Memorial bench stability testing
We have a duty to keep our cemeteries safe for all visitors and staff. Although the family owned memorial benches in the cemeteries are not the Council’s responsibility; if they become unstable, representing a risk of causing injury, we are responsible to ensure that our grounds remain safe for visitors and staff.
Every 6 months we carry out stability testing on all memorial benches fixed in the cemeteries. The on site stability testing includes:
- A visual check including natural wearing, cracks, breaks and leans,
- Hand push tests to the back, arms, and seating area,
- Sitting on the bench to identify alternative stability problems.
If a memorial bench is deemed unstable, immediate action is taken for Health and Safety reasons. Warning tape is secured to the bench to ensure people do not attempt to sit down. A sign is also attached to the bench requesting for the owner to contact the Cemeteries Service to discuss options. Unfortunately, we are unable to contact bench owners to inform them of the testing and the outcome. Due to historical administrative errors, we do not hold contact details for bench owners. Memorial benches and the bases are usually removed after a 4 week period, if we have not received communication from the owner.
If a memorial bench passes the testing process, no action is taken.
In the past, relatives of the deceased were permitted to purchase their own memorial benches to site near family graves, but this practice has now been stopped because we found that many benches were not being maintained to a safe standard. We have a duty of care to safeguard all those who visit our cemeteries and this made it impossible for us to meet that obligation. If families with existing memorial benches in the cemeteries would like to purchase a replacement memorial bench once their bench has fallen into disrepair, this must be purchased through Braintree District Council.