Alabama Funeral Home Requirements for Storing Human Remains

If you operate a funeral establishment or crematory in Alabama, the way you store human remains is governed by the Alabama Board of Funeral Service through the Alabama Administrative Code (Title 395). Below is what the state's refrigeration rule actually says, followed by what it means for your facility in practice.

What Alabama's refrigeration rule requires

The key provision is Rule 395-X-6-.11 (Refrigeration Unit), part of the chapter on funeral establishment and crematory requirements. It reads:

(1) Refrigeration units for the storage of human remains in a crematory facility shall:

(a) Hold a minimum 3 human remains.
(b) Maintain a constant temperature between 35 degrees to 45 degrees Fahrenheit at all times.

(2) Human remains shall never be stacked or placed upon other human remains. For this rule, “stacked” shall mean in direct contact one on top of the other.

The rule's stated authority is the Code of Alabama 1975, §§ 34-13-26 and 34-13-120. (Text current through the Alabama Administrative Code Register Vol. 43, No. 8, dated May 30, 2025 — always confirm the current version with the Board.)

What it means in practice

• Capacity: A crematory refrigeration unit must hold at least three human remains. If your caseload regularly runs higher, size up so you are never forced to exceed capacity.
• Temperature: The unit must stay between 35°F and 45°F at all times. A cooler that holds a steady 36–39°F sits comfortably inside that band and gives you margin during door openings and warm weather.
• No stacking: Each body must be stored separately, never in direct contact one on top of another. In practice that means enough shelves, trays, or rack positions for your peak volume.

Rule 395-X-6-.11 sits alongside related sections in the same chapter — including the Preparation Room (395-X-6-.01) and Crematory Holding Room (395-X-6-.10) requirements — so a full compliance review should take those into account as well, and funeral establishments should confirm how the storage expectations apply to their own operations.

Staying compliant in Alabama

1. Verify the current rule text directly with the Alabama Board of Funeral Service before you buy or build.
2. Choose a unit rated for at least three remains — more if your volume warrants it.
3. Confirm the unit holds a constant temperature in the 35–45°F range, and keep the spec sheet on file for inspections.
4. Set up your racking so remains are always stored individually.

For requirements in other states, see our state-by-state cooler regulation guide, our 50-state compliance directory, or our general overview of state regulations on mortuary coolers.

This article summarizes publicly available Alabama Administrative Code language for general information and is not legal advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the Alabama Board of Funeral Service.