diff --git a/code/modules/mining/drilling/drill.dm b/code/modules/mining/drilling/drill.dm
index 404344f690..ca6898cb16 100644
--- a/code/modules/mining/drilling/drill.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mining/drilling/drill.dm
@@ -161,7 +161,7 @@
 /obj/machinery/mining/drill/attack_hand(mob/user as mob)
 	check_supports()
 
-	if (panel_open && cell)
+	if (panel_open && cell && user.Adjacent(src))
 		user << "You take out \the [cell]."
 		cell.loc = get_turf(user)
 		component_parts -= cell