PDFWAC 308-47-035

Holding human remains for alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction.

(1) A hydrolysis facility or natural organic reduction facility must not accept or hold human remains unless the human remains are in a container or shroud that is resistant to leakage or spillage of bodily fluids.
(2) The holding facility must:
(a) Comply with WAC 246-500-020 and all applicable public health laws;
(b) Preserve the dignity of the human remains;
(c) Recognize the health and safety of the hydrolysis facility or natural organic reduction facility operators and others; and
(d) Be secure from access by anyone other than authorized personnel.
(3) If human remains are delivered to a hydrolysis facility or natural organic reduction facility in a container or shroud that is not suitable for placement in the reduction vessel, the transfer of the remains to the vessel must be performed by a properly licensed individual and in accordance with WAC 308-48-030.
(4) When a container or shroud is delivered and shows evidence of bodily fluid leakage, it must be returned to the contracting funeral establishment or transferred to a new container or shroud by a properly licensed individual.
(5) Human remains that are not embalmed must be held only within a mechanically or commercially acceptable refrigerated facility of adequate capacity, with a maximum temperature of 48 degrees Fahrenheit, and otherwise meet the requirements of chapter 246-500 WAC.
(6) If the hydrolysis facility or natural organic reduction facility requires the removal of implanted devices, the devices must be removed by an embalmer or embalmer intern prior to delivery of the human remains to the facility.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 68.05.105 and 18.39.175. WSR 20-09-031, § 308-47-035, filed 4/6/20, effective 5/7/20.]