A self-contained breathing apparatus, or SCBA, sometimes referred to as a compressed air breathing apparatus (CABA), or simply breathing apparatus (BA), is a device worn by rescue workers, firefighters, and others to provide breathable air in an IDLH (immediate danger to life and health) atmosphere.
When not used underwater, they are sometimes called industrial breathing sets.
The term “self-contained” means that the breathing set is not dependent on a remote supply.