Body Bag Glossary: A–Z of Terms Used by Buyers and Professionals

Bariatric

Relating to people of high body weight; bariatric bags are larger with higher load ratings.

C-zip / J-zip

A zip that curves around the head end and down one side, making face viewing easier.

Cadaver bag

Another name for a body bag, common in hospital and anatomy settings.

Certificate of competence

A municipal certificate required for premises that store or prepare human remains under GN R.363.

Chain of custody

The documented record of everyone who held evidence (including remains) and when.

Chlorine-free

Material without chlorine (e.g. PE, PEVA) – preferred for cremation and some infection protocols.

DVI

Disaster victim identification – the process of identifying people who died in a mass-fatality event.

EHP

Environmental health practitioner – the municipal official who inspects mortuary and undertaker premises.

Elongation at break

How far a material stretches before breaking, as a percentage.

HDPE / LDPE / LLDPE

High-density, low-density and linear low-density polyethylene.

Heat-sealed / welded seam

A seam made by fusing material together, without stitch holes.

HRP

Human remains pouch – military/humanitarian term for a body bag.

Micron (µm)

One thousandth of a millimetre; standard unit for film thickness.

Mil

One thousandth of an inch (25.4 microns).

MOQ

Minimum order quantity.

PEVA

Polyethylene vinyl acetate – a flexible, chlorine-free plastic.

Perimeter / D-zip

A zip running around almost the whole top panel.

PPE

Personal protective equipment – gloves, aprons, gowns, masks, eye protection, boots.

PVC

Polyvinyl chloride – strong, weldable plastic that contains chlorine.

Shroud

A cloth in which the deceased is wrapped for burial.

SWL

Safe working load – the maximum load the manufacturer states the bag can carry in normal use.

Tamper-evident seal

A numbered seal that shows if a bag has been opened.

Tensile strength

The pulling force a material withstands before breaking.

U-zip

A zip around three sides, opening a large flap.

VHF

Viral haemorrhagic fever – e.g. Ebola, Marburg, Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever.

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Educational resource only. This article does not replace facility protocols, infection-prevention policies, official forensic procedures, manufacturer instructions or legal advice. Always verify product suitability against the applicable protocol and supplier test evidence. Last reviewed: October 2026.