Workplace fire
Every organisation's baseline scenario: ignition sources and combustibles versus detection, suppression, compartments and drilled evacuation.
4 threats 12 barriers 3 consequences safety-critical barriers marked
Use this template free. Copy “Workplace fire” into your own workspace and adapt every barrier — no credit card.
Start free with this template →Threats & preventive barriers
Each threat is a credible pathway to the top event; its barriers interrupt that pathway before control is lost.
Electrical fault in installations or appliances
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Periodic electrical inspection & thermography
Socio-technical · 80% effective · Owner: Facilities Manager
📅 Thermographic survey · annual keep-alive task
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Portable appliance testing
Socio-technical · 70% effective · Owner: Facilities Manager
Hot work (welding, grinding, roofing)
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Hot-work permit with fire watch ★ critical
Socio-technical · 85% effective · Owner: Site Supervisor
Arson or unauthorised access
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Site security, lighting & CCTV
Active hardware · 70% effective · Owner: Security Manager
Out-of-hours blind spots
Combustible storage near ignition sources
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Housekeeping & storage standards
Behavioural (human) · 70% effective · Owner: Facilities Manager
📅 Housekeeping inspection · monthly keep-alive task
Consequences & recovery barriers
Once the top event happens, recovery barriers limit each consequence.
People trapped or injured
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Fire detection & alarm system ★ critical
Active hardware · 90% effective · Owner: Facilities Manager
📅 Alarm function test · monthly keep-alive task
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Evacuation plan, wardens & drills ★ critical
Behavioural (human) · 80% effective · Owner: Emergency Coordinator
📅 Evacuation drill · semiannual keep-alive task
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Emergency lighting & escape routes
Passive (hardware) · 85% effective · Owner: Facilities Manager
Building and asset loss
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Sprinkler / suppression system ★ critical
Active hardware · 85% effective · Owner: Facilities Manager
📅 Sprinkler system inspection · annual keep-alive task
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Fire compartmentation & fire doors
Passive (hardware) · 80% effective · Owner: Facilities Manager
Fire doors wedged open
Business interruption
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Continuity plan with alternate workplace
Socio-technical · 70% effective · Owner: Business Continuity Manager
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Insurance with interruption cover
Socio-technical · 65% effective · Owner: CFO
Copying this template gives you a fully editable bowtie: barrier owners arrive as role suggestions, escalation factors sit on their barriers, and keep-alive activities are scheduled from the moment you copy. New to the notation? Read what the bowtie method is or browse the practical guides.
Use this template free. Copy “Workplace fire” into your own workspace and adapt every barrier — no credit card.
Start free with this template →