First of all his manual start procedure is dangerous, as it risks his fingers getting caught in the blades as the motor starts.
Second, a direct short on the capacitor with a screwdriver is not a good idea. Better to see, with a voltmeter, if there is a charge that needs removal. If so, a resistor is better than a screwdriver because you might get a big spark, but frankly I have done this without a problem.
Switching it off before sticking your fingers in may not be safe enough; better to disconnect it entirely from the power line/mains.