R9-9B-408. Additional Requirements for Cremation through Alkaline Hydrolysis

A. A licensee of a crematory that carries out cremation through alkaline hydrolysis shall ensure that, in addition to other applicable requirements in the Subchapter: 1. The crematory complies with applicable local and state building codes, zoning laws and ordinances, and wastewater management and environmental standards, according to A.R.S. § 32-1342(A)(1), including obtaining a permit if required by a state or local environmental health agency; 2. The crematory has: a. An air-handling system to prevent vapor escape and ensure workplace safety; b. Floors that are sealed and graded to contain spills and facilitate cleaning; and c. An area for the preparation of human remains for cremation that: i. Has sanitary flooring and drainage; ii. Contains only the equipment, instruments, and supplies necessary for accomplishing the tasks for which the room is used; iii. Is disinfected after each use to protect the health and safety of employees; and iv. Is maintained in a clean and sanitary condition at all times; 3. In the area required according to R9-9B-406(C)(1)(d), the crematory uses a method that is approved by the Department to dry the hydrolyzed remains of cremation, according to A.R.S. § 32-1342(A)(2); and 4. Biohazardous medical waste, as defined in A.A.C. R18- 13-1401, and other potentially hazardous waste, as described in A.A.C. R18-8-260, are removed and disposed of by a facility licensed by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality pursuant to 18 A.A.C. 8 and 13. B. A licensee of a crematory that carries out cremation through alkaline hydrolysis shall ensure that, in addition to the requirements in R9-9B-403, R9-9B-404, and R9-9B-405: 1. Employees and any other individual handling human remains or cremated remains receive training on: a. The testing of the effluent discharge from a retort prior to release into a sewer system or another method of disposal, and b. Chemical spill control and clean-up; 2. Policies and procedures are developed, documented, and maintained, consistent with the requirements in A.R.S. Title 32, Chapter 12, and the rules in this Subchapter, that cover: a. Fire suppression, b. Chemical spill control, and c. The testing of the effluent discharge from a retort prior to release into a sewer system or another method of disposal; and 3. The documentation required in subsection (C)(3)(b), including the date of monitoring and the name of the monitoring individual, is maintained at the crematory for at least five years after the last date included on the documentation. C. A responsible cremationist of a crematory that carries out cremation through alkaline hydrolysis shall ensure that, in addition to the operational requirements in R9-9B-405: 1. Only regulated alkaline chemicals, such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hydroxide, are used and in concentrations specified by the manufacturer of the retort; 2. To enable the human remains of a deceased individual to be cremated by alkaline hydrolysis, the human remains accepted by the crematory are: a. Removed from the casket or other container in which the human remains were received by the crematory: i. In the area required in subsection (A)(2)(c), and ii. Consistent with R9-9B-405(F)(1) and (2); b. Placed into the retort; and c. Prepared for cremation; 3. During cremation of the human remains of a deceased individual: a. The temperature and, if applicable, pressure within the retort are controlled, according to the manufacturer’s recommendations, to ensure: i. The efficient cremation of the human remains, and ii. The health and safety of individuals in the vicinity of the retort; and b. The parameters in subsection (C)(3)(a) and the time to complete the cremation are monitored and documented; and 4. The effluent discharge from a retort complies with requirements specified according to subsection (A)(1), related to levels of heavy metals and organic matter contamination.