A circuit breaker system includes an internal operating handle disposed inside an enclosure and coupled to a shaft extending from a circuit breaker. The internal operating handle includes a dog clutch coupled to the shaft and a rotary handle coupled to the dog clutch. The rotary handle is operative to rotate the shaft when the dog clutch is engaged. A safety operating handle system for turning a shaft to operate a circuit breaker includes a rotary handle and a dog clutch having a first clutch member coupled to the rotary handle and having a second clutch member coupled to the shaft. The dog clutch is operative to transmit a rotation of the rotary handle to the shaft when the first clutch member is in an engagement position.