2011 IAOPCC Pet Cremation Standards

International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories Pet Cremation Standards

SECTION A. Terminology (Definitions)

This terminology was approved by the general membership of the 2011 Annual General Meeting of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC), and also from a joint IAOPCC and Cremation Association of North America (CANA) Pet Cremation Standards Committee.

The term “Individual”, used to describe multiple pets that are cremated with the intended return of each individual pet's cremated remains to an authorized agent is currently an interim term and is being used only to make the relevant standards understandable.

1. Authorized Agent(s) – The person(s) legally entitled to order the cremation of the remains. The authorized agent may be acting on behalf of a client, e.g., when a veterinarian works on behalf of the client.

1.1.1 Client – The owner of the pet, who may be the authorizing agent or who may engage someone (e.g., a veterinarian) to act as authorizing agent.

1.2 Cremated Remains - The remaining bone fragments after the cremation process is completed. Note: the term “cremains” may also be used; the preferred term is cremated remains, but both are in common use.

1.3 Cremation – The mechanical and/or thermal or other dissolution process that reduces remains to bone fragments. Cremation would include the subsequent processing and pulverization of bone fragments. Cremation may occur under any of the following methods”

1.3.1 Communal Cremation – To cremate several pets in a cremation chamber at one time with no regard for keeping pets separated. This process allows for the co-mingling of cremated remains. No cremated remains are returned to the client. (Note: this may be described as “mass”, “group” or “combined” cremation; the preferred term is communal cremation).

2. Individual Cremation. This is an interim term for the cremation procedure also commonly referred to in the industry as Partitioned Cremation, or Segregated Cremation.

More than one pet is placed in the cremation chamber and cremated at the same time with some form of separation between pets such as trays, refractory bricks, or space; the pet’s location in crematory is documented and cremated remains of pets are removed one at a time and kept separated. Each pet’s individual cremated remains are returned to the client. (Note: other terms include “individually separated”,or segregated and individually separated (S.I.S), or “individually partitioned” cremation; in every case the consumer and the Authorizing Agent must be informed that more than one pet may be cremated simultaneously).

1.3.3 Private Cremation – Only one pet is placed in the cremation chamber and cremated, with the cremated remains returned to the client. Private cremation may include viewing of the cremation by the client.

1.4 Cremation Chamber – The enclosed space within which the cremation process takes place.

1.5 Cremation Container – The container in which the animal remains may be delivered to the crematory to be placed in the cremation chamber for cremation. Cremation containers, if used, should meet the following standards.

1. Be composed of a suitable combustible material;

2. Be sturdy enough for handling with ease;

3. Assure protection to the health and safety of the operator;

4. Meet moral codes for respect and dignity.

1.6 Crematory Authority – The legal entity or the authorized representative of the legal entity who conducts the cremation.

1.7 Crematory or Crematorium – The building that houses the cremation chamber.

1.8 Holding Facility – An area designated for the retention of remains prior to cremation within the crematory facilities that shall:

1. Comply with any applicable public health laws;

2. Preserve the dignity of the remains;

3. Recognize the personal integrity and health of the crematory authority personnel operating the cremation chamber.

1.8.1 Holding Vault – A place to store or hold remains; usually a walk-in cooler or freezer, or chest freezers.

1.9 Remains – The dead animal remains prior to cremation.

1.10 Processed Remains – The end result of pulverization, where the residual from the cremation process is cleaned leaving only bone fragments reduced to unidentifiable dimensions.

1.11 Securely closed or sealable Container – Any container in which processed remains can be placed and securely closed or sealed so as to prevent leakage of processed remains or the entrance of foreign materials.

