Question

Obviously agreed, we can't fail them. But I have advised them and stated that, in my view, they are dangerously worn. I don't know how many tons force it takes for them to break free but if we can (and do!) fail track rod ends I've never understood why inner joints are exempt.

But, yes, the question was are they an RFR and the answer is they're not.

We can't see the inner joints to assess them due to them being covered by a rack gaiter. As testers we can't assume or guess a failure is in the inner joints so we can only P&A unless there is excessive Free play as already stated rich1234

but on the other hand I have vehicles that ive advised rack play for years running and we test to a MINIMUM standard.

Isn't the MINIMUM standard a bit of a confusing statement to make now days when you have a RfR ball joint dust cover excessively deteriorated so that it no longer prevents the ingress of dirt, by replacing these dust or dirt covers are we not performing preventive maintenance, surely?
Have always understood steering to be the most important part of the car followed by braking.
B.Play Under Load. 1.With the front road wheels on the ground ask the assistant to rock the steering wheel in both directions firmly against resistance, examine the complete steering mechanism. h.relative movement between a steering arm and its fixing...Why as a tester (not the assistant) can I not fail if I physically feel play in the inner joints when under load, and further confirm this with the front of the vehicle jacked up?
'Excessive play at that the steering wheel' is RfR A.1.1 and not B.1.h

Thank you baz657  welcome to my world to.

Hopefully nobody will listen to rubbish answers. Please don't think I agree with you - it's arguments like yours that we have to deal with. Perhaps the overall subject matter is a bit too much for you. Please let me know the minute DVSA revoke your testing licences Paul , I'll move you to the owners member area without any delay.

RfR B.1 h = relative movement between a steering arm and its fixings

That doesn't refer to inner joints Paul.

The info in the left column is what should be applied which says:

Because dismantling is not permitted, it is accepted that visual examination of some components which are enclosed by protective gaiters will not be possible.

The RfR you referred to applies to set-ups like the image below which is fastened to the chassis Paul

i think your getting a bit confused Paul with this relative movement RFR as its something different to play found in a component considered excessive due to wear.
If you go down the route of failing something you can't see,you then start to try and diagnose and just assume that something is excessive in wear
Apart from these inner steering joints being covered ,a tester won't be able to tell if any play found is actually down to a worn joint ,it could be built in movement,sliding rack bushes or spring loaded joints behind the gaiter.
Ya better off listening to what the guys are saying it might save you a lot of grief