Cremation is the burning of the body until all that remains become ashes. In Australia this process takes place in a licensed crematorium.
Before cremation, the proper preparation of the body is required which is done by the mortuary staff and involves removal of anything that could potentially harm the staff or equipment at the crematorium. These items are namely pacemakers and certain electronic or mechanical implants.
After preparation, the body is transported to the crematorium where the paperwork is checked.
Following the correct admission of paperwork the coffin is placed on the entry platform of the cremator. The coffin is inserted into the furnace chamber where the temperature will reach between 800 to 1,000 degrees Celsius.
The cremation period is usually between 2 - 4 hours. The time taken is a factor of the physical size of the body.
The cremation period is continually monitored by the technicians and once they’re satisfied it is complete, the cremator is allowed to cool.
The final material is sifted to remove any metallic debris (ie. coffin handles and hinges) that may have not been destroyed by the cremation process. The remaining ashes are then ground into a finer powder and placed into an urn for collection.