Our cemetery teams are responsible for the ongoing inspection of memorials. This includes mandatory inspections within a five year period. Dangerous memorials are made safe within our cemeteries and churchyards when identified as category 1 - 'requires immediate action'. Currently, memorials are made safe by staking and banding where appropriate.
Our teams are trained to inspect memorials using methods approved by the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management (ICCM) and National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM). All cemetery staff have been trained to certificated standards on the safe method of inspection.
Our employees have undergone training and this is in line with current legislation for managing memorials.
Safety inspections
A safety inspection normally begins with a walk round visual test. We then undertake a finger tip test which involves a continual push test gradually picking up the pressure to 25 kilograms. This test is undertaken at one metre or at shoulder height.
Public information on memorial safety
We have taken active measures to manage memorials in all our cemeteries. Since 2003, all memorials being installed must comply with a rigid specification and be inspected within a five year period.
As you would expect, a number of old memorials have become unstable over the years. Foundations have deteriorated, joints have not been doweled (bolted) and have become loose and in some cases where dowels have been used, they have become rusted and unsafe.
If a memorial is identified as unsafe, we are required to take action to make safe. This includes laying the stone flat, stake and band or sheugh (ditched into the soil) in order to comply with current legislation.
If you have any concerns about a headstone or would like advice on erecting a new headstone, please do not hesitate to contact us.