Common Misconceptions About Body Bags

Body bags are bought in large volumes, often under time pressure. That is where myths creep in. Here are the ones we hear most often.

Myth 1: “A thicker bag is always leak-proof”

Thickness helps resist punctures and tears, but leaks usually happen at seams and zips, not through the film. A thick bag with sewn seams can leak sooner than a thinner bag with welded seams. Ask for the seam construction and any leakage test results.

Myth 2: “Colour tells you what the bag is for”

There is no universal colour code for body bags in South Africa. White, black, grey, blue and orange bags are all on the market. Some institutions adopt their own colour rules internally – that is fine – but colour must never be treated as proof of infection-control performance.

Myth 3: “Every death requires a body bag”

Not necessarily. World Health Organization guidance on COVID-19 deaths, for example, advised that body bags were not needed unless standard mortuary practice called for them – such as excessive fluid leakage, post-mortem cases, transport outside the mortuary or large numbers of bodies. In many cases a sheet or shroud plus good hygiene practice is appropriate. Follow your facility protocol.

Myth 4: “Dead bodies after disasters cause epidemics”

International guidance from WHO and the ICRC has long stressed that bodies of people killed by trauma in natural disasters pose a negligible epidemic risk to the public. Rushed mass burial in that belief destroys the chance to identify the dead. Proper bags, labelling and documentation support identification and dignity.

Myth 5: “Handles are just for convenience”

Handles transfer the full load of the remains into the bag material. Poorly anchored handles tear out. Always check the stated safe working load and how the handles are attached (welded, riveted, stitched with reinforcement straps).

Myth 6: “Biodegradable means it can go anywhere”

A “biodegradable” claim is only meaningful with the conditions attached – industrial composting, soil burial, time frame – and independent test evidence. Some biodegradable films also have lower fluid resistance.

Myth 7: “Any bag will do for a forensic case”

Forensic cases may require new, unused bags, tamper-evident seals and strict chain-of-custody documentation. Follow the Forensic Pathology Service and SAPS procedures that apply.

Need a quote or a specification check? Send your quantities, sizes and application to our Bulk & Tender Enquiries desk and we will match products to your requirements.

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.