Australian GovernmentDepartment of Veterans'Affairs

DVA FactsheetF111-01

F-111 deseal/reseal and fuel tank maintenance workers

Overview of benefits and schemes for F-111 workers

OverviewThis Factsheet provides an overview of the benefits and services available to F-111 fuel tankmaintenance workers. It provides information about the health care and compensation youcan access if you are recognised as an F-111 deseal/reseal or fuel tank maintenance worker.It also provides information about the ex-gratia scheme for certain F-111 workers.

Who is an F-111 deseal/reseal or fuel tank maintenance worker?An F-111 deseal/reseal or fuel tank maintenance worker is someone who is classified asbeing a Tier 1, 2 or 3 participant, or a Group 1 participant (see definition table below).

What is an F-111 deseal/reseal or fuel tank maintenance worker entitled to?Tier 1, 2 and 3 participants are entitled to compensation, health care and counselling.

Tier 1 and 2 participants are entitled to a lump sum payment under the ex-gratia scheme.

Certain personnel who do not meet a Tier definition are entitled to health care andcounselling for certain conditions if they meet the definition of a Group 1 participant.(Factsheets outlining the health care benefits are available via the F-111 website at:http//: f111.dva.gov.au).

How do I have my Tier classification or Group 1 status determined?You can apply to have your Tier classification or Group 1 status determined by completingthe D9021 Application for Tier Classification form. See Factsheet F111-02 – Tier definitionsfor more information. A Table of definitions, outlining which category of work/worker fits intowhich of the three Tiers, is attached.

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What can I claim compensation for?You can claim compensation for any illness or disease you believe is related to your service.Depending on the type of service you have, you may claim under the Safety, Rehabilitationand Compensation Act 1988 SRCA or Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986 (VEA).

If you are a Tier 1, 2 or 3 participant, you are not required to prove causation (ie, no need toprove a link between your service and the illness) to claim compensation under subsection7(2) of the SRCA if you are suffering from anv of 31 specified conditions. These conditionswere identified by the Doctor's Advisory Committee, based on consideration of the resultsfrom the Study of Health Outcomes of Aircraft Maintenance Personnel (SHOAMP).

For conditions not on the list of 31 you need to prove a causal link to your service.

Evidence and Statutory Declarations

In gathering evidence to support an application for Tier classification, or to support anysubsequent claims for health care, compensation, or ex gratia payments, you will be askedfor documentary evidence regarding your F-111 employment. When considering your Tierapplication and claims, DVA will take into account official Australian Defence Force recordsincluding your service records and PMKeyS data.

Where the usual documentary evidence is not available, and in the absence of evidence tothe contrary, a statutory declaration confirming your involvement in eligible F-111 work,accompanied by a second corroborating statutory declaration by an authorised person will beaccepted as evidence in considering your claim.

More information about what to provide in a statutory declaration, and who can provide them,is available in Factsheet F111- 05 Statutory Declarations. There are also StatutoryDeclaration Guidelines on the F-111 website.

What can I receive health care for?If you are a Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3 or Group 1 participant, you can receive health care underthe SHOAMP Health Care Scheme for a number of specified conditions(see F111-07), if youhave lodged a claim for compensation for these conditions.

Health care is provided under the SHOAMP Health Care Scheme until your claim isapproved. Thereafter health care is provided under the SRCA or Veterans' Entitlements Act1986 (VEA) (whichever Act your claim is accepted under).

What counselling am I entitled to?

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If you are a Tier 1, 2 or 3 or Group 1 or 2 participant, you can receive counselling under theSHOAMP Health Care Scheme.

What is the ex-gratia lump sum payment scheme?

The ex-gratia scheme recognises the unique working environment that formal participants ofthe deseal/reseal program experienced. You will receive a lump sum payment of $40,000 ifyou are classified as Tier 1 and $10,000 if you are classified as Tier 2. You should submit theD9021 Application for Tier Classification form if you believe you meet the definition.

What is the definition of a Tier 1, 2 or 3 participant?The following table provides the definitions for Tier 1, 2 and 3 participant.

