Abstract: A fluorescent lamp including a glass envelope having first and second end caps at the opposite ends thereof and each end cap provided with a connecting pin, the glass envelope containing energization means for generating light emanating from the lamp and upon energization thereof a first portion of the glass envelope adjacent the first end cap and a second portion of the glass envelope adjacent the second end cap being heated to a first temperature and an intermediate glass portion intermediate the first and second glass portions being heated to a second temperature lower than the first temperature, and a composite safety coating including first and second substantially light transparent coatings and an intermediate substantially light transparent coating intermediate the first and second coatings, the first coating surrounding and secured to the first glass portion and including an outer end portion surrounding and secured to a portion of the first end cap not including the first connecting pin and including