Overview
Creating a hazard is the first step in building a BowTie analysis in BowTiePro. A hazard represents a risk scenario and forms the foundation for defining threats, consequences, and controls.
Steps to Create a New Hazard
1. Go to the Hazards Section
- From the top menu, click Hazards
- This will open the Hazard List screen

2. Click “New Hazard”
- On the right side of a location group, click New Hazard
- The Hazard Details screen will open

Hazard Details Fields Explained
On the Hazard Details screen, you need to fill in the following fields:
3. Select Location
- Click Select Location
- Choose the appropriate location/category (e.g., Business Risks, General, etc.)
👉 This determines where the hazard will be grouped
4. Enter Reference
- Add a unique Reference for the hazard
- Example: H01, L02, etc.
👉 This helps identify the hazard in lists and reports
5. Enter Hazard
- Provide a clear description of the hazard
- Example: Working at height
👉 This defines the risk source
6. Define Top Event
- Enter the Top Event (loss of control scenario)
- Example: Fall or dropped object
👉 This represents the point where control over the hazard is los
7. Select Type
- Choose the hazard type from the dropdown
- Default example: Major Hazard
👉 This helps classify the severity or category
8. Add Hazard Remarks (Optional)
- Enter any additional notes or context about the hazard
9. Set Next Review Date
- Select a Next Review Date using the calendar icon
👉 This helps schedule periodic reviews
10. Select Categories
- Choose applicable categories such as:
- Environment
- Health
- Safety
👉 These help classify the hazard for reporting and filtering

Final Step: Save the Hazard
Once all required fields are filled:
- Click Save (or equivalent button)
- The hazard will be created and added to the selected location
Creating a hazard in BowTiePro is a straightforward process that sets the foundation for your entire risk analysis. Once created, you can proceed to define threats, consequences, and controls to complete the BowTie model.
Overview
Once a hazard has been created, you may need to update its details such as description, top event, or classification. BowTiePro allows you to easily edit hazard information through the Hazard Overview screen.
Steps to Edit a Hazard
1. Go to the Hazards Section
- From the top menu, click Hazards
- This will open the Hazard List
2. Open a Hazard
- Locate the hazard you want to edit
- Click the 👁 (View) icon next to the hazard

3. Click “Edit”
- On the Hazard Overview screen, click the Edit button. This will open the Hazard Details form with existing values already filled
Updating Hazard Information
On the Hazard Details screen, you can modify the following fields:
Location
- Change the assigned location using Select Location
Reference
- Update the hazard reference code if required
Hazard
- Edit the hazard description
Top Event
- Update the top event (loss of control scenario)
Type
- Change the hazard type from the dropdown
Hazard Remarks
- Add or update additional notes
Next Review Date
- Modify the review date using the calendar picker
Categories
- Update classification (Environment, Health, Safety)

Saving Changes
After making updates:
- Click Save (or equivalent button)
- Your changes will be applied to the hazard
From the Hazard Overview screen, you can also:
- View the BowTie Diagram (Diagram)
- Quickly add items (Quick Add)
- Delete the hazard (Delete)
- Copy hazard details (Copy)
- Email hazard details (Email User)
- View statistics (Statistics)
Editing hazard details ensures that your risk data remains accurate and up to date. This is an important step in maintaining an effective BowTie analysis.
Overview
In BowTiePro, threats and consequences define how a hazard can lead to an event and what outcomes may occur. You can quickly add multiple threats or consequences along with controls using the Quick Add feature.
Accessing the Quick Add Screen
1. Open a Hazard
- Go to Hazards
- Click the 👁 (View) icon next to a hazard
- This opens the Hazard Overview screen
2. Click “Quick Add”
- On the Hazard Overview screen, click Quick Add. This opens the Add Multiple Items screen.
Adding Threats
By default, the Threats tab is selected.
3. Enter Threat Description
- In the Threat Description field, enter the cause of the top event
- Example: Equipment failure, Human error
4. Add Controls for the Threat
- In the Controls fields, enter one or more control measures
- Each row represents a separate control
5. Select Control Type
- Choose a type from the dropdown for each control
- Example: Preventive, Detection, Mitigation (based on system options)
6. Set Effectiveness
- Select the effectiveness level for each control from the dropdown. This defines how strong or reliable the control is
Adding Multiple Threats
- You can repeat the same steps for additional threat blocks on the screen
- This allows you to add multiple threats at once

