I worked with a bloke when I left School and started my Apprenticeship, who would, if he wasn't sure, if the circuit was dead ( no safe isolation in those days) touch the wire to the back of his hand, why the back I would ask, cuz your muscles contract when you get a belt, so the back of your hand is best. Go figure the logic. Bib and Brace coveralls with the ubiquitous Neon tester clipped in the top pocket, you weren't a Spark until you could carry a neon tester in your pocket with pride, he even had one in his jacket when he turned up at work in the morning, I wanted to be like him, hero worship I think it would be called these days. Funny how things change!!!!