2.3 Transfer coffin or casket to and from appropriate vehicle.

3. Reinstate transfer vehicle and equipment.

3.1 Clean transfer vehicle and equipment according to manufacturer instructions.

3.2 Return transfer vehicle and equipment to correct location.

Evidence of Performance

Evidence of the ability to:

interpret and complete transfer documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements

select and prepare transfer vehicles and relevant equipment

transfer coffins or caskets safely and efficiently

Evidence of performance 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:

documentation required in relation to transferring coffins and casket, including:

Death Certificate or Certificate of Life Extinct

coroner’s warrant

medical report

transfer instructions

waterproof identification tag

coffin or casket nameplate

list of personal property of the deceased

receipts for jewellery and other valuables

mortuary occupancy register

transfer requirements for coffins and caskets, including:

between place of death and funeral home

within a funeral home

between funeral home branches

between funeral home and location of funeral, burial or cremation

from one funeral, burial or cremation location to another

transfer equipment including lifting aids, trolleys and stretchers and personal protective equipment

social, cultural and religious differences in relation to transfer of coffins and caskets

workplace policies and procedures applicable to transfer of coffins and caskets, including appropriate dress standards in line with workplace policy

federal, state or territory, and local government legislation and regulations relating to work health and safety/occupational health and safety and the transfer or coffins and caskets

operating and maintenance requirements of vehicles and equipment

professional funeral services industry parameters for dealing with the deceased and the bereaved.


Assessment Conditions

Skills must be demonstrated in the workplace or in a simulated environment that is as industry realistic as possible. In a simulated environment, it is essential that assessment is conducted:

using suitable facilities, equipment and resources, including:

a funeral home, cemetery or crematoria

coffins and casket containing deceased bodies, transfer equipment and funeral transfer vehicle

documentation for a range of transfer requirements

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 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

Funeral Directing


Competency Field

Funeral Operations