Section B - Facility & Operation Standards

I. Safety

A. General Safety

1. The Crematory Authority's operation is required to comply with federal, state, local, and provincial regulations regarding pet cremation facilities such as environmental review, and work place safety (i.e., OSHA, DEA, WHMIS, etc.). (100)

2. Preventive and corrective facility and equipment maintenance programs are utilized, and the operation team members responsible for implementation receive appropriate training. (20)

3. Operation team members receive training on the ergonomic concerns that may be part of their normal workday such as repetitive motion and appropriate lifting techniques. (20)

4. Job safety and health protection posters are located in an area available to all operation team members. (20)

5. Emergency telephone numbers are posted in the office and work area

- Numbers posted are legible

- Posted by the room's telephone when possible

- Highly Visible

- Contain at least the numbers of the fire department, ambulance & police (40)

6. The operation utilizes a written protocol that provides for a safe environment for clients and operation team members that addresses:

- Personal safety such as tripping (10)

- Personal security such as outside lighting when facility members are leaving after dark (10)

- Injury prevention and management (10)

- Smoking (10)

- Management of emergencies, including loss of utilities (10)

- Management of hazardous wastes (10)

- Potential hazards related to pregnancy (10)

7. Management addresses the safety issues surrounding standard operating procedures. At a minimum , the following are evaluated, documented and communicated to the operations team.

- Opening and closing procedures (10)

- Cash handling procedures (10)

- Minutes and recommendations of the Safety Committee (10)

8. Security and Fire system patrol services, or monitoring services are utilized. (30)

9. The operation has a disaster preparedness plan to address natural disasters that are typically experienced in the area (hurricane, tornado, earthquake, flood, blizzard etc.) The plan includes:

- An evacuation plan (20)

- An assembly area (so everyone can be accounted for) (10)

- Emergency contacts (10)

- Location of gas or fuel oil shut off and electrical breakers (50)

- A kit containing essential supplies such as a flashlight and tools (10)

10. The operations team receives regular training in basic first aid and CPR at least annually. (20)

11. Adequate emergency lighting exists. Battery-operated lights or alternate power sources are maintained, tested, and inspected on an annual basis. (60)

12. A source of back-up lighting and power, such as a generator is kept, maintained, and tested regularly in case of emergency and or lengthy power outages. (25)

13. Waste, including biomedical device waste is disposed of properly and in accordance with local laws. (25)

14. Pets and mascots residing in the facility are not allowed to place operations members, clients, clients' living pets or the facility at risk for disease, or injury or accidents. (10)

15. Noise is minimized outside the crematory work floor. (20)

16. A fire and dust isolated viewing room is available for clients to view the cremation process. (50)

B. Cremation work floor safety

1. Only authorized Crematory Authority personnel have access to the area of the cremation and processing equipment (100)

2. All combustible materials (cardboard boxes, wrapping paper, plastic inserts, etc.) are properly stored away from the cremation chamber. (10)

• Proper protective apparel is available and worn by all operations members while performing cremations.
• Face/Eye Protection (100)
• Respiratory protection (100)
• Heat resistant gloves and apron (100)
• Hearing protection (100)

3. Disposable vinyl or latex gloves are present for the handling of leaking pet body bags and unenclosed pets (50)

4. A commercial biological disinfectant or a solution of 1:30 bleach is present to disinfect biological fluid leaks. (50)

5. Back support equipment is available for each employee who does or might do heavy lifting.

(50)

6. Portable Fire Extinguisher rated to extinguish Class A, B and C fires is kept and mounted in the work area (50)

7. An Eye Wash Kit is in, or convenient to, the work area (30)

8. A flash light is kept in the work area (10)

9. A First Aid Kit is in the premises (20)

10. A “Sentry” cremation door lock system is installed to prevent accidental closure of chamber door due to component failure or operator error. (50)

11. A written crematory door maintenance program is in place with documented inspection and maintenance based on a fixed number of cremation cycles. (20)

12. Cremains processing is performed under at operational ventilated processing station (30)

13. Cremains processing exhaust is filtered with an appropriate filtering system. (20)

14. A mechanical assistance method is in place to help lift very heavy pets. (40)

C. Exterior Safety

1. Landscaping is properly maintained and inspected. Tripping hazards are identified and corrected. (10)

2. Litter is cleaned up from facility grounds as needed, at least once daily. (10)

3. Walkway and parking lot ice is promptly sanded or treated with an ice melter. (10)

4. Walkways and parking lots are in good repair and free of tripping or slipping hazards. (50)

5. Exterior lighting provides adequate illumination for the safety of clients and operations members for : entrances; walkways; and parking areas. (40)