Adding Consequences
7. Switch to “Consequences” Tab
- Click the Consequences tab at the top
8. Enter Consequence Description
- Add the outcome that may occur if the top event happens
- Example: Injury, Equipment damage, Environmental impact
9. Add Controls for Consequences
- Add recovery or mitigation controls in the Controls fields
- Select Control Type and Effectiveness for each
Saving the Entries
- After entering all threats or consequences. Click Save (or equivalent button). All items will be added to the hazard

The Quick Add feature allows you to efficiently create multiple threats and consequences along with their controls. This helps build a complete BowTie model quickly and accurately.
Overview
Controls are critical elements in BowTiePro that help prevent threats from causing a top event or reduce the impact of consequences. Controls are linked directly to threats and consequences and can be added during the risk modeling process.
How Controls Are Structured
In BowTiePro:
- Controls are associated with:
- Threats (preventive controls)
- Consequences (recovery/mitigation controls)
- Controls are not created independently — they are added as part of:
- Threat creation
- Consequence creation
Adding Controls
1. Open a Hazard
- Go to Hazards
- Click the 👁 (View) icon next to a hazard
- This opens the Hazard Overview screen

2. Click “Quick Add”
- On the Hazard Overview screen, click Quick Add
- This opens the Add Multiple Items screen

3. Add Controls While Creating Threats
Under the Threats tab:
- Enter the Threat Description
- In the Controls fields:
- Add one or more control measures
- For each control:
- Select a Control Type
- Select Effectiveness

4. Add Controls for Consequences
- Switch to the Consequences tab
- Enter the consequence description
- Add controls in the same way:
- Define control description
- Select type
- Set effectiveness
Viewing Controls
After saving:
- Go to Hazard Overview → Tree View
- Expand:
- A Threat or Consequence
Controls are linked within these items and contribute to the BowTie structure.
Managing Controls
To update controls:
- Open the hazard
- Navigate to the related Threat or Consequence
- Modify the control details using available edit options (if applicable)
Controls are essential for managing risk in BowTiePro. By linking controls to threats and consequences, you can build a strong and effective risk model that helps prevent incidents and reduce impact.
Overview
Escalation factors are conditions that can reduce the effectiveness of controls in a BowTie model. Managing escalation factors is important to ensure that controls continue to perform as intended and risks remain properly managed.
What Are Escalation Factors?
An escalation factor is something that can:
- Weaken a control
- Cause a control to fail
- Increase the likelihood of a threat leading to a top event
Example:
- A safety system exists (control)
- Lack of maintenance reduces its effectiveness (escalation factor)
Why Escalation Factors Matter
Even if controls are defined:
- They may not always work as expected
- External or internal conditions can affect them
Escalation factors help identify:
- Weaknesses in control systems
- Additional risks
- Areas requiring further attention
How Escalation Factors Are Used in BowTiePro
In BowTiePro:
- Escalation factors are typically linked to:
- Controls
- Or specific parts of the BowTie model
- They are used to:
- Highlight potential control failures
- Improve risk visibility
- Support better decision-making
Managing Escalation Factors
To manage escalation factors:
1. Identify Potential Weaknesses
- Review controls linked to threats and consequences
- Identify conditions that may impact their effectiveness
2. Add Escalation Factors
- Define the condition affecting the control
- Provide a clear description
3. Apply Additional Controls (if required)
- Introduce measures to manage the escalation factor
- Ensure the primary control remains effective
4. Review and Update Regularly
- Monitor escalation factors over time
- Update them as conditions change
Escalation factors help ensure that controls remain reliable under real-world conditions. By identifying and managing these factors, you can strengthen your overall risk management strategy in BowTiePro.
Overview
The Hazard Overview screen is the main workspace for viewing and managing an individual hazard in BowTiePro. It provides access to the BowTie structure, associated threats and consequences, diagrams, reporting tools, and related actions.
Opening the Hazard Overview Screen
1. Go to Hazards
- From the top menu, click Hazards

2. Open a Hazard
- Locate the required hazard in the list
- Click the 👁 (View) icon next to the hazard
👉 This opens the Hazard Overview screen

