On Sun, 02 Mar 2014 21:03:30 -0700, Robert Green
wrote:

My wife asks: "Is there any protection to be gained by placing a thick
rubber mat in front of the circuit panel where someone working on the
panel
would normally stand?" It would seem it would have to help a little.

I suspect my turning my head upside inside the box and pushing wires
aside
to read the label information has got her worried again. (-:

...snip...

Most damage is done arm to arm, across the heart. Some from top to bottom,
but not quite as much.

Rubber mat is ok, but double layers of rubber gloves are better. Since
you're putting finger in there.

Why double layer? Talk to the ex-utilities employees that are on
disability for 'hurrying' a repair and NOT checking for pinhole leaks in
their gloves and then working on HOT hi-tension wires where the discharge
almost killed them.

Turn it OFF first.

Plus don't assume anything is off. use one of those cheap neon indicators.
You hold one end, or ground it, and probe around first.