NCJ Number
146648
Journal
Journal of Forensic Sciences Volume: 39 Issue: 1 Dated: (January 1994) Pages: 100-106
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
Common paving materials, such as concrete and asphalt, pose an unusual and complex barrier to disinterment and examination of human remains; although not commonly encountered, these materials are seen with sufficient frequency to justify considering the equipment and procedures necessary for disinterment.
Abstract
Seven cases involving paving materials are reported that required special equipment and technical considerations. The quality of paving material and the mechanism of encasement in that material were sufficiently different in each case to require diverse tools and techniques. Major obstacles were paving material mass and the resulting mass and volume of potentially infectious waste. Working the material, even reinforced concrete, was not particularly difficult given adequate heavy power tools and skilled labor. Work site ground surface contamination with potentially infectious body fluids was a potential problem. After body removal and evidence collection, generous rinsing of the work area diluted and dispersed infectious materials. Another problem involved the attraction of flies to the work area during the lengthy process of disinterment from concrete-filled drums. Surgical masks and eventually complete air-tank respirator suits were required to protect workers from mucous membrane contact with flies. Heavy pneumatic chisels were usable with amazing precision, considering the enormous impact forces generated. The hand-held, gasoline engine-powered, concrete-cutting saw was a superior tool for cutting reinforced concrete. 6 references and 3 figures