Hazard Information Section
At the top of the screen, the following information is displayed:
- Location
- Hazard
- Top Event
These fields provide a summary of the selected BowTie item.
Action Buttons
The Hazard Overview screen includes several action buttons.
Diagram
Opens the BowTie diagram view for the selected hazard.
Edit
Allows you to modify the hazard details.
Quick Add
Used to quickly add:
- Threats
- Consequences
- Controls
Delete
Removes the hazard from the system.
Copy
Creates a duplicate of the hazard.
Email User
Allows hazard information to be shared via email.
Statistics
Displays statistical information related to the hazard.
Copy URL to Clipboard
Copies a direct link to the hazard overview screen.
Navigation Tabs
The screen also contains multiple navigation tabs.
Tree View
Displays the BowTie structure including:
- Threats
- Consequences
- Related hierarchy
Details
Shows additional information related to the hazard.
Sign Off
Used for review or approval workflows.
Action Tracking
Displays linked actions and follow-up activities.
LOPA Links
Shows associated LOPA assessments and links.
Incident Links
Displays related incidents connected to the hazard.
Reports
Provides reporting options for the selected hazard.
Tree View Structure
Within the Tree View:
Threats
Threats represent causes that may lead to the top event.
Examples:
- Cost overruns
- Technology failure
- Staff retention
Consequences
Consequences represent outcomes that may occur if the top event happens.
Examples:
- Loss of credibility
- Sales do not meet expectations
- Demoralised staff
The Hazard Overview screen acts as the central management area for BowTie analysis in BowTiePro. It provides access to the complete hazard structure, controls, actions, diagrams, and reporting tools needed for effective risk management.
Overview
The BowTie Diagram View provides a visual representation of the selected hazard and its associated risk structure. It helps users understand how threats can lead to a top event and how controls are used to prevent or mitigate risk.
The diagram view is one of the core features of BowTiePro and is designed to improve risk visualization and analysis.
Opening the Diagram View
1. Go to the Hazards Section
- From the top menu, click Hazards

