A bow-tie diagram is developed to provide a graphical representation of hazards, root causes, barriers and top events to understand the magnitude of the consequences of actual hazards.
The initial stage is to determine the list of hazards as top events. This is followed by a workshop to identify the threat lines of the potential realisation of the hazard into an incident scenario, as well as barriers and consequences.
The bow tie diagram distinguishes between two sides, left and right. On the left-hand side are structurally located scenarios with barriers that prevent the realisation of hazard into an incident scenario. Whereas on the right side there are barriers that mitigate/recover the consequences after the top event, such as dispersion, fires, explosions, etc.
The bow tie diagram serves as a tool for various processes. For example, as part of the ALARP demonstration. Also, it is carried out to identify safety critical elements, as well as a set of measures to maintain barriers in working condition.