A device for sterilising an article, the device comprising means, such as a lamp 9, for emitting germicidal light, such as UV or plasma radiation, and means for sweeping the emitted light over the article 22. The device may further comprise a base 3A, which may be elongate, and a casing 4 for containing the emitter for the germicidal light, wherein the case is slidably connected to the base, optionally longitudinally to the elongate base. The casing may be privotable in relation to the base, so as to allow the case to either be in an in use perpendicular position or a substantially parallel storage position. The device may further comprise a detector for detecting the presence of an article to be sterilised, or for detecting the presence of an object obstruction on the article. The device may further comprise a control unit. The device may comprise a plastic material, an antibacterial agent, and/or a UV/heat resistant material. Included is a method of operation wherein the light may be swept at a speed from 400-500 mm per minute.
