About Headstone Testing Services
At Headstone Testing Services we provide a comprehensive memorial safety assessment service carried out by qualified professionals. Memorials in churchyards and cemeteries must undergo essential safety checks every five years. We tailor our proposals to deliver an economical efficient solution.
What Is Memorial Testing?
Memorial testing (sometimes known as Topple Testing) is the process of checking that gravestones are safe, secure and not at risk of falling. Each headstone is carefully assessed and appropriately tested for movement. If a memorial is found to be unstable, it should be made safe or respectfully laid down to prevent accidents, following Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, depending upon the site owners specific SIAM (Safety Inspection and Assessment of Memorials) / Exit Policy.
Why Headstone Testing Matters
Memorial safety has become a key responsibility for councils, burial ground owners and cemetery managers across the UK. This follows several serious accidents - including rare but tragic cases where unstable headstones have fallen and caused injury or death. As a result, the Health and Safety Executive and local authorities have strengthened their approach to cemetery safety. Councils now have a legal duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and related public safety regulations to ensure that memorials are properly maintained and do not pose a risk to visitors or staff.
Regular gravestone testing is an essential part of risk management and compliance.
Our core goals are based around safety, and helping burial ground owners demonstrate that they are taking reasonable, proactive steps to protect both visitors and staff.
Ensure your burial ground is safe
Identify memorials in need of repair, remedy or reinstatement
Create a proven history of your compliance
Maintain public trust in the safe management of burial grounds
Compliance & Standards
We provide clear reports, including photographic evidence and unique ID numbering, ensuring your records are complete for audits and long-term maintenance. Regular testing, typically every five years, for low risk memorials, helps councils meet their duty of care and maintain public confidence in cemetery safety.
Our Process.
All testing is carried out with respect for the site, families, and the heritage of the burial ground.
Site Survey
Prior to any testing, we visit and inspect each burial ground to discuss and plan the most efficient and respectful testing procedure, whilst ensuring we have fully understood the customer's wishes. We also discuss any schedules and budget restraints
Memorial Testing
Following a visual inspection, memorials are tested using a simple hand test, also known as a topple test to assess stability.
Recording & Reporting
Each headstone is logged, photographed, and results are digitally reported and can also include GPS.
Action & Recommendations
Any unstable memorials are actioned as per the customer's SIAM Policy, exit strategy. This can include safely laid down or cordoned off. Customer supplied warning notes are used to explain the next course of action to the grave owner.
If a memorial is found to be unstable
The priority is to manage the risk and make it safe immediately. Depending on the condition, reason for failure and burial grounds SIAM policy / exit strategy. This may involve laying the headstone flat, securing it with a stake or band, or cordoning it off until further action can be arranged.
Every result is fully recorded
Every result pass or fail is recorded and photographed, with details such as a grave number, name(s), condition, and action taken. A comprehensive report is then provided to the customer, listing all memorials tested and clearly identifying those that failed.
Contacting the grave owner or next of kin
The council or burial authority is responsible for contacting the responsible person, grave owner or next of kin. They are usually informed in writing that the memorial has been made safe and may need repair by a qualified stonemason.
Contact us
Telephone: 07956652222