For most dives in the rec depth/time area 1.4 is a very safe limit. 1.6 I exclusively reserve for deco.
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Stay home and when you drive never go over 35mph and wear a helmet! 1.4 is so conservative that if you ask all operations will be forced to adopt the lower standard or risk being sued for that one in million who might have a problem. I use 1.6 as an absolute limit and stay with in it...... As with all potentially dangerous activities it should be a personal choice based on risk assessment and benefit for the task!
...interesting thread.
It amazes me that I'm apparently the only one that plans working bottom gas at 1.2.
All the best, James