Cemeteries are sacred spaces. They must be treated with respect. This means that you must avoid yelling or loud talk. You should avoid walking on graves whenever and wherever possible. The area should be kept clean at all times. You must never leave debris, such as soil spoil, excess sand or gravel, or any other materials, in the cemetery -- everything should be removed and the grave area restored to its original appearance. In particular, avoid working in areas where families are visiting graves -- give them respect and privacy.

You must absolutely never sit, lean, or rest on stones. Stones are often far more fragile than they at first appear. In fact, assume that all stones are fragile and contain internal damage.

In cemetery conservation work -- and in all conservation efforts -- it is absolutely critical that the treatment do no harm to the stone. If at any time it appears the stone is unstable, or the situation with the stone is worsening -- STOP and get assistance. Avoid the temptation to go on, hoping that everything will be all right.

Although stone is heavy and gives the appearance of permanence, you must be very careful to avoid damage. Steel tools, such as shovels, can severely mar stone. And once damaged, there is no way to remove -- or hide -- the damage. It is left as mute testimony of your carelessness. Don't let it happen.

In general, never use an iron tool if a plastic one will work. Never use plastic if wood will work.

Always inspect the stone before beginning any treatment -- even the simplest (such as cleaning). Although the proposed treatments were appropriate when originally prescribed, the stone may have suffered additional damage since that time. Look for cracks or areas where the stone is spalling. Gently tap the stone to see if it rings solid, or hollow.

Always plan ahead and don't handle the stone any more than absolutely necessary. Don't begin a project and get to an unanticipated crisis because you didn't plan ahead. For example, when removing stones, know ahead of time where you are going to lay them and have some supports ready to receive the stone.

Do not use any permanent marker on stone -- as the name implies, it is permanent. Even chalk is very difficult to remove. If a stone must be marked, use masking tape, but ensure that it is placed on sound stone (otherwise even masking tape may cause severely weakened stone to spall). Do not leave the tape on the stone more than a few hours. Sometimes (but not always) a steatite pencil is appropriate.

When handling large stones, it is critical that you work carefully, slowly, and deliberately. Discuss with your partner(s) exactly what the order of operations will be, before you begin. Everyone must take responsibility for all of those working on the stone -- don't let a stone come to rest until you have verified that everyone is clear, for example. Remember that stone weighs about 170 pounds per cubic foot. Incorrect lifting can cause back injuries. Although reasonably sized stones can be handled by two to four individuals, larger stones will require ropes, slings, and 2x4s (never steel bars) working as bars and levers. It may also be necessary to use wood wedges to loosen parts of a monument. Always be careful of edges when using levers -- they are liable to be damaged or break by the force of the lever concentrated in a small area.