New Funeral Home PPE Checklist: Paperwork, Prep Room and Opening Order

A checklist for opening a funeral home prep room: OSHA paperwork, safety equipment and an opening PPE order sized to your call volume.
3 min read
Embalmer and removal technician wearing disposable coverall and Tychem chemical suit in a mortuary prep room

Short answer: Before your first case, have a written hazard assessment, a bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan, a formaldehyde monitoring plan, an eyewash station, and a 90-day PPE supply in every size your staff wears. For a small home doing 100 to 200 calls a year that is usually 3 to 6 cases of gloves, 2 to 4 cases of coveralls, a case of Tychem and a supply of coats.

Paperwork first

  • Written PPE hazard assessment, certified and dated (1910.132).
  • Bloodborne pathogens exposure control plan, hepatitis B vaccination offer and training records (1910.1030).
  • Initial formaldehyde exposure monitoring and a medical surveillance plan (1910.1048).
  • Respiratory protection program if respirators are required (1910.134).
  • Hazard communication program and safety data sheets for every chemical.
  • State funeral board inspection checklist. Many boards inspect the prep room before licensing the establishment.

Prep room safety equipment

  • Eyewash within the immediate work area and a drench shower where skin splash is possible (1910.151 and 1910.1048).
  • Downdraft or local exhaust ventilation and air exchange.
  • Sharps containers, regulated waste containers and spill kits.
  • PPE storage at the prep room door, separated from clean areas.

Opening PPE order

Item Small home (100–200 calls) Mid-size (300–600 calls)
Nitrile exam gloves 3 cases 6–8 cases
Extended-cuff high-risk gloves 1 case 2–3 cases
PE-coated embalming coveralls 2 cases 4–6 cases
SMS coveralls for removals 1 case 2–3 cases
Tychem 2000 coveralls 1 case 1–2 cases
Tychem sleeves 1 case 1 case
Embalming coats or jackets 2–3 packs 5–10 packs

A mid-size opening order usually crosses the $1,500 free PPE shipping threshold and the 10-case savings tier. Build it in one pass with the PPE bulk order builder.

PE-coated embalming coverall, hoodPE-coated embalming coverall, hoodfrom $129.95SMS coverall, hoodSMS coverall, hoodfrom $89.95Tychem 2000 QC127Tychem 2000 QC127from $198.95Embalming coat, 10/packEmbalming coat, 10/packfrom $28.95

Sizing your staff

Order coveralls by the size each person wears, plus one size up for anyone who kneels or reaches. Gloves should fit snugly without stretch at the web of the thumb. Keep at least two sizes of gloves and three sizes of coveralls even if your staff is small, since part-time and trade embalmers vary. See the size chart in how to choose disposable coveralls.

Setting reorder points

Reorder when you reach a 30-day supply. Track gloves per case and coveralls per case for three months, then set the reorder point at a month of use plus your shipping time. Keep a separate sealed surge stock as described in the mass fatality PPE stockpile guide.

2026 Year-End PPE Stock-Up

Mix gloves, coveralls, DuPont Tychem and embalming coats in one order. Coverall, Tychem and coat cases save 3% at 3 cases up to 10% at 20, and all PPE ships free at $1,500 to the Lower 48.

Build your PPE orderShop mortuary PPE

Frequently asked questions

What PPE does a new funeral home need?

Exam gloves, extended-cuff high-risk gloves, fluid-resistant embalming coveralls, removal coveralls, a Tychem coverall for high-risk cases, sleeves, embalming coats, face shields, goggles and respirators if your assessment requires them.

Do funeral home inspections check PPE?

Many state funeral boards inspect the preparation room, including PPE, eyewash and ventilation. OSHA inspectors ask for the hazard assessment, exposure control plan and training records.

How much PPE should I keep on hand?

Keep a 90-day supply for daily use and a separate sealed surge stock. Reorder at a 30-day supply.

Is shipping free on PPE?

PPE orders of $1,500 or more after discounts ship free to the Lower 48. Smaller PPE orders ship at a flat rate per case.

Related PPE guides