BowTieanalys

BowTieanalys is a risk management methodology used to identify, assess, and control potential hazards. It visualizes potential scenarios and their causes and consequences in a diagram resembling a bowtie. The left side of the bowtie, the "threats" or "causes" side, depicts the events or conditions that could lead to an undesirable outcome. The right side, the "consequences" or "outcomes" side, illustrates the potential impacts if the undesirable event occurs. The central "event" represents the hazard or failure.

The key components of a BowTieanalys are barriers. These are measures put in place to prevent the threats from reaching the event, or to mitigate the consequences if the event does occur. Barriers can be proactive (designed to prevent the event) or reactive (designed to manage the consequences). Each barrier is examined to determine its effectiveness and potential failure modes.

BowTieanalys is particularly useful for managing complex risks with multiple contributing factors and potential cascading effects. It encourages a holistic view of risk, moving beyond simple cause-and-effect relationships to understand the interconnectedness of safety systems. The methodology helps to identify gaps in existing controls and prioritize risk reduction efforts. It is widely applied in industries such as oil and gas, aviation, and process safety. The process typically involves a facilitated workshop with subject matter experts.