A loading unit (12) having a shipping safety device (10) is provided for use with a surgical instrument. The loading unit (12) includes a body portion (32), a movable operative device disposed in the body portion (32) and an actuator (46) associated with the body portion (32) and operable to move the movable operative device. A locking member (38) movably mounted in the body portion (32) and movable in response to movement of the actuator (46). The locking member (38) is movable between a first locked position and a second unlocked position. The removable safety device (10) generally includes a base (66), a blocking member projecting from the base (66) and engageable with the movable operative device (10) and a lockout member projecting from the base (66) and engageable with the locking member (38). Flexible arms (92,94,96,98) extend from the base (66) and engage the body portion (32) of the loading unit (12). The removable safety device (10) is locked to the body portion (32) when the locking member (38) is in the first locked position and is unlocked for removal from the body portion (32) when the locking member (38) it is in the second unlocked position.
