diff --git a/code/modules/paperwork/photocopier.dm b/code/modules/paperwork/photocopier.dm
index 496191aaead..8164f15ed87 100644
--- a/code/modules/paperwork/photocopier.dm
+++ b/code/modules/paperwork/photocopier.dm
@@ -38,7 +38,7 @@
 	user.set_machine(src)
 
 	var/dat = "Photocopier<BR><BR>"
-	if(copy || photocopy || (ass.loc == src.loc))
+	if(copy || photocopy || (ass && (ass.loc == src.loc))
 		dat += "<a href='byond://?src=\ref[src];remove=1'>Remove Paper</a><BR>"
 		if(toner)
 			dat += "<a href='byond://?src=\ref[src];copy=1'>Copy</a><BR>"