diff --git a/code/modules/paperwork/photocopier.dm b/code/modules/paperwork/photocopier.dm
index d5cbbdc0ad6..6b9f3257096 100644
--- a/code/modules/paperwork/photocopier.dm
+++ b/code/modules/paperwork/photocopier.dm
@@ -59,6 +59,10 @@
 		if(stat & (BROKEN|NOPOWER))
 			return
 
+		if(emag_cooldown > world.time)
+			to_chat(usr, "<span class='warning'>[src] is busy, try again in a few seconds.</span>")
+			return
+
 		playsound(loc, 'sound/goonstation/machines/printer_dotmatrix.ogg', 50, 1)
 		for(var/i = 0, i < copies, i++)
 			if(toner <= 0)
@@ -74,9 +78,6 @@
 					GLOB.copier_items_printed_logged = TRUE
 				break
 
-			if(emag_cooldown > world.time)
-				return
-
 			if(istype(copyitem, /obj/item/paper))
 				copy(copyitem)
 				sleep(15)