GIA Instruments Recalls Polariscopes Due to Shock Hazard

GIA Instruments Recalls Polariscopes Due to Shock Hazard Recall Alert U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 August 28, 2008 Alert #08-603 GIA Instruments Recalls Polariscopes Due to Shock Hazard The following product safety recall was voluntarily conducted by the firm in cooperation with the CPSC. Name of Product: Illuminator Polariscopes 415000 and 415 Units: About 8,000 Manufacturer: GIA Instruments, of Carlsbad, Calif. Hazard: The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user. Incidents/Injuries: GIA has received four reports of consumers experiencing minor electric shock. Description: The recalled polariscopes are white in color with model number 415000 or 415 printed on the underside of the instrument. A polariscope is an instrument used by gemologists to assist in gem identification. Sold by: GIA schools, GIA’s Web site, product catalogs, distributors and trade shows nationwide from January 1996 through June 2007 for between $255 and $340. Manufactured in: United States Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact GIA Instruments to schedule a free retrofit of the Polariscope with a ground wire. GIA is notifying all consumers directly. Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact GIA Instruments at (800) 421-8161 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gia.edu