ECN Forum Forums Safety Discussion and News Occupational Safety Discussion Where did this advice come from?

Joe,
As a HUGE assumption, I am assuming that all of the fronts on Panels in the US are metallic?.
Here the Dead Front is either PVC or PE plastics.
But, while the backhand method applies to Fire-fighter search techniques, it equally should apply to any area where bare live wires could be present.
Other side of the coin, I reckon that a "test before touch" approach should be used, get a lead to a known Ground and get your Voltage Indicator of your choice out!.