Body Storage Systems — Complete Infrastructure Guide for Funeral Homes & Morgues

A body storage system is more than a mortuary cooler. The complete infrastructure includes the refrigeration unit, interior rack or tray storage, body handling lifts for safe transfer, transport equipment for in-facility movement, and facility planning for door clearances and circulation. This guide covers every element of a complete body storage infrastructure from AMC.

1. Refrigeration: Walk-In vs. Upright

Choose based on volume and facility footprint. Upright mortuary coolers (2–12 body) for facilities storing 8 or fewer at peak. Walk-in morgue cooling systems for facilities storing 8+ at peak or requiring roll-in cot access. All AMC systems maintain 36–39°F at 80°F ambient with digital logging and alarm output standard.

• Upright Mortuary Coolers Collection
• Walk-In Mortuary Coolers Collection
• Body Storage Systems Hub

2. Interior Storage: Racks & Trays

Walk-in coolers use stainless rack systems for body storage. Upright coolers use integral slide-out trays. Key rack configurations: side-loading (most common), end-loading (parallel-approach coolers), and cantilever (maximum floor utilization).

• 4-Tier Side-Loading Mortuary Rack
• 4-Tier Cantilever Rack
• 5-Tier High-Density Rack
• Body Storage Systems | Mortuary Racks Hub

3. Mortuary Lifts

Body handling lifts are the interface between the cot and the rack. The low profile powered lift handles 2–4 tier rack transfers. The hydraulic scissor lift covers 3–5 tier and bariatric loads.

• Low Profile Powered Mortuary Lift
• 1,000 lb Hydraulic Scissor Lift
• Mortuary Lifts Hub

4. First Call Transport

Bodies enter the storage system from first-call cots. Matching cot height to lift approach is essential for smooth workflow. AMC cots are compatible with AMC lift systems.

• PRO 1000X Mortuary Cot — 1,000 lb
• PRO 650X Mortuary Cot — 650 lb
• First Call Equipment Hub

5. Facility Planning

Confirm door clearances (36″ minimum, 42″ recommended for cot passage), cooler condenser location, electrical service, and drain access before finalizing equipment spec. AMC can provide dimension drawings for any equipment configuration. → Morgue Design & Facility Planning Guide.

One PO for the Complete Body Storage System

AMC can quote the full system — cooler, racks, lift, cots, and transport — under one purchase order. → Request Complete Body Storage System Quote