Basic Training for working with 120V AC
As far as lab equipment goes, a 1:1 safety transformer (AC mains : AC mains) is worth a lot. They aren't cheap, but I would not want to work without one. Mine is home-built and uses two 250 W transformers back-to-back.

The trick of the 1:1 transformer is this: Current from its secondary winding can only go back to the other end of this exact winding. As long as you touch any circuit connected to the 1:1 transformer with one hand only, you are safe because the current from your finger can not go anywhere. You are a bit like a bird on a wire. A regular wall outlet is referenced to earth, just like you are when standing on the floor: In a fault, current from the live pin of the outlet runs through you, the floor and to earth, which is equal to the other end (neutral) of the wall outlet.

Keep in mind that current always needs a loop to flow in: Any energy that comes from the transformer can go back to this transformer only, and can not go anywhere else, especially not to the ground via your body.