Category1. Fuselagedeseal/reseal orresprayprograms and`pick and patch'maintenance

Tier 1 definitionA person who spent at least30 cumulative working dayson the fuselagedeseal/reseal or resprayprograms during the period1977 -1982, 1991 -1993and 1996 – 2000, whoseduties involved workinginside F-111 fuel tanks.

Additional InformationPersonnel who workedinside body fuel tanks of theF-111 aircraft for extendedperiods of time for acumulative period of notless than 30 working days,removing sealant and /orresealing the tanks. Thiscategory is exclusive topersonnel employed in theF-111 deseal/reseal andrespray programs over theperiod 1977 to 1982, 1991to 1993 and 1996 to 2000.The personnel involvedinclude those involved inaircraft preparation,chemical deseal/water-pick,hand cleaning, barrierapplication, sealantapplication, plumbing in, air(dry) checks and fuel (wet)checks. This does notinclude motor transport

Tier 2 definitionA person who spentbetween 10 and 29cumulative working dayson the fuselagedeseal/reseal or resprayprograms during the period1977 -1982, 1991 -1993and 1996 – 2000, whoseduties involved workinginside F-111 fuel tanks.

Additional InformationPersonnel who workedinside body fuel tanks ofthe F-111 aircraft forextended periods of timefor a cumulative period ofbetween 10 and 29cumulative working days,removing sealant and / orresealing the tanks. Thiscategory is exclusive topersonnel employed in theF-111 desea//reseal andrespray programs over theperiod 1977 to 1982, 1991to 1993 and 1996 to 2000.The personnel involvedinclude those involved inaircraft preparation,chemical deseal/water-pick, hand cleaning, barrierapplication, sealantapplication, plumbing in, air(dry) checks and fuel (wet)

Tier 3 definitionPersonnel who wereemployed in F-111 fueltank maintenance orother maintenance ordirectly related tasksprior to January 2000where their workincluded physical entryto the fuel tank toconduct thatmaintenance or task.Additional informationPersonnel described incategory 1 includethose who worked asdirect participants in theformal F-111Deseal/Resealprograms carrying outdeseal and reseal tasks,including training, insidefuel tanks. It alsoincludes personnel whoworked inside fuel tankscarrying out ad hoc `pickand patch' fuel tankmaintenance outsidethose formal programs.This category appliesregardless of whatlocation the workoccurred (e.g. RAAFBase Amberley, RAAFBase Edinburgh, in the

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drivers who employed asfuel tank drivers who mayhave been responsible forde-fueling F-111 aircraftprior to deseal/resealactivities being undertaken.

checks. This does notinclude motor transportdrivers employed as fueltank drivers who may havebeen responsible for de-fuelling F-111 aircraft priorto deseal/Reseal activitiesbeing undertaken.

United States or atother locations).Category one isphrased broadly. Theprincipal trade groups inthis category carryingout maintenance workon the fuel tank itselfwas the Airframe Fittertrade (later renamedAircraft Technician).Other maintenancetasks were regularlycarried out inside F-111fuel tanks by:

• Aircraft MetalWorker trade

• SurfaceFinisher trade

• Electrical Fittertrade.

A number of othertrade groups may alsohave carried outmaintenance and otherdirectly related tasksinside F-111 fuel tanksincluding

• Non-DestructiveInspectionTechnicians,

• InstrumentFitters and

• Photographers.The trade groups listedhere are not exhaustiveand it is possible thatpersonnel from othertrade groups carried outwork inside F-111 fueltanks and may beeligible under thisdefinition: The mostimportant factor is thenature of the workperformed.This category is notintended to coverpersonnel who mayhave entered F-111 fueltanks to perform work

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other than maintenanceor other directly relatedtasks.

2. Wing tankprogram

3. Sealantrework (pick andpatch)

4. Boiler andplant attendants

A person who spent at least30 cumulative working dayson the Wing tank programduring the period 1985 —1992.

Additional InformationPersonnel employed fulltime on the wing tankprogram actively removingand replacing sealant for aperiod of not less than 30cumulative working daysbetween 1985 and 1992.

