On the 25kv system, you don't have to touch, just come close. When contact occurs, the lucky ones die fast, the unlucky ones don't. I've heard from old NJT EE guys that their 3kv DC system was actually just as bad, if not worse. I have no idea what the German 15kv 16 2/3Hz (yes, it's an insanely low frequency) system does to people, I doubt it's pleasant either - and even low voltage shocks from that system are probably really bad...
I was at Stuttgart Hbf back in October. Apparently OBB's trains still work that way. I don't know if they have a sign saying using the bathroom in the station is verboten, tourists don't pay attention to it anyway (Of course, the Germans, Austrians, and especially the Swiss....they won't ever do anything verboten...)