UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Visitors to the Farm Safety Demonstration Area at Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 13-15, can learn about the hazards of flowing grain in confined-space grain storages and how to avoid and respond to entrapment risks.

There will be six demonstrations on Tuesday and Thursday (Aug. 13 and 15), at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. both days, showing how grain flows in storage structures, as well as hazards, anchor points and rescue procedures. 

On Wednesday, Aug. 14, agricultural safety specialists will hold two grain-bin rescue demonstrations to highlight types of rescue devices and training available to first responders for proper management of on-farm incidents involving grain storage. These demonstrations will take place at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. 

The Farm Safety Demonstration Area also will host Penn State faculty demonstrating the safe use of unmanned aerial vehicles, commonly called drones. 

Visitors to the Rural Health and Safety Tent, at the end of West Sixth Street and adjacent to the Farm Safety Area, will be able to take advantage of a variety of free health screenings and information. Blood pressure readings, stroke-risk assessments, hearing screenings and concussion information and education will be offered from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. 

Representatives from AgrAbility for Pennsylvanians will provide information on farming with a disability or a long-term health condition. Occupational therapists will have hands-on activities and information related to farming with a disability. Visitors will be able to see farm-related assistive technology, engage in hands-on demonstrations and get ideas for modifying their workspaces around the farm.

Pesticide applicators can earn one core pesticide credit by attending a 30-minute presentation about personal protective equipment, which will be conducted by a rural health farm worker protection safety specialist at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, and at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sponsored by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, 9 miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 13; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 14; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 15. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, visit the Ag Progress Days website. Twitter users can find and share information about the event by using the hashtag #agprogressdays, and Facebook users can find the event by searching @AgProgressDays.