Managing infestion risks when handling the deceased: guidance for the mortuary, post-mortem room and funeral premises, and during exhumation

This publication provides guidance on managing the risks of infection when handling the deceased. Although this guidance focuses on managing the risks of infection, other risks including manual handling (eg moving bodies), use of chemicals (eg disinfectants and embalming fluid), and radioactive seeds (eg prostate implants) will also need to be considered. Additionally, deaths resulting from workplace accidents or other incidents involving exposure to chemicals or other harmful substances (eg crime scenes) may present an increased chemical or radiological exposure risk to people performing post-mortem examinations and embalming, and this risk should also be considered. This guidance may also be useful for people who come into contact with the deceased through their work activities, such as ambulance workers, the police, general practitioners, porters and domestic cleaners.