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Corpse Verification and Identification Procedures

12 December 2024

 

Effective immediately, the following control and identification protocols are to be

strictly followed by all staff involved in the handling, pick-up, and processing of

corpses. These procedures are designed to maintain accuracy, security, and

accountability in all mortuary operations.


Corpse Verification and Identification Procedures


1. Identification at Pick-Up Location

1.1. At the family residence, the pick-up driver, along with one or more

family members, must identify the deceased.

1.2. The driver must inspect the body for any damages or abnormalities e.g.

Wounds, lesions, fractures, lacerations or contusions. Any

observations should be documented on the pick-up sheet and signed

off by both the driver and a family member.

1.3. If no abnormalities are observed, write "No abnormalities" on the

pick-up sheet and obtain the necessary signatures.


2. Verification of Tags and Information

2.1. The pick-up driver must verify that the tags and information provided

by the control room (including name, surname, and area of pick-up)

are accurate.

2.2. Immediately write this information on the plastic covering of the corpse

at the pick-up site.


3. Daytime Offloading

3.1. During offloading at the mortuary, the mortuary assistant must be

present.

3.2. The assistant, in conjunction with the driver, must verify that the

information on the fridge book and plastic covering is correct before

placing the body in the fridge.


4. Nighttime and Weekend Offloading

4.1. For corpses offloaded after 5 PM and before 7 AM or over weekends,

both standby staff members must verify ID details before placing the

corpse in the fridge.

4.2. This verification process is mandatory to ensure accuracy for all

after-hours offloads.


5. Next-Morning Verification for After-Hours Collections

5.1. The mortuary assistant must check all after-hours collections on the

following morning or on Monday morning after a weekend.

5.2. This check, conducted with another staff member (driver or branch

manager), is to verify all additions and ensure that the bodies in the

fridge correlate with the fridge book.


6. Fridge Removal Protocol

6.1. When a corpse is removed from the fridge, two staff members must be

present to verify the identity of the body.

6.2. The mortuary attendant must be one of the verifying individuals. No

corpse is to be removed by a single person. This two-person verification

is mandatory.

6.3. When removing/transferring a corpse from our fridge to another

funeral undertaker's mortuary.

6.4. Corpse removal inter branch must be done between 8am and 5pm

and not after hours.

6.5. Our mortuary attendant must be present to identify and verify the

corpse alongside the driver of the receiving mortuary and one of the

family members.

6.6. Both mortuaries’ staff should confirm the details in the fridge book to

ensure the correct corpse is being removed.

6.7. The corpse must be inspected by the removing party and noted into

the “new” removal book which will be completed in duplicate.

6.7.1. Date of removal

6.7.2. Deceased name and Surname & ID number

6.7.3. Body code

6.7.4. Family member requesting removal - Name, surname and ID.

6.7.5. Corpse condition

6.7.6. Removal mortuary staff member’s name and surname & vehicle

registration number.

6.7.7. Original Mortuary staff member name and signature

6.8. When removing a corpse for dressing and/or viewing purposes:

6.8.1. Before removing the corpse from the fridge for dressing or

viewing, ensure that the two-person identification process

outlined in Points 6.1 and 6.2 has been thoroughly followed.

6.8.2. The corpse must be identified by a nominated family member

and/or relative before proceeding. Viewing and/or

identification must take place in a well-lit room or space to

ensure clear visibility and accurate identification.

6.8.3. Ensure that the coffin is properly and securely opened to expose

the corpse fully, enabling the identifying party to make a clear

and unhindered confirmation. Allow the family member or

relative sufficient time to properly identify the corpse without

feeling rushed or pressured.

6.8.4. Maintain dignity and respect throughout the process, and

ensure all actions comply with relevant health and safety

protocols.


7. Mortuary Attendance and Security

7.1. Mortuary attendants are required to remain within the mortuary during

working hours.

7.2. The safety and security of the mortuary and its contents are the

responsibility of the mortuary assistant during operational hours.


Compliance and Accountability

All staff members are expected to adhere to these protocols to maintain the highest

standards of accuracy and safety in our operations. Failure to follow these

procedures may result in disciplinary action.


Thank you for your cooperation.


Best regards,

Marietha Hall

HR Admin Manager

Wisani & NLA

 

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