A mortuary is a place where dead bodies are stored until a proper autopsy is performed or the body can be buried or cremated. Modern morgues are designed to delay decomposition, but the basic function is to store human corpses. Traditionally, human bodies were stored in a morgue until they were identified and removed for autopsy.
A mortuary also provides services for funerals. It sets up public viewings and receptions and works with the family, religious leaders, and cemeteries to coordinate services and memorial services. It can also arrange for embalming and cremation services. The mortuary also collects and transports cremated remains to the cemetery or the family. However, not all mortuaries provide these services. Some mortuaries only provide a service for funerals, and you should find out what services your loved one was able to receive at his or her death.
Mortuaries may be found in hospitals, medical centers, or stand-alone facilities. In addition, some mortuaries are located in funeral homes. While the deceased bodies are not likely to contain any infectious disease, they may contain materials that can be harmful to staff. In addition to body fluids, medical equipment is another possible source of infection. For example, a deceased person who had chemotherapy may have ports on their body that contain traces of chemotherapy agents.
Students who want to study mortuary science will need to take various courses at college. These courses include biology, English, accounting, and other sciences. In addition, students will need to take sociology, psychology, and speech classes. These courses will prepare them for the field. The program will also provide you with the skills needed to work as a funeral director.
The most important thing to remember when working in a mortuary is worker safety. The job is dangerous, and you should wear the right PPE to protect yourself and others. This is because if you are not properly trained, there may be a risk of disease transmission. You should be aware of OSHA rules and follow all safety procedures.
Mortuarys offer many services to families of the recently deceased. Some offer embalming, while others perform cremations. Choose the right one for your needs and your family’s wishes. In many countries, the term is still morgue, but in the United States, it is usually used in a formal context.
Mortuaries are different from funeral homes, though both offer similar services. While mortuaries often specialize in funeral planning and cremation, funeral homes are more likely to offer grief counseling and services. They may also offer more streamlined services and a lower price than mortuaries. They may also offer cremation on-site, and are less likely to involve a funeral director.
In terms of chemicals, formaldehyde accounts for a large portion of the chemical waste generated in mortuaries. It is used to disinfect equipment, disinfect liquid infectious waste, and is used in embalming fluid. This fluid is always formaldehyde-containing, but may also contain other chemicals such as alcohols or glutaraldehyde. Because of these chemicals, the waste from embalming can be considered hazardous. It is necessary to separate it from other waste and notify the waste disposal company before dumping it.
The process of honoring a loved one involves many people and institutions. While many people think of a funeral home when a loved one dies, the actual process involves more people than you may imagine. From the preparation to the transportation, there are many decisions to be made. Mortuaries and funeral homes play an important role in this process.