1. (A) Each crematory must provide a holding facility of suitable size to accommodate all human remains which are retained and awaiting cremation.

2. (B) For cremation by heat and flame, each crematory must be equipped with a commercially manufactured retort, made specifically for the cremation of human remains and including the following features:

   1. (1) An ash collection pan to minimize the commingling of cremated remains of one human with another;
   2. (2) A hearth floor without depressions to minimize the commingling of cremated remains of one human with another;
   3. (3) A door safety switch to stop the burner operation when the front charging door is opened;
   4. (4) A pollution monitoring system to monitor and detect smoke when the density exceeds applicable state and federal standards, whereupon the system will automatically stop the burner operation on a time setting of not less than three (3) minutes;
   5. (5) Approval by Underwriters Laboratory or a comparable laboratory.

3. (C) For cremation by alkaline hydrolysis, each crematory must be equipped with a commercially-manufactured alkaline hydrolysis chamber made specifically for the cremation of human remains that includes the following:

   1. (1) a collection pan, tray, or other device that is designed for the purpose of removing cremated remains from the alkaline hydrolysis chamber and to minimize the commingling of cremated remains.
4. (D) The retort or alkaline hydrolysis chamber shall be in good working order at all times. If a retort or alkaline hydrolysis chamber is unavailable for any period exceeding twenty-four (24) hours, the crematory shall refuse to accept any body until such time as the retort or alkaline hydrolysis chamber is working, unless that body can be maintained under appropriate refrigeration as described in Subsection (F).

5. (E) Each crematory must have a commercially manufactured processor made specifically for the pulverization of cremated remains and equipped with the following features:

   1. (1) Capable of consistently processing cremated remains to unidentifiable dimensions;
   2. (2) Rust resistant processing chamber;
   3. (3) Exterior surface made of easily cleaned, non-corrosive material.

6. (F) If the crematory provides a refrigeration unit for the holding of human remains in its custody for twenty-four (24) or more hours, it must meet the following standards:

   1. (1) Is capable of maintaining interior temperature of 40 degrees Fahrenheit while loaded with the maximum number of bodies for which it was designed;
   2. (2) Has a surface of sealed concrete, stainless steel, galvanized steel, aluminum or other easily cleaned material.
7. (G) The crematory shall maintain a vacuum system in working order and able to capture small bone fragments as well as some residual dust.
8. (H) The crematory shall remove all cremated remains from the retort or alkaline hydrolysis chamber at the conclusion of each cremation and shall minimize residual dust.
9. (I) The crematory shall be operated by an individual registered with the Board as a crematory operator in accordance with Section 32-8-385, South Carolina Code of Laws, 1976, as amended.

10. (J) The crematory will provide and require that its operator use proper safety equipment including:

    1. (1) Heat Resistant Apron;
    2. (2) Heat Resistant Gloves (at least to the elbow);
    3. (3) Safety glasses with side shields, goggles or face shield.
11. (K) All cremated remains will be placed in a closed, rigid, and leak resistant container, specifically designed for the storage of cremated remains.

HISTORY: Added by State Register Volume 34, Issue No. 4, eff April 23, 2010. Amended by SCSR 46-5 Doc. No. 5037, eff May 27, 2022; SCSR 49-5 Doc. No. 5335, eff May 23, 2025.