If you are pulling the prop thru or hand propping with the intention of starting the aircraft, treat it the same way. Yes, you make sure that the mags are off, but you assume that they have a short and are live. If you are alone, be sure that the aircraft is tied down. Get instruction from somebody that has real world experience in hand propping an aircraft. Make absolutely sure of your footing and retreat path ( NO snow or ice). Don't curl your fingers around the back side of the prop. Use a proper leg swing and back away from the aircraft after every pull on the prop.

This can be a dangerous operation, still, people were flying for twenty years before self starters became at all common, and there are many aircraft flying today that must be hand propped to start.

Joe