Abstract: A production line irradiation apparatus used to sterilize medical equipment, food or agricultural and waste materials. The apparatus is compact in size and allows a continuous throughput of products to be irradiated, while preventing harmful radiation from escaping. The apparatus comprises: primary shield means for blocking radiation; secondary shield means for blocking radiation; an irradiation device; and conveyor means. The primary shield means further includes a central cavity therein and a channel extending therethrough which intersects the cavity and accommodates the conveyor means. The secondary shield means comprises a plurality of discrete open containers, the containers having front and rear walls, the walls being substantially the size of the channel opening. The walls of the primary and secondary shield means are of sufficient density to fully attenuate the radiation produced by the irradiation device.