A GLASGOW crematorium is asking bereaved families not to place personal items in coffins without asking permission in case they unwittingly cause explosions. 

According to funeral bosses, alcohol and mobile phones can cause an explosion while golf or bowling bowling can be propelled with force during the cremation process.

With fears of staff being injured and equipment being damaged, the Crematorium and Memorial Group (CMG) at Craigton Crematorium in Cardonald has issued the warning. 

CMG’s Technical Services Manager Tony Davidson said: "We work with local funeral directors to help families have a respectful funeral for their loved one.

"We understand that mourners may wish to leave items in the coffin, but we respectfully ask that they talk to us or their funeral director about alternative ways of personalising the funeral. 

"The worse case scenario is that these items damage the cremator or injure a colleague causing a delay to other family’s funerals. 

"Clearly nobody would want this to happen."

Combustible items such as alcohol, mobile phones or battery-powered devices can all cause an explosion if cremated. 

Hard objects such as golf or bowling balls can be propelled during the cremation process causing substantial damage to the equipment. 

Plastics used to manufacture items such as fishing rods and sporting goods can emit poisonous fumes once set alight.

CMG’s advice is echoed by Brendan Day, Secretary at The Federation of Burial & Cremation Authority.

He said: "For many years we have provided guidance to funeral directors on items which should not be placed in coffins with the deceased. 

"We recognise the importance of personalising a funeral. 

"However, to protect the environment and crematorium staff it is necessary to exclude items which have the potential to produce harmful emissions and even explosions."

Personal mementoes such as wooden rosary beads, unframed photographs, religious texts or handwritten tributes on paper or card can all be left in the coffin. 

Jewellery and medals can also be cremated but cannot be recovered afterwards. 

Funeral staff said items such as a takeaway meal and a full set of golf clubs have been placed in coffins. 

CMG advises families not to leave items of sentimental or financial value in the coffin and to be sure to remind their funeral director to remove any items before cremation takes place. 

Staff at the crematorium are not legally permitted to open a coffin once it is placed in the chapel prior to the service.

Crematorium Manager Harry Tosh said: "There are a number of alternative ways we can help a family to personalise the funeral. 

"Our state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment has access to thousands of pieces of recorded music from traditional hymns to classical masterpieces to the latest pop or rock artists. 

"We can also upload family photographs or home movies, and these can be played throughout the service to provide memories for the entire congregation.

"Flowers have always been a traditional tribute, but these don’t have to be an elaborate or expensive display - flowers from the family’s garden can be just as meaningful. 

"Mourners can also add a personal touch by writing a special memory or tribute on paper and including this in the coffin. 

"If a family wished to include a small personal item with the ashes when they purchase a memorial, we would encourage them to talk to us about this option." 

Items that have been placed in coffins prior to cremation:
•    Chocolate
•    Cigarettes and cigars
•    Alcohol
•    Mobile phone
•    Golf clubs and balls
•    A favourite book
•    Soft toys
•    Fishing rod
•    Takeaway meal
•    Computer game