A person who spent at least60 cumulative working dayscarrying out sealant rework( pick and patch) during theperiod 1973 — 2000 whileattached to an F-111deseal/reseal section.

Additional InformationPersonnel working onsealant rework (pick andpatch) inside fuselage fueltanks of the F- 111 aircraftfor a cumulative period ofnot less than 60 workingdays while attached to aDeseal/Reseal section of3AD/501 WG, over theperiod 1973 to 2000, plusthose six personnel postedto Sacramento whocompleted training indeseal/reseal procedures.Boiler and Plant Attendantswhose usual place of dutywas the BaseIncineratoras

A person who spentbetween 10 and 29cumulative working dayson the Wing tank programduring the period 1985 —1992.

Additional InformationPersonnel employed fulltime on the wing tankprogram actively removingand replacing sealant for acumulative period ofbetween 10 and 29cumulative working daysbetween 1985 and 1992.

A person who spentbetween 20 and 59cumulative working dayscarrying out sealant rework(pick and patch) during theperiod 1973 – 2000 whileattached to an F-111deseal/reseal section.

Additional InformationPersonnel working onsealant rework (pick andpatch) inside fuselage fueltanks of the F - 111 aircraftfor a cumulative period ofbetween 10 and 59cumulative working dayswhile attached to a DesealReseal section of 3AD/501WG, over the period 1973to 2000.

Boiler and Plant Attendantswhose usual place of dutywas the Base Incinerator

Personnel who wereemployed on the Wingtank program during theperiod 1985 -1992.

Additional InformationPersonnel described incategory 2 includethose who worked asdirect participants in theF-111 wing tankdeseal/Reseal program,known as the Seconddeseal/reseal program.It has been retained asa separate categorybecause in the strictestsense it did notnecessarily involve fueltank `entry'. It didhowever involveexposure todeseal/resealprocesses.See category 1

Boiler and plantattendants whose usualplace of duty was the

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5. Unable tocontinue in F-111 workingenvironment

6. Fire fighters

an Incinerator operator andwho spent at least 30cumulative working daysundertaking these dutiesduring the period 1976 –1986.

Additional InformationPersonnel regularlydisposing of deseal/resealproducts by burning, inparticular the sealantremover SR51 and SR51A,at the RAAF BaseAmberley incinerator for acumulative period of notless than 30 working daysbetween 1976 and 1986.

A person who candemonstrate that theywould have met one of theabove criteria except for thefact that they:• had an immediate physicalreaction; and• required medicaltreatment or intervention;and• were given a workrestriction or medical fitnessadvice (PM 101) stating thatthey should not return tothat working environment.

as an Incinerator operatorand who spent between 10and 29 cumulative workingdays undertaking theseduties during the period1976 -1986.

Additional InformationPersonnel regularlydisposing of deseal/resealproducts by burning, inparticular the sealantremover SR51 and SR51A,at the RAAF BaseAmberley incinerator for acumulative period ofbetween 10 and 29cumulative working daysbetween 1976 and 1986.

A person who candemonstrate that theywould have met one of theabove criteria except forthe fact that they:• had an immediatephysical reaction; and• required medicaltreatment or intervention;and• were given a workrestriction or medicalfitness advice (PM 101)stating that they should not ireturn to that workingenvironment:Fire fighters employed asinstructors whose usualplace of duty was the FireTraining School fire pitsand who spent at least 60cumulative working daysactively involved in theburning of by-productsfrom the F-111 DSRSprocess during the period1976 -1990.

Additional InformationFire fighters permanently

Base incinerator as anincinerator operatorduring the period 1976-1986.

Additional InformationBoiler and plantattendants who wereregularly engaged indisposing ofdeseal/reseal productsby burning, in particularthe sealant removerSR51 and SR5IA, atthe RAAF BaseAmberley incineratorbetween 1976 and1986. This categoryalso includes anyDepartment ofConstruction workerswho undertook theseduties during the period.

Fire fighters whoseusual place of duty wasa Unit at RAAF BaseAmberley and who wereactively involved in theburning of by-productsfrom the F-111deseal/reseal processduring the period 1976-1994.

