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RISK MANAGEMENT


Figure 3: “Tiger in Cage” Bow-Tie


SO WHERE DO BOW-TIES FIT IN? Bow-tie diagrams can be generated for every hazard identified for any particular operation at any point in its life cycle. However, it is clearly not appropriate, efficient or cost effective to construct diagrams for all identified hazards. Bow- tie diagrams are most commonly used, and realise the largest benefit in analysing major hazards.


The Risk Assessment Matrix, discussed in a previous issue (see February/March 2012), can be utilised as a “screening” tool to identify major hazards requiring further investigation, with bow-tie diagrams clearly identifying the controls/mitigations against such hazards.


LIMITATIONS OF THE BOW-TIE METHOD Of course bow-ties are not the panacea for all risk management problems. If you want to quantify your level of risk in absolute terms then the bow-tie method will not help directly. Similarly, if you want to model complex inter-relationships between your risk controls, there are better ways than using bow-ties.


As with all risk assessment techniques, the quality of the information output is dependent on the quality of the individuals leading the workshops/assessment and the team assembled to assist. The danger exists that, due to the apparent simplicity of the bow-tie diagram, such assessments are undertaken by inexperienced personnel and without the direct input from all involved parties (operations, maintenance etc.). In such a scenario, bow-ties could be generated which do not represent the on-site operations and omit key threats, consequences or controls.


In summary, a number of differing techniques are available for assessing risk. However if you want to remove the mystique of risk management and obtain insights into your risk controls that are easy to understand and easy to communicate, then there is no better method than bow-ties.


James Sneddon Risktec Solutions Ltd www.risktec.co.uk


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