The simple answer to how to handle a hot is don't. I've been working, not playing or messing or fiddling, with hots for a very short period and one of the things I've learned from my mentor is to handle the animal as minimal amount of time as possible. Ex. cleaning cages, changing water, feeding, and any other necessities don't handle the animal if possible to work safely around or remove to another safe container. Don't work with the animal when stressed fatigued tired pissed or any other emotions to get in the way. Ex. if you see poo when you get home from a long day leave it til morning when you are refreshed. Be safe, don't make any quick decisions, start small, work your way up.

Also I saw you had posted a different thread about larger snakes. If your only doing this for the shock factor please please reconsider. If your doing it for the love of the animals then best of luck to you.