Today, businesses in different industries use a variety of methods to manage risks and analyze threats. One of these methods is the Bow-Tie Analysis, which is widely used in the field of safety engineering and risk management. This method helps to visually depict the probabilities of hazardous events, their causes, and their consequences. The diagram is likened to a bow-tie because it shows the causes (or sources of danger) on one side and the consequences on the other. In between the two is the hazardous event.
The main elements of a Bow-Tie Analysis are:
1. Top Event:
o The Bow-Tie is located in the center of the diagram and is the most important element;
o It represents the main hazardous situation or incident in the event chain (for example, a fire, leak, or explosion).
2. Hazard Causes:
o The initial factors or events that lead to the occurrence of a hazardous event;
o Located on the left side of the diagram and using various arrows to show the causes.
3. Consequences:
o Possible consequences that may occur as a result of the occurrence of a hazardous event;
o Located on the right side of the diagram and visualizing the consequences.
4. Barriers:
o Control measures designed to stop or attenuate the transition from causes to hazardous event and from hazardous event to consequences;
o This is also divided into two main categories:
· Preventive Barriers: Aim to prevent the occurrence of a hazardous event;
· Mitigation Barriers: Seek to reduce the effects of the event.
The role of barriers in the structure of the diagram:
• Management and control: Each barrier represents a specific measure, process or technology. For example, the introduction of automatic shut-off valves to prevent the risk of leakage or the organization of training programs;
• Identification of deficiencies: The strengths and weaknesses of each barrier are analyzed. This helps to more accurately manage risks.
The importance of the “Bowtie-Tie” analysis:
• Risk visibility: A visual tool for understanding the probabilities, causes and effects of hazardous events at a glance;
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of measures: Allows you to analyze the impact of existing barriers and control measures;
• Decision improvement: Supports the development of better strategies during safety planning.
Application areas:
• Oil and gas industry: To ensure the safety of platforms;
• Aviation: To prevent aircraft accidents;
• Healthcare: Risk management of medical devices;
• Construction: Minimizing the risks of accidents in work areas.
• IT and cybersecurity: Cyberattack risk assessment and data management. Developing strategies to protect information systems and minimize the consequences of cyber incidents.
• Transport and logistics: Risk management in maritime, road and rail transport. Prevention of accidents related to the transportation of dangerous goods.
• Energy: Risk management in the operation of nuclear, thermal and hydroelectric power plants. Analysis of hazards in the distribution of electricity.
• Finance: Operational and strategic risk management. Analysis of the consequences of economic crises or financial fraud.
• Project management: Identifying risks related to project implementation, planning measures to prevent delays or budget overruns.
• Environmental protection: Assessing the risks of environmental pollution, such as oil spills, emissions of harmful substances. Developing measures to minimize the impact on nature.
“Tie-Bow” analysis is a powerful and widely used method in complex risk management. In addition to providing a complete picture of threats, it also allows you to assess the effectiveness of existing control measures.
As Global Management, we apply modern methodologies (or methods) for risk management and strengthening security measures. We provide our clients with comprehensive advice and management methods to analyze the causes and consequences of dangerous events, as well as to prevent them.
Thus, as Global Management, we combine the capabilities of “Tie-Bow” analysis with our Quality Assurance and Quality Control services. By analyzing the risks that our clients may face, we determine the causes and consequences of these risks, and also provide effective solutions based on this.
With our professional approach to quality assurance:
• Analyzes the effectiveness of security measures;
• Reduces the likelihood of risks occurring with preventive measures;
• Provides solutions that minimize losses.
Our quality assurance services enable continuous improvement by uncovering the strengths and weaknesses of your existing processes and technologies. This approach not only increases safety, but also maximizes productivity for your business.
