A mortuary is a type of institution that deals with the body of a person. It is a place where dead bodies are kept for a certain period of time before cremation, dissection, or burial. The work involved in a mortuary is varied. For example, it could be the care of the body, preparing the body for burial, storing the body, or maintaining biological waste.
Work in a mortuary or morgue
If you have strong attention to detail and the ability to work well under stressful conditions, you may want to consider a job in a mortuary or morgue. These types of jobs require technical and professional skills as well as a good attitude. Some positions offer on-call hours, while others are flexible. However, you will need to research your particular specialty area and your long-term career goals before you apply for a morgue job.
In addition to the physical abilities required, you’ll also need to be knowledgeable about the rules of OSHA. This includes wearing appropriate PPE when working with bodies.
Morgues and morticians must have a license from the National Funeral Directors Association. You’ll also need to be comfortable handling dead bodies and talking about death.
Preparing for a career in funeral service
Those interested in preparing for a career in mortuary and funeral service should begin by educating themselves on the industry and its specific requirements. Mortuary science programs offer training in anatomy, pathology, embalming, and restorative art. Upon completion of these programs, students may qualify for a variety of positions in the field.
There are three main paths to becoming a mortician: formal education, internship, or both. The degree required for this job varies, but it typically takes four years of full-time study to earn a bachelor’s degree in mortuary science. Whether you complete a degree online or through an on-campus program, it is important to find a program that is accredited by the American Board of Funeral Service Education.
If you are a working mortician, you can take advantage of continuing education programs offered by many state and local associations. These courses cover topics such as counseling, communication, management, and legal issues. You should also join a professional organization to help you with your career.
Keeping biological waste safe
When handling biological waste, it is important to be aware of some of the hazards involved. In particular, the risk of occupationally acquired infection from exposure to infectious waste can be very real. A proper medical waste management plan can help to minimize these risks.
Infectious waste is defined as anything that contains, or can transfer, pathogenic microorganisms. It includes things such as human blood and tissue, waste from laboratories containing infectious agents, and anything that has been in contact with an infected person.
The biological waste program for UConn protects the environment and the people who handle it. The Waste Management Guide applies to all University of Connecticut campuses.
Biological waste is usually generated during medical treatments or during the preparation of a body for cremation. Some of the materials that can be classified as biological waste are gauze and bandages, disposable gloves, and any material that has been in contact with an infected body.
Keeping sharps out of the cremation chamber
How do you keep sharps out of the cremation chamber? The answer is pretty simple. You just need to have a sturdy enough container.
This is probably one of the most important aspects of your mortuary’s daily routine. While you’re at it, you should also have a proper sharps disposal procedure. A receptacle for this material should be well sealed, and biohazard bags must accompany it.
A funeral home should have a dedicated web page for this information. There are several different types of containers, and it’s best to be prepared. Even though it may be hard to avoid bringing these materials into your establishment, the more you can do to avoid this hazard the better.
The best way to keep sharps out of the cremation chamber is to prevent them from coming into contact with the body. In this regard, you should use a receptacle with a lockable lid to keep this hazard from finding its way out. If you need assistance, consult with a certified waste management professional who can arrange for the proper disposal of the contents.
Employing funeral service professionals
If you are interested in a rewarding career in the funeral industry, you may be wondering what is needed to become a funeral service professional. Funeral directors are compassionate individuals who are committed to helping people cope with death. They guide families in making decisions about the types of services they want, as well as choosing a casket or urn.
As with most professions, there are certain education and training requirements to become a funeral director. These requirements vary by state. However, in most cases, a mortuary science degree is required. The American Board of Funeral Service Education (AFS) accredits 60 programs that lead to the funeral service profession.
The majority of funeral service workers are employed full-time, but there are also some that work irregular hours. Some of the tasks included in the job are embalming, cosmetology, and removals.