Memorial Inspection and Testing

Why do we conduct Memorial Testing?

Cemeteries and churchyards require ongoing care to ensure they remain safe, compliant, and respectful spaces for the public.   Local Authorities, Private Churchyards and Cemetery Managers have a duty of care to ensure the safety of their staff who work in the cemetery and to members of the public who visit the cemetery.  An unstable memorial can pose a serious risk of injury or death and guidelines are issued surrounding memorial testing by the Ministry of Justice and the Institute of Cemetery and Crematorium Management.   All memorials over 625mm should be inspected on a minimum 5 yearly cycle, however smaller memorials should be taken into account too.  All inspections should be fully documented, identifying dangerous and unstable memorials.

Who can test Memorials?

Memorials should be tested by a person with a good working knowledge of memorials and their possible defects.  They should have a good understanding of the ground conditions, pathways and footfall at each individual site.  Where a more complex memorial, or a memorial over 1.5m in height is in situ, the memorial tester may need the support of a BRAMM qualified Memorial Mason, or a Structural Engineer.  Our Memsafe team are fully qualified to support with your memorial testing programme and can assist with as little or as much as required.

How do we get started with our Memorial Testing Programme?

Memorial testing should always start with a zonal risk assessment of each site individually.  This should take into account the ground conditions, the footfall to the site and location of the memorials to main roads and pathways, the number of memorials and the age, construction and height of the memorials – just to name a few.  Communication with the local community is essential, ensuring that every effort has been made to notify member of the public of your intention to first of all conduct your memorial safety testing, but then how you intend to handle your unsafe memorials and make safe works.  Our range of temporary memorial testing signage is available to view below.  Each sign can be bespoke-made to your requirements and our Memsafe memorial team are able to support you with our zonal risk assessments and can offer no obligation advice and support.

How can Memsafe support your Memorial Testing Programme?

Here at Memsafe, we're dedicated to helping keep cemeteries and churchyards safe, compliant and cared for with dignity.  Our memorial management services include inspection and testing, make safe works and repair and re-instatement.  Our team are full qualified to support you in all aspects of these works and will show respect for both the memorials and the families they represent.  Whether you have an in-house testing team and just require support with your more complex memorials, or whether you would like to hand over the entire project into the hands of our memorial management services team, we have the solutions to help you.

“Supporting safe, compliant, and well-maintained cemeteries.”

All services are carried out in accordance with national standards, including BS 8415 and ICCM guidance, and with the utmost respect for the memorials and those they commemorate.  With clear reporting, full traceability, and a commitment to professionalism - we can help you to manage your cemetery safely and responsibly, providing reassurance to both your organisation and the communities you serve.

Our trained and experienced team are able to carry out comprehensive visual and physical inspections using approved, non-invasive testing methods. We will identify any potential safety risks, provide clear documentation of findings, and offer expert recommendations for any necessary remedial work.  We understand the sensitivities involved in managing memorial safety and always operate with professionalism, respect, and minimal disruption to visitors and families.

Our service includes:

  • Full inspection and stability testing of memorials in accordance with industry standards (including BS 8415 and ICCM guidance)
  • Clear, itemised reports with photographic evidence
  • Assistance with prioritising and planning maintenance works
  • Compliance support for health and safety audits and record-keeping

Partner with us to ensure your cemeteries remain safe, compliant, and cared for — providing peace of mind to both you and the community you serve.

Some of our Memorial Inspection and Testing Products

With specialist equipment being added to the fleet all the time, should you require any advice or help in this field of works please contact us.