Frequently Asked Questions
Why are gravestones being tested now more than ever?
Testing isn’t new, but it’s being carried out more consistently now due to updated safety guidance and legal duties for burial ground owners. The aim is to prevent accidents caused by unstable memorials, especially in older cemeteries where foundations can weaken over time.
Laying gravestones down looks disrespectful.
We completely understand this concern. Laying a headstone flat is never done out of disrespect. It’s a temporary safety measure to prevent injury if a headstone is at risk of falling. Each memorial is carefully handled, laid down face-up where possible, and recorded so it can later be reinstated by a qualified stonemason. All testing is carried out with respect and sensitivity to the families and the history of the site.
Will the grave owners be told if their memorial is laid down, or needs repair?
Yes. The council or burial ground authority will contact the registered grave owner or next of kin, usually by letter, to explain the test results and how the owner needs to contact an approved Stonemason so the remedial work can be carried out.
Can families have the memorial put back up?
Yes. Once repairs have been made by an approved stonemason to current standards, the memorial can be safely re-erected. The memorial is to be repaired or re-fixed safely to BS8415/NAMM standards The council will update its safety records once the work is completed and verified.
Do you test all Headstones, even small ones?
If a memorial can cause serious injury or death, then it has to be tested, even a small one.
Can you provide specific headstone location mapping?
Yes, it depends upon the level of Service you require, if you have selected our GPS solution then as part of this service, all memorials, even benches and trees can be included.
How often does this testing need to be done?
This depends upon the level of risk, for most burial site owners with low risk a five-year inspection cycle is implemented, though some may test more frequently in high-use cemeteries or where ground movement is common.
Does testing damage the memorials?
No. The test is gentle and controlled, it does not harm the stone, its base, or the inscription. The goal is simply to confirm whether the memorial is secure and safe for public areas. The goal is to test it is stable, not to loosen it.
How can the public tell if testing is taking place?
Prior to testing getting underway, signs are usually displayed at cemetery entrances explaining that safety inspections are being carried out. Burial ground owners often include contact details for anyone who has questions or concerns.
Who pays for repairs if a headstone fails a test?
Repairs are the responsibility of the grave owner, but councils sometimes arrange group repair programmes or recommend approved stonemasons to make the process easier and more affordable.
Is this just health and safety gone too far?
Not at all. Memorial safety testing is about protecting visitors, groundstaff, and children who may visit cemeteries. Sadly, there have been real cases of fatalities from falling memorials. Responsible testing ensures those tragedies aren’t repeated while preserving the dignity and heritage of burial grounds.