Frequently Asked Questions
Why is MTCBC testing all memorials?
In 2004 the Health and Safety Executive issued a directive to all burial authorities in the country. This stated that each authority must set up a memorial testing system whereby all memorials within their burial grounds are tested and a database of the test results be set up and maintained. This directive was issued due to a number of accidents and even fatalities due to unsafe memorials throughout the country. Over the last 5 years there has been 21 serious accidents to members of the public including 3 fatalities throughout the UK.
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How are the memorials being tested ?
As with neighbouring authorities, MTCBC are testing with a hand held, calibrated computerised testing machine. This machine exerts up to 35 kg of pressure. This level of pressure is endorsed by the National Association of Monumental Masons, 35 kg actually replicates the force exerted by a person holding onto the memorial to pull themselves up from kneeling at the grave side. All memorials are tested by qualified, trained staff.
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Why is there a wooden stake and band on my memorial?
When a memorial fails the safety test MTCBC are obliged, in the interest of public safety, to make it safe on a temporary basis. MTCBC will stabilise the memorial by means of banding it to a secure wooden stake. This is designed as a temporary measure only, giving the family time to arrange permanent remedial works. In a small number of cases, where it is not possible to secure the memorial, it will be laid flat.
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Whose responsibility is the safety of the memorial?
The memorial is the responsibility of whoever in the family owns the exclusive rights of burial, or the next of kin of the owner, if the owner is deceased. Please note that MTCBC cannot use public money to fund repairs to a memorial which is essentially the grave owner’s property.
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Will I be contacted if my memorial fails the test?
MTCBC endeavours to contact families where contact details are on record. It is important to let us know of any change of address, and, in the event of the death of the owner of Exclusive Rights please inform the Bereavement Services Office giving details of the successor.
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Who can make the memorial safe?
Only a Memorial Mason registered with the British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM). You can obtain a list of registered Memorial Masons from the Bereavement Services Office or from the BRAMM website. Under no circumstances can anyone not registered with BRAMM refix an unsafe memorial. Alternatively you can contact the Bereavement Services Office and request that your memorial be laid flat on the ground.
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Are some memorials more dangerous than others?
By virtue of their size and weight, the larger and heavier upright memorials can cause the greatest damage and injury if they fall. However, the smaller memorials on newer graves are still of sufficient weight to seriously injure someone or possibly kill.
The degree of danger also relates to the method of fixing as traditional cement and dowels are subject to deterioration over the years. Some of the larger memorials can be seen leaning but, when tested, in some cases are found to be safe. Other memorials which appear, on visual inspection, to be upright and safe, can be found to be loose on their base, or the base loose on the foundation, and are therefore unsafe. It is only by controlled testing that we can establish the degree of danger of an individual memorial.
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Can I have my memorial tested in my presence?
Yes, just make arrangements with the Bereavement Services Team on 07800 708 664.
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Why have so many memorials failed the Health & Safety Test?
Like any other structure, instability will come purely with wear and tear, however, before April 2003 it was not compulsory for a memorial to be fitted with a ground anchor system.
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Will my memorial be subject to further testing in the future?
Yes, MTCBC has been instructed by the Health and Safety Executive to re-inspect all memorials on a 5 yearly basis.
For further information please contact the Bereavement Services Office using the contact details below.
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