Safety Standards

Ultraviolet Lamp Demonstration Safety Standard

Eye and skin protection requirements for shortwave and longwave UV displays at shows, classrooms, and chapter meetings.

For: Educators, Chapter Leaders

Scope: Applies to all UV demonstrations and dark-booth displays, including classroom visits and show booths.

Shortwave ultraviolet causes eye and skin injury with no warning glare. This standard sets the shielding, signage, and exposure limits for fluorescent-mineral displays, and the presenter responsibilities for keeping hands and faces out of the beam.

Why this matters

Shortwave UV injures eyes and skin without any sensation of brightness — the hazard is precisely that nothing warns you. Every requirement in the checklist exists because the lamp gives no second chances and the minerals look so good that people lean in. The fluorescence guide covers what to show; this standard covers how to still be able to see it next year.

Related in the library

Checklist

UV-blocking glasses for the presenter and anyone inside the booth.
Shield shortwave lamps so the bulb is never directly visible.
Post a UV warning sign at the booth entrance.
Keep hands out of the beam; use tongs to reposition specimens.
Limit continuous shortwave sessions and rest the lamp per its rating.