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My advice to anyone who may have to work 'hot' is to take an NFPA 70E class and then insist on practicing what you learn. Your employer is required to provide a safe workplace and just because we work in many different places, sometimes in the same day, doesn't let them off the hook as far as safety gear, clothing, barriers and proper tools.
Customers can be more understanding than you might think about hot work, especially when you tell them that if forced to work hot, an accident could cost far more time than an inconvenient shut down.
In short , I don't work anything hot that can and should be shut off. Not even a light switch.

LOL!

I'd like to get one of those circuit tracers but they can be pretty expensive. I prefer not to buy junk that I'll have to replace before long. The good circuit tracers I've seen are well over $500.00. Something that expensive I believe the employer should supply.

I always make sure that the folks in the room with me know my intentions. I always say ,"TRIP" or "CLOSING" before I open or close. anything. I always stand off to the side, locate, grasp, look away, and make sure those with me are safe before I act. Then I often go on walk-about to make sure I didn't get any unexpected results. I often have to consider retransfer times between Normal and Reliable services and light fixture re-strike times.
Joe

When testing for voltage, be sure that you have an adequate ground, or neutral. Paint, loose locknuts, wire-nuts can make for a decieving reading.