diff --git a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/rig.dm b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/rig.dm
index f36c746d1b..6e0e48a480 100644
--- a/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/rig.dm
+++ b/code/modules/clothing/spacesuits/rig/rig.dm
@@ -626,7 +626,8 @@
 			use_obj.forceMove(H)
 			if(!H.equip_to_slot_if_possible(use_obj, equip_to, 0, 1))
 				use_obj.forceMove(src)
-				H << "<span class='danger'>You are unable to deploy \the [piece] as \the [check_slot] [check_slot.gender == PLURAL ? "are" : "is"] in the way.</span>"
+				if(check_slot)
+					H << "<span class='danger'>You are unable to deploy \the [piece] as \the [check_slot] [check_slot.gender == PLURAL ? "are" : "is"] in the way.</span>"
 			else
 				H << "<font color='blue'><b>Your [use_obj.name] [use_obj.gender == PLURAL ? "deploy" : "deploys"] swiftly.</b></span>"