Using Bow Tie Analysis as Part of an EASA-Compliant SMS Risk-Based Management System
Sofema Online (SOL) www.sofemaonline.com considers the role of Bow Tie Analysis within an effective Aviation Safety Management System.
Introduction
Bow Tie Analysis is a risk management technique that is commonly used in various industries to identify potential hazards and assess the risks associated with them. It is a visual representation of the cause-and-effect relationship between different factors that can lead to an undesired event, along with the controls that can be implemented to prevent or mitigate the consequences of that event.
When it comes to SMS (Safety Management System) in the context of SMS Risk Based Management System, Bow Tie analysis can be an effective tool to identify and manage risks associated with SMS hazards.
Bow Tie Analysis can be a useful tool for managing specific hazards and risks, but it is not without its limitations. Organizations should carefully consider these limitations before incorporating Bow Tie analysis into their SMS risk management system.
Effective use of Bow Tie Analysis techniques as part of an SMS Risk Based Management System
By using Bow Tie techniques as part of an SMS Risk Based Management System, you can effectively identify and manage the risks associated with SMS hazards, which can help to improve the overall safety and reliability of your SMS.
>> Identify Hazards: The first step is to identify potential hazards that could impact the safety of your SMS. This can be done by conducting a hazard identification study, which involves systematically examining all aspects of the SMS to identify potential hazards.
>> Develop Bow Tie Diagram: Once you have identified the hazards, the next step is to create a Bow Tie Diagram for each hazard.
o The Diagram should include the hazard in the centre, the causes that can lead to the hazard on the left, the consequences that can result from the hazard on the right and the controls that can be implemented to prevent or mitigate the consequences on the top and bottom.
>> Assess Risks: The Bow Tie Diagram allows you to assess the risks associated with each hazard by evaluating the likelihood and severity of the consequences and the effectiveness of the controls.
o This information can be used to prioritize the hazards based on their level of risk.
>> Implement Controls: Once you have identified the hazards and assessed the risks, the next step is to implement the appropriate controls to prevent or mitigate the consequences of the hazards.
o This may involve implementing new policies, procedures, training programs, or equipment upgrades.
>> Monitor and Review: It is important to regularly monitor and review the effectiveness of the controls to ensure that they are working as intended and to identify any new hazards that may arise.
o This information can be used to update the Bow Tie Diagrams and improve the SMS Risk Based Management System over time.
Advantages / Disadvantages of using Bowtie
Bow Tie Analysis is a popular technique for risk management that visually depicts the relationship between potential hazards, the measures taken to prevent those hazards from occurring, and the consequences that could arise if they do occur. However, there are some disadvantages to using Bow Tie techniques as part of an SMS (Safety Management System) Risk-Based Management System.
Some of these disadvantages include:
>> Complexity: Bow Tie Analysis can be a complex process, involving a lot of data and detailed analysis.
o This complexity can make it difficult for some organizations to use and implement effectively.
>> Limited scope: Bow Tie Analysis focuses on specific hazards and their associated risks, which means that it may not be suitable for managing broader risks or multiple hazards simultaneously.
>> Time-consuming: Conducting a Bow Tie Analysis can be time-consuming, especially if the organization is dealing with multiple hazards or complex systems.
>> Limited predictive value: Bow Tie Analysis is based on assumptions and probabilities, which means that it is not always possible to accurately predict the likelihood or severity of a risk event
>> Lack of flexibility: The Bow Tie Model is a static representation of a system and its associated risks. This lack of flexibility means that it may not be suitable for managing dynamic systems or risks that change over time.
>> Expertise required: Bow Tie Analysis requires a certain level of expertise in risk management, which means that some organizations may need to invest in training or hiring specialized personnel to use this technique effectively.
Next Steps
Sofema Aviation Services (www.sassofia.com) and Sofema Online (www.sofemaonline.com) provide Classroom, Webinar & Online EASA Regulatory Compliant and Vocational Training Courses,. If you have any questions, feel free to email us at team@sassofia.com
