diff --git a/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system/effect_system.dm b/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system/effect_system.dm
index 5ae6b0c6860..9ae89309eed 100644
--- a/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system/effect_system.dm
+++ b/code/game/objects/effects/effect_system/effect_system.dm
@@ -49,6 +49,8 @@ would spawn and follow the beaker, even if it is carried or thrown.
 	holder = atom
 
 /datum/effect_system/proc/start()
+	if(QDELETED(src))
+		return
 	for(var/i in 1 to number)
 		if(total_effects > 20)
 			return
@@ -68,7 +70,8 @@ would spawn and follow the beaker, even if it is carried or thrown.
 	for(var/j in 1 to steps_amt)
 		sleep(5)
 		step(E,direction)
-	addtimer(CALLBACK(src, .proc/decrement_total_effect), 20)
+	if(!QDELETED(src))
+		addtimer(CALLBACK(src, .proc/decrement_total_effect), 20)
 
 /datum/effect_system/proc/decrement_total_effect()
 	total_effects--