They interview family members or other authorized persons to arrange for the preparation of the obituary notice, assist with the selection of casket or urn, and determine the location and time of burial or cremation. They direct the placement of the casket and floral displays in the viewing parlor or chapel and arrange guest seating. After the service, Embalmers assist with placing the casket in the hearse and organizing the procession to the cemetery. They also may arrange for transporting the deceased to another state for interment. The embalming process is carried out in isolated, well ventilated, clinically clean areas that must meet standards set by the State Board of Funeral Directors and Embalmers.
Embalmers are responsible for maintaining the workrooms and equipment in a sanitary condition.
Although a health hazard may be encountered when handling contagious disease cases, the risk of infection is minimal because of the required strict sanitary conditions. Embalmers are often required to perform heavy lifting and may be outdoors for extended periods, sometimes in inclement weather. Embalmers may belong to a local Embalmer's association or the Mortuary Employees Union. They may also be members of the California Funeral Director's Association and local funeral director's associations. The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.