Human bodies come in all shapes and sizes, so when it comes to handling the deceased, it’s essential that mortuary professionals have access to a body bag that is appropriate to the deceased individual’s weight.
Using a well-fitting body bag – one that is neither too tight nor oversized—is crucial for maintaining the dignity of the deceased, as well as the safety and hygiene of mortuary and funeral workers. In this article, we’ll look at why weight brackets matter when procuring body bags for your organisation or local authority.
1. Dignity and respect
Individuals who have passed on still deserve the utmost respect and professionalism in death, and choosing the right cadaver bag for their weight and size makes it easier for funerary professionals to handle the deceased body with the appropriate dignity and care. Poorly fitting bags can lead to undignified and uncomfortable positioning of the body for mortuary handlers. Matching the individual with the appropriately sized bag will also give the deceased individual’s loved ones peace of mind that their family member is being treated with the respect they deserve.
2. Safety of personnel
The right-sized cadaver bag is not only important to the dignity of the deceased but is also a vital consideration for the safety of the personnel handling them. Body bags designed for the appropriate weight bracket reduce the risk of injuries to funerary workers involved in the transport, handling, and management of the deceased. For example, selecting one with the right weight capacity will avoid placing undue strain on workers backs or the equipment being used, increasing overall health and safety.
3. Prevention of leakage
One of the main roles of cadaver bags is to contain bodily fluids and decomposition gases. Using a bag that is too large for the deceased body may not provide a tight enough seal, leading to leakage, odours, and a potential contamination and infection risk. This can compromise the safety and well-being of everyone involved in handling the individual and could result in risks related to biohazardous material.
4. Infection control and hygiene
Hygiene is the paramount consideration when handling deceased bodies, especially if the individual is known to have died of an infectious disease, such as COVID 19. A well-fitting body bag will help maintain hygiene and stringent infection control standards by minimising contact between the deceased body and the surrounding environment. As some diseases and infections can be easily spread from one individual to another, containment in a body bag plays a crucial role in preventing the unnecessary spread of infection. It’s also important to note that oversized cadaver bags may contribute to the premature decomposition of the corpse by trapping unnecessary air pockets that allow bacteria and pathogens to proliferate.
Slik Pak – The UK’s leading cadaver bag supplier
If you need more guidance on choosing the most suitably sized bags for your deceased patients, talk to one of the experts at SLik Pak today by [clicking here].
