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Original poster

Crematorium Technician here

686 replies

CodLiverOil556 · 31/05/2018 13:11

I see lots of threads about cremations and Crematoria. I'm currently a crem tech so please ask me questions and I will endeavor to answer them.

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User121 · 01/06/2018 23:56

Thank you ILoveKermit for starting such a thread and being so informative.

Whilst I've always known I wanted to be cremated, I struggled with the process when my mum died and struggled to find the info I needed online.

It's interesting with regards to the burning process in respect of cardboard coffins. My mum always said 'just bury me in a cardboard box' (turn of phrase as she stated she wanted cremation) as she didn't want money wasted after her death. When looking at coffins, the cardboard boxes were the same price as the more basic, but nicer looking wooden coffins.

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 23:53

@Kitty6 we rake bones not ashes. Bones are put into a cremulator and turned into ashes. There is no tissue, organs, skin left only calcified bones.

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Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 23:51

@screamativemom your baby would have been cremated with dignity, respect and reverence. They would have been scattered with respect too.

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Cattenberg · 01/06/2018 23:51

Ashes are actually really bad for soil and plants

I didn't know this. I'd always assumed they were good for the soil, so I thought I'd have my ashes scattered in a beautiful garden when the time came. Do you know if there's an environmentally-friendly way of laying them to rest?

Thank you for this thread, Kermit, I've learned a lot.

Kitty6 · 01/06/2018 23:47

Hello Kermit, you said a metal rake goes across the remaining bones at the end but how does this contain all the ashes? surely there needs to be a brush if ashes are not going to get mixed from one cremation to another? If the furness doesn't cool down from one to another, there must be some 'debris'/remains left behind and mixed with the next one..thanks in advance

screamativemom · 01/06/2018 23:44

I have a question to ask If I may? What happens to terminated fetuses? Are the cremated properly or treated as surgical waste? Is there any way to find this out? Would give comfort to know my baby I couldn't have was cremated with respect 🙁

takeoffyourpantsandjacket · 01/06/2018 23:37

Thanks for this thread. It's really interesting, though it has made me feel sick. I feel very uncomfortable with the idea of being cremated and always have, but I'm not sure why. Perhaps the feeling that it is unnatural for my body to be reduced to ashes. I hear it is a lot cheaper though.

Esspee · 01/06/2018 23:34

Thanks Kermit, you have done a wonderful job on this thread. Well done. Flowers

DamsonGin · 01/06/2018 23:33

I think this thread has been popular as death and what happens with the deceased is so not talked about. I think there are a lot of questions just under the surface in people's minds but being able to ask anonymously and deal with the emotions privately is really valuable. Even though many of us might not see around a crematorium, it's useful to picture it, especially as it's rather hidden away from view otherwise. Thank you again.

Esspee · 01/06/2018 23:31

@user1473460538 thank you. I just wanted to share my experience as it was very positive for me and perhaps others might feel it appropriate (and not the least scary) for them.

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 23:30

@Esspee I'm really glad that you got closure from witness charging. It takes a strong person to witness as it can be very distressing.

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Neem · 01/06/2018 23:28

Place marking too! My OH helps a lot of families after death, and conducts funerals. Even my children seem to be fascinated by death and cremation, and willingly attend funerals.

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 23:26

@Pebbles59 no I haven't. Everyone who works in the funeral trade are extremely trustworthy

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user1473460538 · 01/06/2018 23:24

@esspee, that sounds a beautiful way to say goodbye, I didn’t know it was possible, so sorry for your loss Flowers

Esspee · 01/06/2018 23:12

After nursing my husband through cancer I personally conducted his funeral service for a few close family members then followed his coffin down to the cremator where I watched the coffin being placed inside. The flames ignited and the door slowly closed giving me the opportunity to say a final goodbye before rejoining my family.
It seemed the most natural thing to do and I was treated with great respect by the staff. I believe it gave me closure.

user1473460538 · 01/06/2018 23:11

You have answered so many questions and put many people’s mind at rest, my mum died and was cremated 4 yrs ago your thread weirdly has given me comfort, I suppose I buried my head it the sand as to what actually happened but now I know there are people like yourself I am so grateful. Thankyou you won’t realise how this has been so very important to a lot of people. X

Kittykat93 · 01/06/2018 23:08

Yet another person thanking you for this thread. I can only hope my parents were looked after by someone like you at the very end.

Pebbles59 · 01/06/2018 23:06

Have you ever had/heard of a case of someone stealing something from the deceased (partner's question not mine!)

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 22:58

@Excitedforxmas I've not cremated any famous or infamous people. I believe there are cremators used for this purpose but don't know enough about it to say

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Excitedforxmas · 01/06/2018 22:57

Have you ever had to cremate someone who has done horrendous crimes- how does that make you feel?

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 22:53

I must admit I didn't quite expect this many questions! I'm really glad I've managed to unveil some myths and even help people decide which way they want to go.

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Butterflyhulk · 01/06/2018 22:52

Xx

thecapitalsunited · 01/06/2018 22:49

Thanks, Kermit!

I'm a big believer in not making death a taboo subject but there aren't that many people out there who know these kinds of things. It's really lovely that you're putting so much time into this thread.

Original poster
CodLiverOil556 · 01/06/2018 22:43

@thecapitalsunited the drum is like a bit funnel so gravity is used and also we are extremely careful with sweeping ashes up if any are dropped/spilt.

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thecapitalsunited · 01/06/2018 22:40

I'm imagining the cremulator like a big coffee grinder. I get that the cremator is raked out but how do you make sure no bits remain in the cremulator to contaminate someone else's ashes?

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