Master Accident Analysis with Bow-Tie Diagrams

Bow-Tie Diagram Overview

• The 'bow-tie' diagram is a visual tool used in accident analysis, illustrating the relationship between causes and consequences of a risk or incident.
• It is named for its shape, resembling a bow-tie with a central event surrounded by cause (left side) and consequence (right side).

Fault Tree Representation

• The Fault Tree within the bow-tie diagram identifies potential faults or failures that could lead to the central event.
• It outlines systematic analysis of contributing factors and their relationships, aiming to highlight weaknesses in safety systems.

Event Tree Representation

• The Event Tree represents the consequences that might follow the central event if it occurs.
• It portrays various scenarios and paths that can evolve from the top event, illustrating potential outcomes and associated risks.

Top Event Significance

• The top event in the bow-tie diagram signifies the critical incident or failure that the analysis targets, acting as the central focus for both risk identification and consequence evaluation.
• It helps clarify the thresholds between normal operations and risk events.

Purpose of Bow-Tie Analysis

• Bow-tie analysis serves to enhance understanding of risk management by visually linking causes to effects.
• It enables organizations to identify preventive measures and mitigation strategies, improving safety protocols and reducing incidents.