Safest way to start a plane is with a buddy ... that is best. Buddy restrains the plane whilse you fire the engine up (chicken stick or starter) and then buddy removes glow. Buddy will hold on to plane till you have taken over properly. Very safe but not always practical.

What I do is bad new ... I will start the plane on my own (paint brush as a chicken stick) and then reach over to remove glow while keeping revs up a little. So far after all this while I have not injured myself. I always watch the prop tip carefully. Hehehee ... please do not do what I do!!!