License: Crematory Retort Operator

Arkansas Department of Commerce State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemetaries, and Burial Serv external site

1 Commerce Way, Suite 502

Little Rock, AR 72202-2087

(501) 682-0574

(a) A person who desires to have a license as a crematory retort operator in this state shall: (1) Be at least eighteen (18) years of age; (2) Have received a high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development; (3) Make written application to the State Board of Embalmers, Funeral Directors, Cemeteries, and Burial Services and attach the fee prescribed by the board; (4) Take and pass the appropriate exams as determined by the board; and (5) Provide the information required by the board. (b) Application for a crematory retort operator license shall be made on forms furnished by the board. (c) Each crematory retort operator shall be required to submit initial United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration blood-borne pathogen training. (d) (1) The board shall grant the application if the board finds that the applicant: (A) Possesses a knowledge of the operation of a crematorium retort; and (B) Meets the qualifications under this section. (e) (1) The board may require an applicant for licensure as a crematory retort operator to successfully complete up to twenty (20) hours of classroom instruction in crematory operation practices and ethics, and laws and rules affecting cremations and operating a crematory retort. (2) The board shall approve all courses that satisfy this requirement. (f) Within a reasonable amount of time after the effective date of this subchapter, a crematory retort operator who is operating a crematory retort in this state shall be licensed as determined by rules of the board. G. Crematory Retort Operator 1. Any person desiring to become licensed as a crematory retort operator in this state shall be at least eighteen (18) years of age and have received a high school diploma or a Certificate of General Educational Development. 2. The applicant shall make written application to the Board on forms provided by the Board. The application shall be accompanied by the required fee. 3. The applicant shall also take and pass the appropriate examinations as determined by the Board, and provide any additional information required by the Board. 4. The license shall be granted to the applicant if he or she possesses a knowledge of the operation of a crematory retort and meets the qualifications for the licensing thereof. 5. At least thirty (30) days prior to the operation of a crematory, any person intending to own or operate a crematory shall apply for a crematory retort operator license by submitting an application accompanied by the required fee. 6. All persons who operate the retort in a crematory shall have received certification by one of the following: a. Cremation Association of North America (CANA); b. The International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association (ICCFA); c. National Funeral Directors Association (NFDA); or d. Any other certification approved by the Board. 7. Prior to operating a retort, the operator shall become licensed. Every crematory retort operator shall obtain training and a certificate of training by the retort manufacturer. A copy of the certificate of training shall be submitted to the Board upon completion of the training. A copy of the certificate shall also be maintained on site at the crematory, and it shall be subject to inspection by the Board. 8. The certification for a retort operator must be completed on site by the manufacturer or another licensed retort operator. 9. On or before December 31st of the fifth (5th) year following the most recent training, the retort operator shall obtain new training and obtain a certificate stating completion as such. The new certificate of training shall be submitted to the Board upon completion of the training. A copy of the new certificate shall be maintained on site at the crematory, and it shall be subject to inspection by the board. 10. Persons receiving training toward certification to operate a retort shall be allowed to work under the supervision of an operator who holds a