August 28, 2008
GIA Instruments is recalling about 8,000 polariscopes. The models affected are the Illuminator Polariscopes 415000 and 415.
The polariscopes can have a ground wire missing, posing a risk of electrical shock to the user.
GIA has received four reports of consumers experiencing minor electric shocks.
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.
The devices, made in the United States, were sold by GIA schools, GIAs Web site, product catalogs, distributors and trade shows nationwide from January 1996 through June 2007 for between $255 and $340.
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.
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 firms Web site at www.gia.edu.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