D. Fire Safety

1. The facility is required to comply with the current local municipal fire code. (100)

2. Written instructions are posted for facility members and client evacuation in case of fire or other danger. (80)

3. Evacuation plans address client and facility safety. (80)

4. Evacuation plans denote and assembly area or areas for the facility members. (80)

5. Employee training includes fire safety and prevention. (50)

6. An appropriate number and type of fire extinguishers are readily available and properly maintained. (50)

7. An adequate number of carbon monoxide detectors and smoke or heat detectors are operable and maintained. (40)

8. Centrally monitored fire detection devices (off site monitored smoke detectors, heat detectors or sprinkler systems) are provided. (50)

9. A fire sprinkler system is installed. (20)

Total 2270 points

Passing score: minimum of 70% of Total Points: Pass 1589 (70%)_____________

II House Keeping & Maintenance

General

Client and operations members areas of the facility are neat, clean and well organized.

1. The housekeeping program provides and maintains a safe, sanitary, functional, uncluttered, well maintained, professional and pleasant environment. (100)

2. The operation is free of persistent offensive odours. (100)

3. Furnishings are properly maintained and conveniently arranged in order to be pleasing to the client and the client's comfort. (40)

• Operations members understand housekeeping and maintenance goals and programs including:
• Safe and proper handling of equipment, materials and chemicals used for cleaning and disinfection (40)
• the relationship of sanitation to zoonotic disease prevention (40)

5. Client area displays, such as brochures, retail items, and pictures are clean and orderly. (20)

6. Custodial equipment and supplies are cleaned and properly stored. (20)

6. Tools and materials for simple building maintenance and repair are available. (20)

6. The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems ensure that an appropriately controlled and regularly filtered air supply is provided to all client and office areas of the facility. (60)

6. The heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are of a type and a capacity that is sufficient to meet any reasonably foreseeable environmental conditions. (60)

6. Qualified personnel maintain mechanical systems such as crematoria, furnaces, air conditioning, and cremains processing stations in accordance with:

• Manufacturer's recommendations
• A written and documented preventive maintenance program (60)

Housekeeping Plan

1. Written housekeeping and maintenance programs are utilized. (40)

2. A housekeeping supervisor is identified and responsible for administration of the housekeeping and maintenance programs (40)

• The housekeeping manual checklist includes details on how to keep the operations clean, well maintained, and in good repair. This includes cleaning products and disinfectants used, description of the cleaning or maintenance tasks, name of the operation team members responsible for the tasks, and frequency of the tasks (daily, weekly, monthly) With this in mind, the checklist includes:
• Walls (10)
• Ceilings (10)
• Windows and window coverings (10)
• Floors and Carpets (10)
• Furniture (10)
• Light Fixtures (10)
• Plumbing fixtures (10)
• Mechanical equipment including crematoria, cremains processing stations, furnaces, vents, air conditioners and fans (10)
• Equipment and appliances (10)
• Restrooms (10)
• Trash removal (10)
• Storage areas, basements, attics, and storage sheds are well-organized (10)

Exterior

1. Facility grounds are neat, clean, attractive, and safe. (80)

2. Landscaping is properly maintained. (100)

3. Litter is cleaned up from facility grounds as needed, at least once daily. (20)

4. Snow and/or other storm debris is removed as soon as possible after the event. (20)

5. Signage is in good repair and promotes a professional image. (20)

6. Exterior lighting provides adequate illumination for the safety of clients and operation of facility members. (60)

7. Fecal waste is removed promptly. (20)

Crematory Work Area

1. The crematory will be maintained in a clean, sanitary and orderly manner, and ready for unannounced inspection at any time. (100)