Additional InformationFire fighters who wereactively involved in

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posted to a Unit at RAAFI Base Amber ley and whowere actively involved inburning bi-products fromthe F-111 DS/RS process(including the sealantremover SR51 andSR51A) at the fire pits fortraining and/or disposalpurposes, for a cumulativeperiod of not less than 60working days during theperiod 1976 to 1994.

burning by-productsfrom the F-111deseal/reseal process(including the Sealantremover SR51 andSR51A) at the fire pitsfor training and/ordisposal purposesbetween 1976 and1994.

7. Rag Hangar I Personnel who were notpersonnel involved in tank entry and

, whose usual place of dutywas the Rag Hangar for 60cumulative working daysduring the period Dec 1977- Nov 1983.

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Personnel who were notinvolved in tank entryand whose usual placeof duty was the RAAFBase Amberley RagHangar during theperiod Dec 1977 – Nov1983.

Additional InformationPersonnel are those forwhom their normalplace of work was thedeseal/reseal airtransportable (`raghangar') hangar andwho provided directsupport to those staffentering F-111 fueltanks. This does notinclude those personnelwho may have regularlyvisited these hangars inthe course of their duty.

8. Hangar 255, Personnel who were not260, 277 or 278 involved in tank entry andpersonnel whose usual place of duty

was Hangar 255, 260, 277or 278 for a continuousperiod of 60 cumulativeworking days during theperiod 1977 – 1982, 1991-1993 and 1996 – 2000.

Additional InformationPersonnel indirectlyinvolved in DS/RS, forwhom their normal place ofwork was the DS/RS air

Personnel who were notinvolved in tank entryand whose usual placeof duty was Hangar255, 260, 277 or 278during the period 1977– 1982, 1991 – 1993and 1996 – 2000.

Additional InformationPersonnel are those forwhom their normalplace of work wasHangars 255, 260, 277and 278 and who

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provided direct supportto those staff enteringF-111 fuel tanks. Thisdoes not include thosepersonnel who mayhave regularly visitedthese hangars in thecourse of their duty.

Motor transport driversinvolved in the firstdeseallreseal programwho came into contactwith aviation fuelcontaminated withdeseal/reseal by-products during theperiod 1977-1982.

Additional InformationMotor transport driversemployed as fuel tankdrivers who may havebeen responsible for de-fuelling F-111 aircraftprior to deseal/resealactivities beingundertaken are notincluded.Maintenance personnelon the RAAF BaseAmberley airtransportable (`Rag')hangar who wereinvolved in removing/replacing canvas ordismantling the Hangarduring relevant periodsin 1978, 1980 and 1984.Personnel employed inRAAF Base AmberleyEngine Test Cell No 1during the period 1976— 1986.Personnel who enteredthe Warrill Creeksettling pond for thepurpose of maintainingthe physical barrierduring the period 1977

transportable (`rag hangar')Hangar or Hangars 255,260, 277 and 278 and whoprovided direct support tothose staff entering F-111fuel tanks for a period of 60cumulative working days.This does not includethose personnel who mayhave regularly visited thesehangars in the course oftheir duty.

9. Other

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2000.

Additional InformationThese personnelinclude any Departmentof Construction workerswho undertook theseduties during the period.However, this categorydoes not include AirfieldDefence Guards,Ground DefenceOfficers or otherpersonnel who mayhave entered WarrillCreek for any otherpurpose or reason.

EXCLUSIONSThis definition does not include others indirectly involved in the DS/RS procedures such as:1. K Group and 7SD personnel; and2. ADG (or other personnel) who entered Warrill Creek for any other reason; and3. Security personnel; and4. Work experience students (other than de Havilland students who are included in Group 1).

