diff --git a/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/machinery/chem_master.dm b/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/machinery/chem_master.dm
index 941f46cec12..f4962da8cfe 100644
--- a/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/machinery/chem_master.dm
+++ b/code/modules/reagents/chemistry/machinery/chem_master.dm
@@ -201,7 +201,7 @@ GLOBAL_LIST_INIT(chem_master_containers, list(
 
 /// Insert new beaker and/or eject the inserted one
 /obj/machinery/chem_master/proc/replace_beaker(mob/living/user, obj/item/reagent_containers/new_beaker)
-	if(!user?.transferItemToLoc(new_beaker, src))
+	if(new_beaker && user && !user.transferItemToLoc(new_beaker, src))
 		return FALSE
 	if(beaker)
 		try_put_in_hand(beaker, user)