Course Description
The Bowtie method is a risk assessment technique that can be used to analyse and communicate how major accident scenarios develop. The method takes its name from the shape of the diagram that is created, which looks like a man’s bowtie.
The Bowtie method has several goals:
⦿ Provide a structure to systematically analyse a hazard.
⦿ Help make a decision whether the current level of control is sufficient (or, for those who are familiar with the concept, are we ALARP?).
⦿ Help identify where and how investing resources would have the greatest impact.
⦿ Making risk communication as effective as possible.
The training will enable delegates, particularly those not skilled in the area of risk assessment, to undertake and actively participate and contribute to the process. Delegates will also learn how to use the Bowtie XP software to facilitate and undertake risk analysis, how to link barriers and control to risk management systems and procedures.
The output of the Bowtie risk assessment is a presentation of risks in pictorial form (see corresponding figure). The Bowtie diagram shows the causes (or threats) of an accidental event, its consequences, and the ‘barriers’ in place to prevent, mitigate, control or recover. The diagrams are easily understandable and provide an effective means of risk communication to the workforce. An exemplar Bowtie diagram is shown in the corresponding figure.
Target Audience
⦿ Safety Managers and Supervisors;
⦿ Technical and Process Safety Engineers
⦿ Verification and compliance coordinators
⦿ Project Managers
⦿ Personnel accountable for technical and non-technical risk management
⦿ Operations and maintenance personnel and supervisors
⦿ Asset integrity engineers and managers
⦿ Project engineers and discipline engineers
⦿ Graduates or recent hires with science or engineering background
⦿ Anyone looking to gain an appreciation for process and technical safety
Course Duration
The training will be delivered over a period of 2 working days. This is necessary to ensure all topics and associated exercises are adequately covered at the appropriate level. Delegates are therefore required to attend the entire duration of the program to gain full appreciation of the topics and to equip them such that they are able to confidently apply the knowledge and make value-adding contribution on projects.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completion, delegates will acquire in-depth knowledge of:
✓ Discover alternative, highly effective and proven approach to risk assessment and management.
✓ Improve understanding of how risks and their controls can be communicated to stakeholders and the workforce.
✓ Learn how to apply the methods and use the Bowtie XP software to its full potentials.
✓ Visualise by means of Bowtie XP how hazards, threats and control interact, and how this information can be linked to SMS, and used to develop procedures and training plans.
✓ Improve understanding of how to engage active workforce participation in risk assessment and Safety Case Development.
