Enhancing Risk Management with Bowtie Diagrams

Bowtie diagrams are a structured, visual method for assessing and managing risk. They clearly map the pathway from potential threats to hazardous events and their possible consequences, helping organizations identify where controls are needed. With a central “top event” showing the point at which control is lost, the diagram highlights preventive barriers on the left and mitigation measures on the right. This approach supports proactive safety management, improves communication across teams, and ensures control-barrier effectiveness. Commonly used in high-risk industries like Oil & Gas, Aviation, and Healthcare, bowtie analysis is also adaptable to any sector seeking clear, systematic risk management. https://synergenog.com/bowtie-diagrams-risk-management/

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Enhancing Risk Management with
Bowtie Diagrams

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Introduction to Bowtie Analysis
Bowtie Analysis is a qualitative risk assessment tool that simplifies
complex risk scenarios.
It visually represents the relationships between hazards, threats,
consequences, and control measures.
Widely used in industries like Oil & Gas, Aviation, and Healthcare to
manage safety risks effectively.

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Structure of a Bowtie Diagram
The diagram consists of three key sections:
Left Side: Threats leading to the hazardous event.
Center: The Top Event, where control over the hazard
is lost.
Right Side: Consequences and mitigation barriers.
Helps organizations systematically map out risk
management measures.

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Steps to Develop a Bowtie Diagram
Identify Hazards -
Recognizing major accident hazards (MAH).
Determine the Top Event -
Defining the critical moment when control is lost.
Analyze Threats -
Listing potential triggers leading to the event.
Assess Consequences -
Identifying possible outcomes if the event occurs.
Define Preventive and Mitigation Controls -
Establishing barriers to prevent or lessen impact.
Evaluate and Implement -
Ensuring control measures are effective and up to date.

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Benefits of Bowtie Diagrams
Visual Clarity: Simplifies risk communication across all levels.
Enhanced Risk Awareness: Helps organizations proactively manage
safety hazards.
Barrier Integrity Maintenance: Ensures all control measures are
well-defined and effective.
Cross-Industry Application: Adaptable to various industries
beyond Oil & Gas.

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To learn more, visit:
https://synergenog.com/bowtie-diagrams-risk-management/