Memorial Mason Registration Scheme

A1.1 The design, construction, and installation of new memorials are central to the ongoing safety of our burial grounds. Until relatively recent times, memorials had not been designed to withstand a specific design force, this has now been addressed with the introduction of:

• BS 8415, which is a performance specification,
• British Register of Accredited Memorial Masons (BRAMM) Blue Book
• National Association of Memorial Masons (NAMM) Code of Working Practice (These inform masons on how to achieve the requirement of the British Standard).

A1.2 To ensure the continuing safety of the memorials within our cemeteries, it is a requirement that all memorials must be installed in accordance with BS8415:2018 and the appropriate industry code of practice every time a memorial is fixed or re-fixed into one of our cemeteries.

This will ensure that all new memorials are installed to a suitable standard and any memorials that are removed for any reason, such as a further interment in the grave or for a new inscription, are also re-fixed to a suitably high standard.

Wherever possible owners should be advised of the re-fixing of a memorial to improved standards and should be offered the same certificate of conformity as a new memorial.

A1.3 In order for Wirral Council to ensure the above standards, it is recommended that the British Register of Memorial Masons Scheme (BRAMM), or equivalent, is adopted. Any alternative to this scheme can be presented to Wirral to enable it to be evaluated.

A1.4 Testing certificates from the manufacturers/installers should be provided to the Cemeteries Manager, to prove that memorials and any component ground anchor and lock-down systems have been designed to meet BS 8415. (BS8415:2018 identifies specific testing procedures for those test ground anchors)

Soil type can have a major effect on the utility of anchors. Some may not function as they should in sand or gravel soils. Advice from a qualified professional should be sought if there is any question about this.

A1.5 Where jointed memorials are erected, these joints should be guaranteed by the mason to withstand the inspection process, which will exert a force of 25kg against the memorial. Such joints should be fitted using mechanical bolting/lockdown systems or new jointing resins, as prescribed in the appropriate industry code of practice. If this joint then fails, although the memorial will remain safe if fixed to the appropriate industry code of practice or equivalent, the mason should return and re-fix the joint. Bolting methods provide a mechanical fixing method that creates a compression joint, jointing compounds provide substantial additional strength to the joint, both can be used without any cement.

A1.6 The use of such bolting fixings and resins will ensure that joints will not fail when inspected and will allow memorials to be easily dismantled if so required. Where cement is used as the jointing compound and this cracks under test pressure, it should be the responsibility of the memorial mason to repair this joint.

It is acknowledged that although the memorial will move it will remain safe, provided that it has been erected in compliance with standards, however grave owners will lay blame on the burial authority for damaging memorials in these circumstances. If cement is used and applied properly it should be suitable for use in fixing however, should it give under test pressure this means that it was not used and applied properly and hence the responsibility of the memorial mason.

Under product liability law a memorial should remain ‘fit for purpose’ for at least 6 years therefore whenever cement fails the mason has a duty to repair.