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Procedures
Each cremation performed at Cotton Crematory is done so by the staff with the highest degree of care, respect and professionalism in accordance with the laws of the state of Maine and with the policies, procedures, and requirements governing crematories.
Each cremation is performed individually. A stainless steel identification disc bearing the cremation number is placed in the chamber during the crematory process.
Pacemakers, radioactive, mechanical, plastic and/or fiberglass devices or implements that may create a hazardous condition in the operational cremation chamber and subjected to heat. It is the responsibility of the authorizing person(s), to list all devices (including implants, prosthetics, mechanical or otherwise) which may have been implanted or attached to the Decedent. If the funeral home is not notified about such materials, and is not instructed to remove them, the authorizing person(s) will be responsible for any damages caused to Cotton Crematory, its equipment, or personnel.
The cremation container containing the deceased will be placed in the cremation chamber and will be totally and irreversibly destroyed by prolonged exposure to intense heat and direct flame. During the cremation process, it will be necessary to open the cremation chamber and to reposition the remains of the deceased in order to facilitate a complete and thorough cremation.
Following a cooling period, the cremated remains, which will normally weigh several pounds in the case of an average-sized adult, will be swept or taken from the cremation chamber via brushing and vacuuming (using an industry-specific mechanical device). The staff at Cotton Crematory will make every reasonable effort to remove all the cremated remains from the cremation chamber, but it is impossible to remove absolutely all particles, as some dust and other residue from the process are always left behind. In addition, while every effort will be made to avoid commingling, inadvertent or incidental commingling of minute particles of cremated remains from the residue of previous cremations is a possibility.
After the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, all non-combustible materials, such as bridgework and materials from the casket or container, such as hinges, latches, and nails, will be removed from the bone fragments. These materials will be discarded. After the bone fragments have been separated from the other material, they will then be mechanically processed (pulverized). This process of crushing or grinding may cause incidental commingling of the remains with the residue from the processing of previously cremated remains.
After the cremated remains have been processed, they will be placed in the designated urn or container, along with the stainless steel identification disc bearing the cremation number. In the event the urn or container for the cremated remains is insufficient to accommodate all the cremated remains, any excess cremated remains will be placed in a secondary container and will be returned to the funeral establishment or authorized person, together with the primary urn or container.
Cotton Crematory uses a dual numbering system. As already mentioned, a stainless steel identification disc bearing the cremation number is placed in the cremation chamber during the cremation and is then placed with the cremated remains in the container or urn. In addition, Cotton Crematory also uses a secure secondary number which is placed on the outside of the cremator during the cremation.
Cremated remains will only be released, delivered, mailed or disposed of by Cotton Crematory of the funeral home in a professional and respectful manner, in accordance to the highest professional standards and all applicable laws, according to the direction and consent given on the front of this form. Cremated remains, if shipped, will be shipped via Priority Mail with a tracking number, delivery confirmation, and return receipt.
The obligations of Cotton Crematory shall be limited to the cremation of the decedent and the disposition of the cremated remains as authorized and directed on this form. No warranties expressed or implied are made and damages shall be limited to the amount of the cremation fee paid.