# COMAR Title 09 — Maryland Department of Labor

## Subtitle 34 — Office of Cemetery Oversight

### Chapter 08 — Crematories — Crematory Procedures

#### Regulation .03 Crematory Containers.

*COMAR 09.34.08.03*

A. A cremation container:

  (1) Shall be a readily combustible, rigid container suitable for cremation;

  (2) Shall provide a completely enclosed covering for the human remains;

  (3) Shall be resistant to leakage or spillage;

  (4) Shall be of sufficient strength and rigidity for ease of handling;

  (5) Shall provide protection to the health and safety of crematory establishment personnel;

  (6) Shall comply with all local, State, and federal governmental emissions regulations; and

  (7) May not be composed of metal or polyethylene material.

  (8) A cremation container which appears to be heavily coated with varnish, lacquer, or any other highly combustible substance shall be:

    (a) Placed in a cold cremator within which no cremation has occurred in the prior 4 hours; or

    (b) Coated completely with water before being placed in the cremator.

B. An alkaline hydrolysis container:

  (1) Shall completely enclose the human remains;

  (2) Shall be resistant to leakage or spillage;

  (3) Shall provide protection to the health and safety of crematory establishment personnel and the public; and

  (4) May be removed prior to the start of the alkaline hydrolysis process as long as the human remains are covered to protect the dignity of the decedent.