Hissing?

[Eric Alan]

Firstly, would it's bite do any serious damage to one of my fingers/hand? I know they're not venomous of course, but they'll still have fairly nice fangs.

Secondly, it's recommended that I tap on the glass of the vivarium fist to let it know I'm approaching, then go in slowly - avoiding sudden movements and just stroke him and he should get used to the feel and associate the touch with safety and security. Should I try that in the early stages of having him, or leave him still to warm to his home?

No - no serious damage. I'd barely even call it damage. And, no, they don't have fangs. A fang, in snakes, is defined as a venom-injecting tooth. They have teeth, but they're not designed to do much damage at all when they bite.

Being bitten by any snake is a pretty scary experience (if for nothing than shock value alone), but truthfully ball python bites are really (REALLY) far down on the list of ones to be worried about.

Edit: Personally, I'd give him at least a week to settle in before handling him. You can work out your "differences" later on since a comfortable ball python is more likely to be a calm ball python (and the week or so will give him time to adjust to his new home).