Welcome to the Forum. You have a 32 Safety Hammerless, 2nd Model, that would have shipped from the factory in 1900. Outside of mechanical changes over the years of manufacture ther was no change in the materials or operation of this model. From the first to the last 32 Safety revolvers, they will all handle smokeless powders just fine. Factory loads are mild and work fine as long as the revolver is in good working order.
As for cleaning, nothing will happen when you remove the sideplate, assuming you have some experience with how to remove side plates. Many times, you can use a spray solvent and re-oil the mechanism and are good to go. I have shot lots of 32 S&W and I think 22 LR might be more lethal. I would hesitate to use one for personal protection. You might at least think about 32 Long caliber. This was an old time police cartridge and are a more powerful round. The 32 HE with a 3 1/4" barrel is a nice small gun that offers 6 shots instead of 5.
Just noticed a new thread with a 32 HE as the subject so you can get an idea what they look like. Low recoil, light weight, low cost, easily concealable.
Another ID