Its not to risky with due caution.
I often drop a long pry bar inside the spring so if it lets go, it is pinned in place to some extent. i usualy leave teh lower end of teh strut on the car, and swing the top out from under the fender to get at the cartridge. you might not want to try this your first time, but once it becomes routine, it is a bit faster.
Don't rush, and you'll do fine. Be sure to tighten the gland nut securely, 2 pipe wrenches are good to have on hand.