ManyHARs

ManyHARs is a term used to describe a family of methodologies and tools designed to manage, compare, and synthesize multiple Hazard Analysis Reports (HARs) across complex engineering systems. In this sense, ManyHARs function as an umbrella approach for organizing hazard data, enabling cross-system risk visibility and governance. The term is not universally standardized, and its exact meaning can vary between organizations and domains.

It arose in safety engineering and project management discussions as enterprises faced parallel projects generating overlapping hazards. Proponents describe ManyHARs as a way to improve reuse of hazard information, support regulatory reporting, and strengthen decision making when multiple systems interact. Because HARs themselves differ in scope, format, and level of detail, ManyHARs emphasize interoperability and structured metadata rather than prescriptive templates.

Core components typically include a central HAR repository, a standardized HAR schema or data model, a harmonization layer to reconcile differences between HARs, and a risk aggregation module that produces composite risk scores and heatmaps. ManyHARs platforms may support provenance tracking, version control, access permissions, and audit trails to facilitate traceability across projects and time.

Industries such as aerospace, process industries, energy, and transportation have used or piloted ManyHARs-style approaches to support safety management, regulatory reporting, incident investigation, and continuous risk monitoring across multi-system programs.

Benefits include improved hazard data reuse, broader risk awareness, and more coherent governance across projects. Limitations involve integration complexity, inconsistent HAR quality, data privacy concerns, and potential information overload. As with other cross-system frameworks, success depends on clear governance, stakeholder buy-in, and alignment with applicable safety standards.