Washington Morgue Cooler Requirements 2026: WAC 246-500 and the 48°F Rule

Washington: refrigerate remains upon receipt in a unit at 48°F or less (WAC 246-500-010, -030). Mortuary coolers from $7,414.11, in stock.

March 12, 2025 3 min read

Washington State Morgue Cooler Requirements — Funeral Home Refrigeration Standards

Washington requires remains to be refrigerated or embalmed upon receipt, in a mechanically cooled unit at 48°F or less. Those rules come from the State Board of Health (WAC 246-500) and the Department of Licensing (WAC 308-47). Earlier guides quoted 35–40°F; the code number is 48°F, but most firms run far colder. Coolers start at $7,414.11.

Washington at a glance

Definition: refrigeration means a mechanically cooled unit at no more than 48°F (WAC 246-500-010)
Trigger: refrigerate or embalm upon receipt (WAC 246-500-030)
Holding facilities for cremation, alkaline hydrolysis or NOR: refrigerated, adequate capacity, secure (WAC 308-47-030 and -035)
Statute: RCW 18.39.215; guidance: Department of Licensing FAQ

Upon receipt, not after 24 hours

Many states start the clock at 24 or 48 hours. Washington does not. Under WAC 246-500-030, remains must be refrigerated or embalmed when received. Refrigeration may be paused for listed activities, and accompanying the deceased is limited to 24 hours. Otherwise, remains stay refrigerated until disposition or transport.

Holding facilities for cremation, alkaline hydrolysis and NOR

WAC 308-47 requires holding facilities for unembalmed remains to be mechanically or commercially refrigerated at 48°F or less, of adequate capacity, secure from unauthorized access and respectful of the dignity of the deceased. Capacity matters for facilities that offer natural organic reduction, where holds can run longer.

Washington-ready mortuary coolers, from $7,414.11

2 Body Standard Roll-In Mortuary Cooler – Model 2BR

Two-body roll-in cooler for funeral homes holding a body past the state refrigeration trigger.

From $7,414.11

In stock

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3-body standard upright mortuary cooler for funeral homes and morgue refrigerated body storage

3-Body Mortuary Refrigerator

Three trays, upright footprint, for growing call volume.

From $8,357.01

In stock

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2 Body Cadaver Mortuary Coolers and Cooling Systems

2-Body Extra-Wide Mortuary Refrigerator

Extra-wide trays for bariatric cases.

From $8,516.21

In stock

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4-Body Extra-Wide Mortuary Refrigerator

Four extra-wide positions for crematories and multi-location firms.

From $9,153.01

In stock

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6x8 Walk-In Mortuary Refrigerator

Walk-in capacity for racks and cots; suited to refrigeration facilities.

From $8,825.00

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10x10 Walk-In Mortuary Refrigerator

Large walk-in for regional crematories and medical examiner overflow.

From $11,695.50

In stock

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Frequently asked questions

What temperature does Washington require for a morgue cooler?

WAC 246-500-010 defines refrigeration as a mechanically cooled unit at no more than 48°F. Holding facilities for unembalmed remains awaiting cremation, alkaline hydrolysis or natural organic reduction must also be refrigerated at 48°F or less.

When must remains be refrigerated in Washington?

Upon receipt. WAC 246-500-030 requires remains to be refrigerated or embalmed when received, with limited exceptions such as accompanying the deceased for up to 24 hours.

Who regulates Washington funeral homes?

The Washington Department of Licensing, Funeral and Cemetery Board.

What setpoint should I use?

48°F is a maximum. Most firms run 36–38°F for odor control and longer holds.

Related state guides

This guide summarizes published code text as of November 1, 2026. It is not legal advice. Confirm current requirements with your state board before you buy or change procedures. Freight for every cooler is calculated at checkout.