Hi specter
Cold-cathode tubes don't get hot - Even after being on for hours, mine only get to ambient case-temperature. Ditto with the voltage, obviously they don't like short-circuits, but they're nowhere near lethal or even 'tingly' levels
The light-tube itself is very thin glass so the light(s) are fitted into an acrylic tube for strength and safety - They're perfectly safe for 'external' fitting behind desks and other furniture - The decent light-kits usually come with 'Velcro' pads to affix the lights where required, using clips can often cause unwanted shadows etc. If your kit doesn't have them, small bits of double-sided sticky-tape on the square block-ends will hold 'em nice