What is the definition of a Group 1 participant?A person meets the Group 1 definition for the purposes of accessing health care andcounselling under the SHOAMP Health Care Scheme if they meet any of the followingcriteria:

• Personnel involved in the F-111 deseal/reseal training conducted in Sacramento USA.• Personnel, including supervisors, involved in the formal F-111 deseal/reseal

programs.• Personnel involved in the regular burning or disposal of F-111 deseal/reseal products.• Personnel involved in ad hoc `pick and patch' fuel tank maintenance on F-111 aircraft

prior to January 2000.• Personnel involved in other maintenance or directly related tasks prior to January

2000 where their work required physical entry to an F-111 fuel tank to conduct thatmaintenance or task.

• Personnel who dismantled and/or disposed of the canvas from the RAAF BaseAmberley Air Transportable Deseal/Reseal Hangar (the 'Rag Hangar').

• Personnel whose primary place of duty was within the deseal/reseal hangars or theAir Transportable Deseal/Reseal Hangar (the `Rag Hangar) at Amberley during oneor more of the formal deseal/reseal Programs.

• Personnel employed in Engine Test Cell No 1 during the period 1976 – 1986.• Fuel farm workers and personnel involved in the transport, delivery and handling of F-

111 deseal/reseal products including SR51/51A. These workers and personnel must

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have regularly performed duties of supply and disposal of F-111 deseal/resealproducts.

• Personnel immersed in the Warrill Creek Settling Pond at RAAF Base Amberley.• Work Experience students at Hawker de Havilland who worked inside the tanks.

What conditions are included in subsection 7(2) of the SRCA and the SHOAMP Health CareScheme?

The following is a list of the conditions identified by the Study of Health Outcomes in AircraftMaintenance Personnel as related to F-111 deseal/reseal service, for which compensation ispayable under subsection 7(2) of the SRCA and health treatment is provided under theSHOAMP Health Care Scheme.

• Dysplastic naevus• Eczema/dermatitis• Multiple sclerosis• Parkinson's disease• Peripheral neuropathy• Spinal muscular atrophy• Erectile dysfunction• Cauda equina syndrome• Neurogenic bladder• Non-alcoholic toxic encephalopathy• Acquired colour vision deficiency• Depression• Sleep disorders with neurological basis• Bi-polar affective disorder• Vertigo• Memory loss• Anxiety• Panic disorders• Impaired cognition• Malignant neoplasms• Myeloproliferative disorders• Liver disease• Pancreatic disease• Irritable bowel disorder• Ulcerative colitis/Crohh's disease• Diverticulitis• Bowel polyps• Mixed connective tissue disease• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)• Sarcoidosis• Agoraphobia with panic disorder

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ContactsDVA F-111 Tier classification team

Phone: 1800 555 323

DVA F-111 compensation processing teamPhone: 133 254

SHOAMP Health Care SchemePhone: 1800 728 007

Better Health ProgramPhone: 1800 728 007

WorkCover QueenslandPhone: 1300 362 128

ComcarePhone: 1300 366 979

Veterans and Veterans Families Counselling Service (VVCS)Phone: 1800 011 046

Military Compensation Liaison OfficerPhone: 1800 558 022

Commonwealth OmbudsmanPhone: 1300 362 072

Oral advice

While we make every effort to ensure that you are given accurate information, it is importantthat you seek written confirmation of oral advice/information before making any majordecisions based on that information.

We continually strive to improve the level of service you receive and make this request as anadded safeguard for you.

Other Factsheets

Other Factsheets related to this topic include:• Factsheet F-111 02: Tier definitions• Factsheet F-111 04: Compensation and SRCA ss7(2)• Factsheet F-111 05: Statutory declarations• Factsheet F-111 06: Ex gratia payments• Factsheet F--111 07: SHOAMP Health Care Scheme – services• Factsheet F-111 08: SHOAMP Health Care Scheme – eligibility

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• Factsheet F-111 09: Better Health Program

More informationAll DVA Factsheets are available from DVA offices, and on the DVA website atwww.dva.qov.au.

You can phone DVA for the cost* of a local call on 133 254 or free call 1800 555 254 if youare outside a major city.

Note:* Use a normal landline phone if you can. Mobile phone calls may cost you more.Local call rates vary depending on your phone service provider

You can send an email to DVA at: GeneralEnquiries@dva.gov.au.

You can get more help from any DVA office.

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