Mortuaries

Mortuaries are facilities dedicated to the care of human remains from the time of death until disposition. In many jurisdictions, the term refers to a business facility used to store, prepare, and release bodies for burial or cremation, while in hospitals a mortuary or morgue is the designated area where corpses are kept and, when appropriate, prepared for autopsy or transfer. The exact usage varies by country and institution.

Core services include body refrigeration, identification, and documentation; embalming and cosmetic restoration; dressing and casketing; and coordinating transportation with funeral homes, coroners, or crematories. Mortuary staff may assist with planning viewings, arranging transport, and ensuring compliance with legal requirements such as death certificates and permits.

Facilities typically include cold storage rooms, preparation or embalming rooms, viewing chapels or rooms, a preparation area for caskets and cosmetics, and administrative offices. Staff commonly include licensed funeral directors, embalmers, mortuary technicians, and support personnel. The operation is guided by professional standards and regulated by government agencies.

Regulatory and ethical considerations include licensing, sanitation standards, and health and safety rules; privacy and respectful treatment of remains; and compliance with cultural and religious practices. Some regions have on-site crematories, while others coordinate with external facilities. Environmental considerations include emissions controls and waste handling.