Perfectly safe for your tortoise in moderation; mine likes it. The prickles won’t hurt them but if it freaks you out, you can drop them in boiling water for a few seconds, it will take them off. Or just wait until they wilt a little, the tiny needles will deflate. I just drop mine on the ground, no special treatment.
I’m a tough (or dumb) lady and have been known to pick them bare handed. The tighter and faster you grab, the fewer pricklies you’ll get. Or just pick them with a glove/towel.