Telling her that I like her

I want to tell a friend of mine that I really like her but I don't know how to go about it. We get on so well, always laughing and joking with each other and sometimes she gives me small signs that mean she might like me I think. Small things like poking and touching or looking into one another's eyes and smiling.
I hope I'm not reading to much into these small things.

I really want to tell her how I feel but I'm scared that if she doesn't feel the same it will make work awkward (we work together) and we will not be able to be friends anymore.

Thing is, I've never feel like this about a girl before so do you think I should take the risk and tell her?

And how should I tell her? Just come straight out with it?

Sorry for all the q's but I'm inexperienced in relationships so really don't have much clue!

mm... I'd say be honest but funny. Laughter is one of the best keys a man can use to open women's hearts.

I tried something like this once:
"Hey, you know? I think I should stop drinking because I'm starting to find you attractive".
That time I got a reply like... "starting to see me attractive?"
"Yeah, honestly".

I continued from there. ;)