2. The work floor is clean and free of loose hazards. (80)

total = 1200

Passing score: minimum of 88% of Total Points: Pass 1080 ___________

III Continuing Education

1. The operations professional library includes current books, periodicals, and multimedia materials appropriate to the needs of the operation. (10 )

2. Internet access within the operation is readily available to the operations directors, partners and key employees for research, education and communication (20)

3. Cremator operators have manufacturer approved training, have appropriate State/Provincial accreditation and are IAOPCC certified within within 2 years of hiring for that position. (75)

4. All operation members who have any client contact have minimum of 3 hours of documented continuing education in at least one of these subject areas: communication, client counselling, zoonotic diseases, or public relations per year. (50)

5. All directors or active owners have a minimum of 6 hours of documented continuing education per year in at least one of these subject areas: client communication, client counselling, public relations, legal and regulatory issues, zoonotic diseases, or business management per year.

(50)

6. Attendance of the annual IAOPCC conference will automatically fulfill Continuing Education standards (4) and (5) listed above. (100)

7. All operation team members are educated about and understand the purpose and meaning of IAOPCC membership and are capable of communicating the operation's commitment to excellence to clients. (75)

total points: 380 points

Passing score: minimum of 65% 250 points _________

IV Client Services

1. The operation utilizes a written client communications protocol that details how topics such as cremation, animal pick up, service options, cost of services and follow-up are communicated to clients. (50)

2. The operation utilizes a training system to enable operations team members to perform telephone-related functions such as answering the phone, using the intercom, transferring calls, and taking messages. (50)

3. The operation distributes information regarding the services they provide such as hours of operation, services, emergency care and operation philosophy through options such as practice brochures, website or CD-ROM. (50)

4. The operations utilizes electronic mail to facilitate client communication. (10)

5. Operation philosophies and protocols regarding topics such as how clients are greeted, promptness of service, intermediate service providers (e.g. veterinary practices) and payment options are detailed in writing and utilized. (50)

6. The operation evaluates, at least annually, how its services and hours match community needs, considering issues such as:

- witnessed cremations

- frequency of veterinary or intermediate service provider pick up and delivery

- house call pick up or delivery (50)

7. Client feedback is actively solicited. Such feedback might include focus groups, client surveys and evaluations, and client input discussed during client service meetings. (50)

7. Intermediate service provider client meetings are conducted on a routine basis and topics as client complaints, perception of value and opportunities for improvement are discussed. (50)

7. The operation utilizes a written client conflict protocol to help effectively address distraught and angry clients. Topics, such as who will handle client communication and how the conflict and follow-up will be addressed, are included. (100)

7. The operation utilizes a written protocol that details operation member appearance, with emphasis on its impact on client trust and communication. (50)

7. The operation utilizes a written protocol for professional conduct such as:

- Respect for other operation team members (20)

- Respect for clients (20)

- Respect for animals both deceased and alive (100)

- Conduct when in the presence of a client (20)

- uniform or dress code (20)

- Body Language (20)

- Verbal and written communication (20)

total points: 730 points

Passing score: minimum of : 85% 621 points _________

V Records

1. The Crematory Authority maintains records in such a way that any team member, who has contact with the public, can read, understand and explain any phase of the entire service provided. (100)

2. All records are maintained for at least 5 years or longer as required by local law. (60)

3. Records are legible. (100)

4. Every pet that is cremated with the purpose of the return of its cremated remains has its identity confirmed once in the custody of the Cremation Authority and is documented. (60)

5. Every pet that is cremated is documented. (40)

6. The record keeping system allows for easy retrieval of the desired information. (75)

7. Information recorded includes:

- Client name, or Authorizing Agent name and relationship to the pet owner (50)

- Pet Name, or unique identifier (50)

- Services and goods requested (50)

- Date, time, location of pick up, and agent picking up (50)

- Date, start time and finish time of cremation (50)

- Pre-cremation weight of each pet presented for Private or Individual cremation (25)

- Post cremation weight of each pet presented for Private or Individual cremation (10)

- Urn type and colour provided (25)

- Cremation log number (25)

- Surgical hardware retrieved or to be removed (25)

