Historical Movements
NCBVA has a long history of protecting the interests of burial vault manufacturers and their customers by addressing regulatory challenges, unfair restrictions, and industry standards.
Crane Operator Certification
NCBVA worked with OSHA to address the application of crane and derrick regulations to burial vault installation equipment. Because certification could cost up to $3,000 per employee, applying the same requirements used for large construction cranes to specialized vault installation equipment created a significant burden for members. NCBVA worked with OSHA to obtain a letter of interpretation excluding vault installation operators from the Crane and Derrick Construction Standard.
Impact: Eliminated unnecessary certification requirements and saved members thousands of dollars in training and certification costs.
Putting Claims to the Test
When a new line of plastic burial vaults was introduced with claims that the product was superior to concrete, NCBVA worked to gather objective data rather than rely on competing claims. Independent laboratories tested and compared the different types of vaults, providing meaningful information about their performance and qualities. The results demonstrated the strength and quality of concrete burial vaults.
Impact: Giving manufacturers and the industry objective, independent data to support the quality of concrete burial vaults.
Silica Standards
As OSHA has strengthened regulations concerning respirable crystalline silica, NCBVA has worked to help members understand how these requirements affect the burial vault industry. Silica is found in materials such as sand and concrete and can become airborne when those materials are cut, crushed, or disturbed. NCBVA continues to provide members with information about changing requirements and practical ways to control exposure and maintain compliance.
Impact: Helping members stay informed, protect their employees, and prepare for evolving workplace safety requirements.
Standing Up Against Restrictions
NCBVA has stepped in when cemeteries have attempted to prohibit certain types of burial vaults, including concrete vaults. These restrictions can raise restraint of trade concerns, and NCBVA has supported members in challenging unfair prohibitions and protecting their ability to offer concrete burial vaults.
Impact: Helping protect fair competition and ensuring manufacturers and funeral service providers can continue to offer concrete burial vaults without unnecessary restrictions.
