The Complete Prep Room Supplies Checklist for Funeral Homes
A printable-style checklist of the consumables and small equipment a funeral home prep room should keep on hand, from PPE and gloves to instruments, positioning aids and cleanup, with restocking guidance.
Running out of gloves mid-case or finding the last gown torn is avoidable. Keep this list at the supply cabinet, set a minimum level for each line, and reorder when you hit it.
Quick answer: Stock PPE (gowns, coveralls, eye protection and gloves in at least two thicknesses), instruments and aspirators, positioning aids, table and station accessories, and cleaning supplies. Keep at least two weeks of consumables at your busiest case rate, and confirm eyewash and ventilation meet OSHA's formaldehyde rule.
Personal Protective Equipment
| Item | Why | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Fluid-resistant gowns | Body and arm protection | FS1 Ultracool Embalming Gown, isolation gowns |
| Coveralls | Full coverage for high-exposure cases | PPE High Exposure Coveralls |
| Everyday nitrile gloves | Routine handling and cleanup | 6 mil nitrile, by the case |
| Extended-cuff gloves | Forearm coverage during embalming | 10 mil extended-cuff nitrile |
| High-risk gloves | Autopsied and difficult cases | 15 mil high-risk latex |
| Eye and face protection | Splash protection | Goggles and face shields |
FS1 Ultracool Embalming Gown Full LengthFull-length gown
PPE High Exposure CoverallsBoots attached
USPE 10 Mil Extended-Cuff Nitrile Exam Gloves – Case10 mil, 12" cuff
USPE 15 Mil High-Risk Latex Exam Gloves – Case15 mil latex
Stainless Steel Nasal AspiratorStainless aspirator
Soft Prep Multi-Position Embalming Headrest6-way headrest
Instruments and Small Equipment
- Aspirators, such as a stainless nasal aspirator, plus trocars and tubing.
- Hypodermic sets, such as the Hypodermic Tissue Building Set.
- Positioning aids: a multi-position headrest, arm and body blocks.
- Scalpels, forceps, needle injector, ligature and suture supplies.
Table and Station
- An embalming table with working drain and casters. See embalming tables.
- An embalming station or sink with backflow protection. See embalming stations.
- An eyewash in the immediate work area wherever splashes of 0.1% or greater formaldehyde can occur, as required by 29 CFR 1910.1048.
Cleaning and Restocking
Keep EPA-registered disinfectant, absorbent pads, biohazard bags and sharps containers at the table. Set reorder points on gloves by the case; our exam gloves by the case ship at a flat rate per case.
For the large equipment that anchors the room, see the prep room equipment guide. Exposure rules are in the OSHA formaldehyde guide.
Setting Reorder Points
Count how many gloves, gowns and pads you use per case, multiply by your busiest two weeks of cases, and set that as the minimum on the shelf. When inventory hits the minimum, reorder. Buying gloves by the case lowers the cost per pair and keeps sizes consistent. Review the list each quarter and drop items you no longer use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What PPE is required in a funeral home prep room?
OSHA requires protective equipment suited to the exposure, including gloves, gowns and eye or face protection where splashes may occur, plus eyewash facilities for formaldehyde solutions of 0.1% or more.
What glove thickness is best for embalming?
Many embalmers use 6 mil nitrile for routine work and 10–15 mil extended-cuff gloves for embalming and high-risk cases.
How much prep room inventory should I keep?
At least two weeks of consumables at your busiest case rate, with reorder points for gloves and gowns.
Questions about fit, freight or lead time? Call our Johnson City, Tennessee team at 1-888-792-9315 or email cool@mymortuarycooler.com.
