An electrical switching apparatus includes a housing having an interior and an opening, separable contacts, and an operating mechanism structured to open and close the separable contacts. The operating mechanism includes an operating handle extending from the interior of the housing and through the opening of the housing. A dampening member is disposed on the operating handle. The dampening member is structured to engage the housing at the opening thereof when the operating handle moves to at least one of an “ON” position and a “RESET” or “OFF” position.