7. A pick up log is used and maintained. Data that must be recorded includes: (150)

- Date of the pick up

- Location and telephone number of the pick up

- Time of the pick up

- Number of pets picked up for cremated remains return

- Pet Name, or unique identifier of deceased pets to be Privately, or Individually cremated

- Special Instructions

- Name of the Crematory Representative picking up the deceased pets

- Client name, or Authorizing Agent name

7. A cremation log is used and maintained. Data that must be recorded includes

- Time of cremation: starting time and finish time (25)

- Kind of cremation: Private, Individual or Communal (25)

- Special Instructions (25)

- Pet Name, or unique identifier (25)

- Cremation log number for each individual pet presented for Private or Individual cremation (25)

- Weight of cremation:

i Pre-cremation individual pet weights for Private or Individual Cremation (10)

ii Post cremation weight of each pet that has a Private or Individual pet cremation (10)

iii Batched weight loaded for a Communal cremation (25)

- Disposition of Communal cremains (25)

- Urn model provided (25)

- Name and initial of the cremator operator. (25)

7. A delivery log is used and maintained. Data that must be recorded includes

- Date of delivery (25)

- Location of the Delivery (25)

- Number of cremated pets delivered (25)

- Pet Name, or unique identifier of cremated pets delivered (25)

- Cremation log number of the individual pets (25)

- Name of the Crematory representative delivering the cremated pet remains (25)

- Name of the receiving authorization agent (25)

- Signature or initial of receiving authorization agent (25)

total points: 1430 points

Minimum Passing Score: 90% 1287 points __________

VI Due Diligence & Disclosure

A. Intermediate (3rd Party) Authorizing Agents

The Crematory Authority facilitates intermediate authorizing agent due diligence by

1. Allowing and promoting unannounced inspections by authorizing agent intermediate service providers or their employees (100)

2. Promoting educational visits from intermediate authorizing agent service providers and their employees. (75)

3. Allowing scheduled inspections by members of the general public (75)

4. Readily providing the information typically requested in 3^rd party crematory interview forms.

(100)

5. Supplying disclosure forms for intermediate authorizing agent service providers for their clients with IAOPCC cremation terms or other terms required by local law and their descriptions clearly indicated on the forms. (25)

6. Ensuring that all pets picked up from all sources that are to have cremated remains return services are clearly and securely identified with the following information

- Client Name

- Pet name

- Pet weight

- Owner Name

Consistent with Section VI, part C., Line 1

7. A duplicate form is left with the intermediate authorizing agent service provider that provides the above information, plus any service request and the date of pick up. (75)

B. Direct Service Clients

1. Signed acknowledgement and information forms are used for direct client services. (50)

2. Fees are clearly indicated on these forms. (50)

3. IAOPCC cremation terms or other terms required by local law are used. Their descriptions are clearly indicated on the forms. (25)

4. Services and goods that are to be provided are clearly indicated on the form. (25)

5. Written explanation of the services or goods to be provided can be supplied to the client. (50)

6. Copies of the acknowledgment and information forms used in the transaction are provided for the client authorizing agent. (100)

C. All Authorizing Agents

1. All pets picked up from all sources that are to have cremated remains returned to the Authorizing Agent are clearly and securely identified with the following information

- Client Name

- Pet name

- Pet weight

- Owner Name (200)

2. Any legal forms of cremation authorization shall contain wording that will hold harmless a Crematory Authority from the disposition of unclaimed cremated remains after a stated period of time. (20)

3. Authority for Individual cremations, where more than one pet is cremated within the same cremation chamber, shall exempt the Crematory Authority from all liability for unintentional, or incidental co-mingling of the products of the cremation process. (20)

4. Written disclosure is made by the Crematory Authority to the authorization agent of the means typically employed by the Crematory Authority for the respectful disposition of communal cremated remains. (20)

