I have an Elegoo Phecda 10W which at the time you couldn't get the air assist for. So I designed my own air assist (similar to yours).
A test print caught fire (card), and this melted the air assist nozzle (PETG). This, in turn, covered the lens with PETG. While trying to clean it, I broke the glass protection. I now have a new air assist nozzle with an in built 20mm x 20mm glass slide cover to protect the laser. Not ideal, but Elegoo don't have spares yet.
Good info. I'll need to make sure I keep an eye on it. Safety wise, I have a decent fire extinguisher nearby, a camera pointed at the laser, and never leave it unattended for more than a few minutes. Haven't had any flareups in a while, but I know it can happen if the motors stop and the laser doesn't. As for damaging the module, not that I want to, but there might be worse things in the world than needing to replace the 5-watt laser.