Cremation Policies
Procedures and Requirements

Forest Lawn Crematory

The cremation process and disposition of the remains of the deceased shall be performed in accordance with all governing laws, and the polices, procedures and requirements of Forest Lawn Crematory and the designated funeral home.

Forest Lawn Crematory's Requirements for Cremation

Cremation will take place only after all the following conditions have been met.

Any scheduled ceremonies or viewings have been completed. Civil and medical authorities have issued all required permits.

All necessary authorizations have been obtained, and no objections have been raised.

Casket and Containers

Forest Lawn Crematory requires either a casket or an alternative (cremation) container for cremation.

All caskets and alternative containers must meet the following standards:

1) be composed of materials suitable for cremation; 2) be able to be closed to provide a complete covering for the remains; 3) be resistant to leakage and spoilage; 4) be sufficient for handling with ease; and 5) be able to provide protection for the health and safety of the crematory personnel.

Many caskets that are comprised primarily of combustible materials also contain exterior parts, e.g. decorative handles or rails, that are mot combustible and that may cause damage to the cremation equipment. Forest Lawn Cremation, at its sole discretion, reserves the right to remove these non-combustible materials prior to cremation and other refuse in a non-recoverable manner.

Pacemakers, Prosthesis and Radioactive Devices

Pacemakers and prosthesis as well as any other mechanical or radioactive devices or implants in the decedent, may create a hazardous condition when placed in the cremation chamber. It is imperative that pacemakers and radioactive devices be removed prior to cremation. If the funeral home is not notified about such devices and implants, and not instructed to remove them then the person(s) authorizing the cremation will be responsible for any damages caused to Forest Lawn Crematory or crematory personnel by such devices or implants.

The Cremation Process

All cremations are performed individually. Exceptions are only made in the case of close relatives, and then with prior written instruction of the Authorizing Agent(s).

Cremation is performed by placing the deceased in a casket or other container and then placing the casket or container into a cremation chamber, where they are subjected to intense heat and flame. During the cremation process, it may be necessary to open the cremation chamber and reposition the deceased in order to facilitate a complete and thorough cremation.

Due to the nature of the cremation process any personal possessions or valuable materials such as dental gold or jewelry (as well as body prosthesis or dental bridgework) that are left with the decedent and not removed form the casket or container prior to cremation will be destroyed or if not destroyed, will be disposed of by Forest Lawn Crematory. As the casket or container will not normally be opened by Forest Lawn Crematory - (to remove valuables, to allow for final viewing or for any other reason), arrangements must be made with the funeral home to remove any possessions or valuables prior to the time that the decedent is transported to Forest Lawn Crematory. Following a cooling period, the cremated remains, which will normally weigh several pounds in the case of an average size adult, are then swept or raked from the cremation chamber. Forest Lawn Crematory makes a reasonable effort to remove all the cremated remains from the cremation chamber, but is impossible to remove all of them, and some dust and other residue from the process are always left behind. In addition, while every effort will be made to avoid commingling, inadvertent or incidental commingling of minute particles of cremated remains from the residue of previous cremations is a possibility.

After the cremated remains are removed form the cremation chamber, all non-combustible materials (insofar as possible), such as bridgework, and materials form the casket or container, such as hinges, latches, nails, etc., will be separated and removed from the human bone fragments by visible or magnetic selection and will be disposed of by Forest Lawn Crematory with similar materials from other cremations in a non-recoverable manner. When the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, the skeletal remains often contain recognizable bone fragments. Unless otherwise specified, after the bone fragments have been separated from the other material, they will then be mechanically processed (pulverized). This process of crushing or grinding may cause incidental commingling of remains with the residue from the processing of previously cremated remains. These granulated particles of unidentifiable dimensions will be virtually unrecognizable as human remains.

Urns and Containers

After the cremated remains have been processed, they will be placed in the designated urn or container. Forest Lawn Crematory will make a reasonable effort to put all the cremated remains in the urn or container, with the exception of dust or the residue that may remain on the processing equipment. In the event the urn or container provided is insufficient to accommodate all of the cremated remains, the excess will be placed in a separate receptacle. The separate receptacle will be kept with the primary receptacle and handled according to the disposition instructions on the Cremation Authorization Form.

Forest Lawn Crematory requires that all urns or containers provided be appropriate for shipping or permanent storage, and that in the case of an adult, it is recommended that the urn of container be a minimum size of 2,000 cubic inches. If such an urn or container is not provided for the cremation remains, Forest Lawn Crematory will place the cremated remains in a container designed for shipping or permanent storage.

Final Disposition

For those who have decided on cremation, there is one more decision to make. Forest Lawn Cemetery understands the emotional and sentimental needs of those left behind. It's important to set aside a permanent, tangible place where family and friends can come for personal moments of inspiration and remembering, and for the gradual letting go that is so crucial to some people's well being. Choosing the right type of memorialization is a very personal decision. One you shouldn't postpone or leave to someone else.


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