5. Written disclosure is made by the Crematory Authority to the authorizing agent of the means typically employed by the Crematory Authority for the respectful disposition of unclaimed cremated remains. (20)

total points: 1030 points

Minimum Passing Score: 90% 927 points __________

VII Facilities

1. Crematory Units

1. All crematory units in operation meet local, state/provincial and federal regulations and all required approvals or certifications. (100)

2. Crematory units are designed for the ready retrieval of individual cremains. (50)

3. Retorts are operational. (50)

4. Crematory units are maintained on systematic schedule which includes

- Recorded daily visual inspections (20)

- Annual inspections by certified technicians (20)

- Each unit in operation has an inspection and maintenance log (20)

5. Stack Emission Monitoring Equipment meets local, state/provincial and federal regulations.

(100)

2. Cremains Processing Units

1. An acceptable method of bone pulverization is in place in accordance with section VII 2 line 3 (below) (100)

2. Cremains dust is minimized by

- the used of a closed method of pulverization (50)

- the use of an exhaust or filtration system. (50)

3. The method employed ensures that all bone fragments are rendered unidentifiable and no fragment exceeds 5 mm in length or diameter and the majority are less than 3 mm in length or diameter. (20)

4. The method employed ensures that all bone fragments are rendered unidentifiable and no fragment exceeds 2 mm in length or diameter and the majority are less than 1 mm in length or diameter. (50)

3. Body Refrigeration - Holding Vaults are refrigerated

1. A method to refrigerate or freeze deceased pets' bodies is located in the premises and is clean and odour free and is in compliance with applicable public health regulations. (100)

2. Sufficient refrigerator or freezer space is present to accommodate 1 week of average activity.

(50)

3. Body refrigeration units shall be secure from access by anyone other than Crematory Authority personnel or parties accompanied by Crematory Authority personnel. (10)

4. Unless it is physically not possible due to size (e.g. In the case of a large animal such as a pet horse), a Crematory Authority shall not hold the remains for cremation unless contained within an individual cremation container (e.g. Body bag) that can be securely closed or sealed.

(10)

4. Mobile Transportation Units

1. The vehicle has a clean professional appearance.

- The exterior is is free of obvious rust (20)

- The wind shield is free of cracks (20)

- There are no obvious dents or scratches (20)

2. The deceased pet transportation area is clean and free of readily offensive odours. (20)

3. The deceased pet transportation area is made of impervious, readily cleaned and disinfected materials

or

transported deceased pets are carried exclusively in containers that are made of hard, strong, readily cleaned, impervious materials. (20)

4. Leak resistant remains containers, such as body bags, are always available. (10)

5. The mobile unit contains, equipment and materials for applying disinfectants to compartments.

(50)

6. The mobile unit has equipment and materials for identifying deceased animals. (75)

7. The mobile unit has a container for waste. (10)

8. The mobile unit has a portable scale of sufficient size to weigh deceased pets from 1 to 200 lbs

(10)

9. Cellular telephone communication is performed via a hands free device, or is only done when the vehicle is not in motion. (20)

10. The mobile unit has a functional and up to date road GPS unit (10)

11. The mobile unit contains at least one readily accessible all-purpose fire extinguisher. (20)

12. Doors and windows in mobile unit are secured to prevent the theft of deceased animals, cremated remains and any forms or supplies. (40)

13. The mobile unit is equipped with appropriate intermediate pet transportation equipment, e.g. stretcher, basket, cover blanket(s), lifting equipment to meet the needs of a typical or scheduled day's activity. (40)

5. Client Accessible Areas of the Facility

1. All client accessible rooms are clean, clutter free and have adequate lighting. (75)

2. All client accessible areas are physically separate from the cremation work area. (75)

3. The furniture in the client accessible areas is clean and in good repair. (75)

4. There is a washroom that can be used by clients. (50)

5. There is a handicapped accessible wash room that can be used by clients. (50)

6. Clients or their authorized agents may witness their pet's Individual or Private cremation. (100)

total points: 1630 Points

Minimum Passing Score: 90% 1467 Points __________

VIII Cremation Process

- Each applicable section must be passed in order to pass this Section

A. General (All Crematory Authorities)

1. Cremations are performed to minimize visible stack emissions, odor and known pollutants. (100)
2. The crematory facility has a scale of sufficient size to weigh deceased pets from 1 to 200 pounds. (20)
3. All residual of the cremation process shall undergo final processing to comply with applicable legal requirements. (10)

total 130 points

Passing score: Minimum 100% 130 points________

B. Communal Cremations – if no communal cremations are performed, then skip this section

1. Communal cremations are to be completed to a point where the organic cremains presented for burial or scattering are at least 95% (by weight) composed of bone, teeth or other ossified materials. (100)

