Bowtie Risk Management

Learn how to apply the Bowtie method to visualise, manage, and communicate major accident hazards clearly and effectively. Build practical skills to assess barrier integrity, integrate Bowtie analysis into risk management systems, and support ALARP demonstration.

Course information

Bowtie Risk Management training is available in the following formats

Two Hour Awareness Module One Day Face-to-Face Course One Day Virtual Course Two Day Face-to-Face Course Two Day Virtual Course

Delivery

Face-to-Face

Level

Intermediate

Certificate

Attendance

Duration

2 days

CPD

14 hours

Learning objectives

Explain the purpose, principles, and benefits of Bowtie risk management within broader risk and safety frameworks
Understand the structure and key components of a Bowtie diagram, including hazards, top events, threats, consequences, and barriers
Develop clear and effective Bowtie diagrams to visualise major accident hazards and their controls
Assess the effectiveness of barriers, considering factors such as integrity, reliability, performance standards, and human factors
Use Bowtie diagrams to communicate risk effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Integrate Bowtie analysis into safety management systems, ALARP demonstrations, and assurance programs
Verify, maintain, and audit the integrity of safety-critical barriers (including safety critical elements and safety critical tasks)
Recognise the limitations and challenges of Bowtie analysis and apply methods to ensure quality, consistency, and value

Key contents

Introduction to risk assessment and Bowtie risk management principles
Step-by-step construction of Bowtie diagrams: hazards, top events, threats, consequences, and barriers
Barrier types and characteristics: hardware, procedural, human, and organisational barriers
Barrier assurance strategies: performance standards, verification, maintenance, and audit
Aligning Bowtie analysis with ALARP demonstration and regulatory requirements
Using Bowtie diagrams for risk communication across organisational levels
Facilitating Bowtie workshops: planning, engagement, and common pitfalls
Overview of Bowtie software tools and digital applications
Limitations, challenges, and best practices for consistent, high-quality Bowtie development
Case studies of Bowtie applications in different industries
Practical workshop: hands-on Bowtie building and review exercise

Prerequisites

Basic understanding of risk assessment or safety management concepts is recommended. No prior experience with Bowtie analysis is required.

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Related Services

ALARP Demonstration

The ALARP (As Low As Reasonably Practicable) principle ensures that industrial risks are reduced to a level where further measures would be grossly disproportionate to the additional safety benefit. ALARP demonstration balances risk reduction, cost, and effort, helping organisations choose sensible, justifiable controls. This approach underpins major accident hazard regulations and is embedded in frameworks like the UK Health and Safety at Work Act, COMAH Regulations, Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations, Seveso III Directive, HSE HSG 65, ISO 31000, and ISO 45001.

Bowtie Analysis

Bowtie analysis provides a visually intuitive, structured approach to understanding how hazards can lead to major accident events and how barriers prevent or mitigate these outcomes. By mapping threats, consequences, and barriers, bowtie diagrams foster engagement, ownership, and accountability at all organisational levels. Our expertise in bowtie analysis helps organisations strengthen barrier management, demonstrate ALARP, and proactively manage operational risk.

Qualitative Risk Assessment

Qualitative Risk Assessment (QRA) provides a structured, deterministic approach to identifying, assessing, and managing risks in high-hazard industries. It supports the demonstration that engineering designs, safety measures, and operational practices are robust, effective, and aligned with ALARP principles. Using methods such as hazard identification (HAZID), risk matrices, bowtie analysis, and human factors assessment, we help organisations manage complex risks, comply with regulatory and industry standards like ISO 31000, IEC 61511, and Seveso III, and protect people, assets, and the environment across the asset lifecycle.

Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA)

Quantitative Risk Assessment (QRA) systematically estimates the likelihood and consequences of hazardous events, including fires, explosions, and toxic releases. QRA provides a robust, data-driven basis for managing safety, environmental, and economic risks in high-hazard industries, supporting ALARP demonstration and informed decision-making.

Safety Cases and Safety Reports

A Safety Case or HSSE (Health, Safety, Security & Environmental) Case demonstrates that a high-hazard facility has identified its major accident hazards, assessed the associated risks, and implemented sufficient controls to reduce those risks to a tolerable or ALARP level. Safety cases are tailored to industry, site-specific, and regulatory requirements, providing assurance to regulators, workforce, and stakeholders that risks to people, the environment, and assets are systematically identified, managed, and continuously monitored. They play a central role in regulatory regimes such as the Nuclear Installations Act, UK Offshore Installations (Safety Case) Regulations, COMAH Regulations, and Seveso III Directive.

Hazard Identification (HAZID)

Hazard Identification (HAZID) is the foundation of any risk assessment and a critical first step in effective risk management. Unidentified hazards cannot be controlled, so a systematic and structured approach to hazard identification is essential to protect people, assets, the environment, and business continuity. Across industries and lifecycle stages, we apply a wide range of HAZID methods — from workshops, checklists, and walkdowns using tools like FMEA, HAZOP, and bowtie analysis — helping clients identify hazards, evaluate their risks, and comply with regulatory frameworks such as Seveso III, COMAH, ISO 31000 and IEC 61511.

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