Answer
Jan 28, 2025 - 03:32 PM
A crematorium, also known as a crematory, is a facility where individuals are cremated. It contains a cremation furnace or cremation chamber and is managed by a licensed professional trained in legal compliance and safety procedures. Crematory operators are also skilled in handling ashes with respect and care.
The cremation chamber, sometimes referred to as a retort, is the unit where the cremation process takes place. Facilities may have one or multiple retorts. Older retorts are operated using manual control panels and require significant expertise, while modern retorts are managed via software and touch screens, still necessitating precision from the operator. The chamber itself is constructed with brick, features a flat or arched ceiling, and includes a hinged door. It is encased in industrial-grade steel and equipped with a stack that vents through the roof of the crematorium.
Some funeral homes own and operate their own crematoriums, occasionally located on the same property. In other cases, the crematory is situated a short distance away, either down the street or elsewhere in the community. While proximity to a crematorium is not mandatory, funeral homes with on-site facilities maintain full control over the cremation process. Funeral homes without an in-house crematory often partner with third-party providers for cremation services. This practice is common and often involves reputable and trustworthy crematoriums that contract with funeral homes.