2. Pet remains presented for Communal cremations have their identity verified just prior to being placed in the cremation chamber. (10)

total 110 points

Passing score: Minimum 90% 100 points________

C. Individual Cremations

– if no Individual cremations are performed, then skip this section

1. Individual pet cremations are to be completed to a point where the organic cremains presented to the owner are at least 99% (by weight) composed of bone, teeth or other ossified materials. (100)

2. Pet remains presented for Individual cremations have their identity verified just prior to being placed in the cremation chamber. Identifying tags, discs, labels, or bar codes should be kept attached to, or adjacent to the chamber control panel. (10)

3. Individual cremations are placed in the retort with absolutely no contact with one another. Physical separation is to be maintained at all time. Each pet's location in the crematory is documented. This record is maintained and kept for a minimum of 5 years. (100)

4. The starting time and the collection times of each animal's cremation is recorded. The record is initialled by the cremator operator. This record is maintained and kept for a minimum of 5 years. (50)

5. A cremator operator is present on the crematory work floor for at least the first 30 minutes of an Individual pet cremation cycle. (80)

6. A cremator operator inspects the cremation process at least once during the first 30 minutes of each Individual pet cremation cycle. (20)

7. As an Individual cremation cycle approaches completion, each pet's individually segregated cremated remains are removed one at a time. The cremated remains closest to the door of the cremation chamber are removed prior to the retrieval of the cremated remains located further back in the chamber. The area of the chamber occupied by the cremated remains is swept thoroughly so as to render that area of the retort reasonably free of all matter. (100)

8. Each Individual pet's cremated remains are to be placed in a separate container or tray to ensure against co-mingling with other cremated remains. Identifying tags, discs, labels, or bar codes should be attached to the container. (20)

total 480 points

Passing score: Minimum 90% 432 points________

D. Private Cremations - if no Private cremations are performed, then skip this section

1. Private pet cremations are to be completed to a point where the organic cremains presented to the owner are at least 99% (by weight) composed of bone, teeth or other ossified materials. (100)

2. Pet remains presented for Private cremations have their identity verified just prior to being placed in the cremation chamber. Identifying tags, discs, labels, or bar codes should be kept attached to, or adjacent to the chamber control panel. (10)

3. Private cremations always involves one and only one pet in a crematory retort that has been thoroughly swept so as to render the retort reasonably free of all matter before the pet is placed in the crematory retort and thoroughly swept at collection of the cremated remains as to render the retort reasonably free of all matter. (100)

4. A Private cremation pet's cremation is documented. The starting time and the collection time of each animal's cremation is recorded. The record is initialled by the cremator operator. This record is maintained and kept for a minimum of 5 years. (50)

E. Private and Individual Cremations

-– if no Private or Individual cremations are performed, then skip this section

1. Surgical implants, metal objects and other non-bone fragment foreign material that was/were part of the deceased pet, or its collar, harness or accessory prior to cremation and recovered with the cremated remains shall be removed prior to processing. They should be identified, if possible, logged and if requested, returned to owner/owner's agent within identified, labeled separate packaging. (20)

2. Cremated remains that are to be returned to the authorizing agent shall be placed in a container that can be securely closed or sealed so as to prevent leakage of processed remains or the entrance of foreign materials. (10)

3. Identification should be attached to, or be indelibly written upon the urn or container holding the cremated remains and an identification tag should also be placed inside the urn or container.

(100)

total 130 points

Passing score: Minimum 100% 130 points________