Bowtie analysis can help building owners move from describing safety measures to understanding how those measures contribute to risk reduction.
For example, rather than simply listing fire doors, detection systems, compartmentation and management procedures, a bowtie can show which scenarios those controls protect against and what happens if individual controls fail.
This can provide a useful foundation for the safety case because it creates a traceable relationship between hazards, threats, consequences, controls and evidence.
Next step
Explore more building safety guidance
More practical answers on safety cases, higher-risk buildings and risk management.
Browse all FAQsRelated questions
- What is a bowtie risk assessment?
Bowtie analysis is a visual risk assessment method that shows how an unwanted event could occur and how its consequences are prevented or mitigated.
- How do you assess whether a building safety control is effective?
Control effectiveness should consider whether the control is appropriate for the risk, correctly implemented and working as intended.
- What should a building safety case contain?
A good building safety case should explain the building, its relevant hazards and how the risks of fire spread and structural failure are being managed.
Building safety legislation, regulation and Building Safety Regulator guidance can change. This page is general information, not legal advice — always refer to current legislation and official guidance for your building.