I dont think I saw in anyones post, SAFETY glasses. Get a comfortable pair that you will wear from the time you step out of the truck till you get back in!! Get use to wearing them, and pay people no mind who give you crap for it!

You should NEVER be allowed in a panel either as entry level! You should NEVER work hot! A good way to judge whom you work for is to observe his work habits. Being new this wont be easy for you. Does he use hot gloves, and safety equip when working in panel?

So many of us get complacent. And as someone stated in this post you cannot be in this field. But you will see, people are. The attitude, "I know what I am doing so I work hot is BS!" I dont care who the electrician is!

This trade can KILL you and or HARM/BURN you fast!

I am not trying to scare you either. If someone makes you work hot, especially at your level. QUIT and go somewhere else.

It is actually illegal to work hot unless shutting down the equipment is a Life Safety issue. Also two people minimum are required to be right there in case of accident.

You should get yourself a NFPA 70E book and read it. More than once!!! And keep it with you. Employer should provide code book.

Observe your employer and lead men. Do they ever look in a code book? If your employer seems to use half ass practice, go somewhere else to work. Learning bad habits are hard to get rid of. And above all,USE COMMON SENSE!