Care and Disposition of Remains - Army Publishing Directorate ...

The gasket systems with the lids in a closed, locked position shall yield an airtight seal when tested in accordance with
paragraph 6.3.1.
j. (5.2) Workmanship. The casket shall be produced by the best means employed by those skilled in the art of metal
fabrication and upholstering. All parts shall be accurately formed and properly assembled into the finished article, and
each casket shall be of the quality and grade of product established by this specification.
C–19. (6) Quality assurance provisions
a. (6.1) Responsibility for inspection. Unless otherwise specified in the contract or purchase order, the contractor is
responsible for the performance of all inspection requirements as specified herein. Except as otherwise specified in the
contract or order, the contractor may use his own or any other facilities suitable for the performance of the inspection
requirements specified herein. The Government reserves the right to perform any of the inspections set forth in the
specification where such inspections are called for to assure supplies and services conform to prescribed requirements.
b. (6.2) Quality conformance inspection. Sampling for inspection and acceptance shall be performed in accordance
with the provisions set forth in MIL–STD–105, when called for.
c. (6.2.1) Inspection of materials and components. In accordance with paragraph 6.1 above, components and
materials shall be inspected and tested in accordance with all the requirements of this specification and standards unless
otherwise excluded, amended, modified, or qualified in this specification or applicable purchase document
d. (6.2.2) End item inspection. The lot shall be all caskets offered for inspection at one time. The sample unit for
this inspection shall be one complete casket.
e. (6.2.2.1) Visual examination. Examination of the caskets shall be in accordance with the classification of defects
set forth in table C–1.
f. (6.2.2.2) Dimensional examination. Inspection shall be made of the finished caskets for dimensions specified. Any
noncompliance with specified requirements shall constitute a defect.
g. (6.2.2.3) End item testing. Testing shall be performed in accordance with paragraph 6.3.
h. (6.3) Test methods. See the following paragraphs.
i. (6.3.1) Airtightness. The halogen leak test shall be used by the Government or the supplier. Conduct the test as
follows: A generous portion of freon refrigerant gas shall be released into the casket, and the casket lids closed and
locked for 5 minutes. Then a Turner Halide Gas Leak Detector Model LP 777 or equivalent shall be applied to all
joints, bottom, gasket and sealing system, and handle assembly for the purpose of detecting leaks on the casket. The
test results will be used to determine compliance with paragraph 5.1 and 5.1.1.6.
j. (6.3.2) Bottom deformation test. The casket shall be loaded with a uniformly distributed weight of 350 pounds,
and the lids closed and locked. The casket shall then be attached to a rectangular suspension frame by metal straps at
six evenly spaced points along each side handle, as close to hardware attachment points as possible and shall be so
arranged as to produce uniform weight distribution by means of adjusting wedges. The width of the strap around the
handle shall be 3 inches. The suspension frame shall be lifted until the bottom of the casket has cleared the floor 4
inches. Bottom deformation shall be measured by placing a straight edge under the casket from the front side to the
back side at the casket mid point. The extent of deformation shall be the average of two measurement readings taken
simultaneously at the edge of the front side and back side of the casket. The readings shall be determined by measuring
the distance from the bottom of the casket to the top of the straight edge. The casket shall remain suspended for a
period of 15 minutes and examined for compliance with paragraph 5.1.1.2.
k. (6.3.3) Handle bend test, static loading. The test shall be in accordance with paragraph 6.3.2 except that the
casket shall be suspended at two points on each side. These points shall be located midway between the lugs toward
the ends of the casket. The same test shall be performed on the end handles; each end shall be lifted separately using
two points of suspension on the end handle. Handles shall then be examined for compliance with paragraph 5.1.1.5.
C–20. (7) Casket certification
(7.1) The contractor shall be required to provide a statement that the casket to be furnished for use under the terms of
the contract conforms in all details to the minimum specifications contained therein. Extra copies of the specification
may be obtained from the contracting officer.
Section III
Outer Shipping Containers for Caskets (Air Tray or Equivalent)
C–21. (8) Authorization
Outer shipping containers are authorized for shipment of standard and oversized caskets.
C–22. (9) Specifications
Outer shipping containers furnished by contractors will conform to the performance test specifications of the air
carriers and subsequent connecting carriers.
C–23. (10) Overseas shipment requirements
For overseas shipment, the contractor will provide an outer shipping container for caskets that meets the requirements
of the air carriers and countries involved.
AR 638–2 • 22 December 2000
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