Dan,
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The next question is how far away is safe?
That's a rather good question.
Personally, if I'm doing any Live work, I set the area around the Switch-board panel out like this:
  • Left and Right-Hand side clearance, from the centre of the panel is 3 metres (9ft) each side.
    This includes room for tools, wire and other such things.
  • Rear-ward clearance, this is very important, you don't want people bumping you or getting in your way while you are working in a potentially dangerous situation.
    I use at least a metre (3ft) behind me.

One other thing is, don't let others distract you.
You are there to do a job, lets get it done.
There are some people around that you wouldn't want in the same Zip Code as you while you are doing Panel work.
It is up to the person doing the work to ensure thier own safety.
Running to the Boss because you didn't make things safe and copped it as a result, isn't a legal defence in my opinion.
Look after yourself, because no-one else will.
Just my $0.02 worth. [Linked Image]