2. Open a Hazard
- Click the 👁 (View) icon next to a hazard
This opens the Hazard Overview screen.

3. Click “Diagram”
- On the Hazard Overview screen, click the Diagram button
👉 This opens the BowTie Diagram View.

Understanding the Diagram Layout
The diagram screen visually represents the hazard structure.
Hazard
The hazard is displayed at the top of the diagram.
Example:
- S01 – Operational Risk
Top Event
The top event appears in the main diagram area.
Example:
- Building Software
The top event represents the point where control over the hazard is lost.
Threats and Consequences
Threats and consequences are connected around the top event to form the BowTie structure.
- Threats appear on the left side
- Consequences appear on the right side
Controls
Controls are positioned between:
- Threats and the top event
- Top event and consequences
These controls act as barriers to reduce risk.
Diagram Toolbar
The toolbar at the top of the diagram includes multiple options for managing and interacting with the BowTie view.
Depending on permissions and configuration, toolbar options may include:
- Zoom controls
- Layout options
- Display settings
- Edit functions
- Navigation tools
Diagram Display Options
At the top of the screen, you can also select:
- Different diagram views/layouts
- Saved display configurations
Example:
- Default view
Navigating the Diagram
You can interact with the diagram by:
- Selecting diagram elements
- Expanding or viewing linked items
- Using toolbar controls to adjust the layout
Best Practices
- Use the diagram view during risk reviews and workshops
- Keep threat and consequence structures organized
- Ensure controls are properly linked
- Regularly review diagram accuracy
Summary
The BowTie Diagram View provides a clear visual representation of hazards, threats, consequences, and controls. It helps users better understand risk pathways and supports more effective risk management within BowTiePro.
Overview
The Diagram Toolbar in BowTiePro provides quick access to tools used for navigating, viewing, and interacting with the BowTie diagram. These tools help users manage the diagram layout, adjust visibility settings, and improve the overall viewing experience.
The toolbar is located at the top of the Diagram View screen.
Accessing the Diagram Toolbar
1. Open a Hazard
- Go to Hazards
- Click the 👁 (View) icon next to a hazard
2. Open Diagram View
- On the Hazard Overview screen, click Diagram
👉 The toolbar will appear above the diagram workspace.
Toolbar Functions
Depending on permissions and system configuration, the toolbar may include the following functions.
Zoom Controls
Zoom tools allow you to:
- Zoom in
- Zoom out
- Fit the diagram to screen
These options help improve visibility when working with large BowTie diagrams.
Diagram Navigation
Navigation tools help users:
- Move around the workspace
- Reposition the diagram
- Focus on specific areas
Expand and Collapse Functions
These tools allow users to:
- Expand sections of the BowTie
- Collapse items to simplify the view
This is useful for complex risk models.
Layout and Display Tools
Display tools help control:
- Diagram appearance
- Visibility of items
- Arrangement of diagram components
Refresh or Reload Functions
Some toolbar functions may refresh or reload the diagram after updates are made.
Edit and Interaction Tools
Depending on user permissions, toolbar functions may also support:
- Editing diagram elements
- Adding linked items
- Managing relationships
Diagram View Selector
The toolbar area also allows users to:
- Select saved diagram layouts
- Switch between display configurations
Example:
- Default view
Best Practices
- Use zoom tools for large diagrams
- Collapse unnecessary sections to improve readability
- Regularly refresh diagrams after updates
- Use saved display layouts for consistency
Summary
The Diagram Toolbar provides essential controls for interacting with BowTie diagrams in BowTiePro. These tools help users navigate, organize, and manage complex risk visualizations more effectively.
Overview
BowTiePro allows users to export or print BowTie diagrams for reporting, presentations, reviews, and documentation purposes.
The export and print functions are available directly within the Diagram View toolbar.
Accessing Diagram View
Step 1: Open the Hazards Section
From the top navigation menu:
- Click Hazards
This opens the Hazard List screen.
Step 2: Open a Hazard
Locate the required hazard and click the 👁 (View) icon.
This opens the Hazard Overview screen.
Step 3: Open Diagram View
On the Hazard Overview screen:
- Click Diagram
The BowTie Diagram View screen will open.
Exporting the Diagram
Step 1: Review the Diagram Layout
Before exporting:
- Adjust the diagram view if required
- Expand or collapse sections
- Select the preferred diagram display option
- Ensure all required information is visible
This helps ensure the exported image is clear and readable.
Step 2: Locate the Export Toolbar
At the top of the Diagram View screen, locate the toolbar section. The toolbar contains several diagram tools, including the PNG export option.
Step 3: Export as PNG
Click the PNG export icon in the toolbar.
BowTiePro will generate and download the current diagram as a PNG image file.
The exported image can then be:
- Shared with stakeholders
- Added to reports
- Used in presentations
- Stored for future reference
Overview
BowTie Pro allows users to customize how BowTie diagrams are displayed. These settings help improve readability, adjust diagram appearance, and control what information is shown within the diagram view.
Diagram display settings can be configured for hazards, threats, consequences, controls, fonts, colours, and other visual elements.
Accessing Diagram Display Options
To open the Diagram Options screen:
- Open the required hazard.
- Open the BowTie Diagram view.
- Click the Diagram Options icon from the diagram toolbar.
The Diagram Options screen will open.

Diagram Settings Name
At the top of the page, users can define a name for the diagram configuration.
Example:
- Default
- Next Review Dates
This allows multiple diagram display configurations to be created and reused.
General Display Options
The General tab contains options that control overall diagram behavior and visibility.
Available settings may include:
- Diagram Shadows
- Number Drawing Objects
- View Cascades
- Expand Threats and Consequences to Fit Text
- Expand Controls to Fit Text
- Show Number of Items When Contracted
- Show Matrix Abbreviation
- Matrix Undefined Colour
These settings help users control how information is presented within the diagram.
Font Settings
The Font section allows users to customize text appearance within diagrams.
Available options include:
- Horizontal Alignment
- Vertical Alignment
- Font Type
- Font Size
- Bold
- Italic
These settings improve readability and support different diagram presentation styles.
Hazards Tab
The Hazards tab contains display settings related to hazard appearance within the diagram.
Users can configure how hazards are displayed visually.
Threats and Consequences Tab
The Threats and Consequences tab controls the appearance and visibility of:
- Threat nodes
- Consequence nodes
- Labels
- Colours
- Display behaviors
This helps users tailor diagram layouts based on reporting or operational needs.
Controls Tab
The Controls tab allows users to customize how prevention and recovery controls appear within the BowTie diagram.
Users may configure:
- Control display styles
- Colours
- Text visibility
- Layout preferences
Saving Diagram Options
After making the required changes:
- Review the updated settings.
- Click Save or Save & Close.
- Reopen the diagram to view the updated display configuration if required.




