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

casket fabrication and upholstering. All parts shall be accurately machined and properly assembled into the finished
article, and each casket shall be of the quality and grade of the product established by this specification.
D–6. (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 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 D–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) Bottom 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. There shall be
no deformation when loading the casket. Loading of the casket should not produce any separation between the bottom
boards and the sides of the casket.
j. (6.3.2) Handle bend test, static loading. The test shall be in accordance with paragraph 6.3.1 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 5.1.1.3.
D–7. (7) Casket certification
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.
Table D–1
Classification of casket defects 1
Classification
Examine Defect Major Minor
Color
All exposed surfaces
and outside of bottom.
Finish
All exterior wood surfaces
exposed to view,
including surfaces that
are exposed when
casket is opened (not
applicable to bottom).
No color on outside or edge of bottom X
Not uniform range of color X
Orange peel or texture X
Area of no film X
Gritty surface or overspray that is rough to touch X
Wet or tacky surface X
98 AR 638–2 • 22 December 2000