PDFWAC 308-47-040

Cremation of human remains.

(1) Cremation must not take place until the burial transit permit and authorization for cremation are obtained.
(2) Immediately prior to being placed within the cremation chamber, the identification of the human remains must be verified by the crematory operator. Appropriate identification of the human remains will be placed near the cremation chamber in such a way as to identify the human remains being cremated. The metal identification disc or metal tag must be placed in the cremation chamber with the human remains.
(3) Simultaneous cremation of more than one human remains within the same cremation chamber is not permitted, unless written authorization is obtained from the authorizing agent of each human remains to be cremated simultaneously. Such written authorization will exempt the crematory from all liability for commingling the products of the cremation process.
(4) Simultaneous cremation of more than one human remains within the same cremation chamber may be performed without the authorizations required in subsection (3) of this section, if:
• Equipment, techniques, and other devices are employed that keep the human remains separate and distinct, before and during the cremation process.
• Recoverable cremated remains are kept separate and distinct after the cremation process.
(5) Crematories licensed by the state cemetery board or the board of funeral directors and embalmers, will only be used for the cremation of human remains, cadavers, or human body parts.
[Statutory Authority: RCW 18.39.175(4). WSR 02-19-019, § 308-47-040, filed 9/9/02, effective 10/10/02.]