Cleaning Headstones

 

Headstones (memorials) are the property of the Interment Right Holder (IRH) and cleaning by a third party can only occur if the IRH is in agreement and has provided approval.

 

Headstones can be very expensive and made from a number of materials.  Cleaning requirements, cleaning products, cleaning methods and cleaning processes may vary significantly as dependent on the stone  (granite, sandstone, marble, etc). The cleaning of headstones may therefore, be very specialised and should therefore only be completed by a qualified Monumental Mason, given their experience and expertise.

 

 

Completing Cemetery Work

 

Before completing any work in a cemetery, it is important that the correct permits are issued. These are issued by the relevant Councils.

 

While completing the work it is important that you remain respectful of the environment that you are working in and that care is taken for the area you are working on and its surrounds. 

 

The site should be left neat, clean and tidy and any rubbish removed in accordance with the cemetery associations regulations.

 

Headstone Heights and Styles

 

Cemetery Authorities can set height and style specifications, including restrictions for headstones and monuments as part of their operating policy. 

 

The CCASA has no jurisdiction over cemetery authorities and any enquiries need to be directed to the relevant cemetery authority.

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Cemetery Safety

 

Safety on any job site, both for contractors and the general public is paramount.

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The Cemetery Safety Resource Kit has been developed by ASKOHS Training and Consultancy and offers a range of WHS resources and practical solutions that will help to improve health and safety standards on site, and reduce risk to workers

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Copyright: the policies, procedures, templates and forms contained in the kit can be copied and used within South Australia by the Cemetery and Crematoria Industry.

Reproduction of any documents for distribution without acknowledgement of ASKOHS Pty Ltd and SafeWork SA and the disclaimer statement in this kit is not permitted. Please note written permission must be obtained from ASKOHS and SafeWork SA if these materials are presented for sale for uses other than the reason they have been developed.

 

Buying a Cemetery in South Australia

 

Buying a cemetery may sound like a good real estate investment, but there are some things you need to be aware of before you signed on the dotted line.

 

The cemetery is governed by the Burial and Cremation Act 2013 and the Burial and Cremation Regulations 2014. Under Section 24 of the Act, you may close the cemetery if:

• the cemetery or natural burial ground is or has become unsuitable for the disposal of human remains, or

• 50 or more years have elapsed since human remains were last interred in the cemetery or natural burial ground;

• a notice of the proposed closure has been printed twice in the local newspaper, and the Council has been notified, 18 months prior and again 9 months prior to the proposed closure;

• the Council and in some cases, the Minister for Administrative Services and Government Enterprises has granted approval for the closure;

 

If approval is granted to close the cemetery, you must:

• not knowingly, disturb human remains interred there, except on instruction, or approval by the Attorney-General or the State Coroner;

• contact all the current interment right holders and if they mutually agree to relinquish their pre-purchased plots, you must provide a refund equal to the current fee payable, for an internment right of the same kind;

 

If you are still interested in purchasing the local cemetery, it is suggested that you seek legal advice before you take any serious action

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