New specifications to promote respect for the dead and public health
In a significant regulatory step aimed at enhancing public health and ensuring the dignity of the deceased, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) has introduced a comprehensive project outlining the technical and health requirements for equipping hearses in the Kingdom. These new requirements are part of ongoing efforts to improve services and raise safety and quality standards, in line with religious and societal values that emphasize honoring the deceased and expediting their preparation and burial.
General context and importance of standardization
Historically, mortuary transport services were subject to individual discretion or limited local regulations, resulting in significant variations in the quality and equipment of the vehicles used. Recognizing the importance of this humanitarian and health-related aspect, the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization (SASO) sought to establish a unified national framework to ensure the application of best practices. This step aligns with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030, which focuses on improving the quality of life and enhancing the level of services provided to citizens and residents in all sectors, including critical municipal and logistical services such as mortuary transport.
Vehicle classification according to type of use
The standard document classifies body transport vehicles into two main models to meet different operational needs, ensuring efficiency and suitability for each situation:
- Model (A): Designed for transport within urban areas and short distances. These vehicles must be equipped with an effective air conditioning system that maintains an internal temperature between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius, even in external conditions where the temperature reaches 48 degrees Celsius.
- Model (B): Designed for long-distance intercity travel. This model requires more advanced equipment, including a highly efficient cooling system that maintains a constant temperature between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius, to ensure the preservation of the body in ideal conditions during long-distance transport.
Key technical and health requirements
The draft specifications emphasized a set of precise standards to ensure safety, hygiene, and insulation, most notably:
- Interior materials and finishes: Prevent the use of materials that are difficult to clean, such as fabrics, and mandate the use of smooth, non-porous surfaces that are resistant to common chemical disinfectants, such as stainless steel or epoxy, to facilitate disinfection processes and prevent the formation of bacteria.
- Flooring and Insulation: The floor of the mortuary chamber must be a single, seamless piece with raised edges of at least 75 mm to prevent any liquids from seeping in. A secure and leak-proof drainage system must also be provided, and the chamber must be completely insulated to prevent the infiltration of dust, water, or odors.
- Structure and Installation: The body-carrying frame is made of stainless steel and is securely fastened to the vehicle floor to prevent movement. It must also be equipped with robust mounting straps to withstand sudden acceleration and deceleration forces.
- Safety and security: The requirements included providing adequate lighting inside and outside the cabin, equipping the vehicle with a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, in addition to having a sturdy barrier separating the driver's cabin from the mortuary compartment.
Expected impact on the sector and society
These new standards are expected to revolutionize mortuary services in the Kingdom. Locally, they will ensure a standardized level of service provided by municipalities, charities, and private companies, giving families of the deceased peace of mind that their loved ones are transported in a manner that respects human dignity and protects public health. Regionally, these Saudi specifications could serve as a model for other countries in the region to raise standards in this vital and humanitarian sector.
