What are the key points of focus when looking for an approval from the fire department for the fire protection work done ?

Just you have to follow the FP-Fire Protection codes and that is NFPA which has numerous code standards, but the local area of jurisdiction which is the Civil Defense in that area of construction has the last say if the CD requires you will have to comply otherwise they will not give approval for your design and installation.

ARCHITECTURAL

1) Fire zones segregated

2) Fire escape route taken into consideration

3) Evacuation point where all the occupants gather in the event of fire

4) Stairwell design & easily accessible

5) Signboards to guide the occupants in evacuation

6) Fire rating of the walls

STRUCTURAL

1) Fire protection to steel structure, if any

MECHANICAL

1) Fire suppression system designed well that address every possible area

2) Different types of system used based on the requirement for specific application

3) Pump room layout

4) Hose reel locations as per recommended distance

5) Sufficient pressure in the hose reel

6) Sprinklers coverage & the distance maintained between them

7) Smoke exhaust system

8) Diesel fuel supply system for generator

9) Fire dampers in ducts & wall openings (if transfer grilles used)

ELECTRICAL

1) Fire Alarm system

2) Smoke detection system

3) Heat detection system

4) Public address system

BMS

1) All the relevant building services monitoring

2) Communication with the civil defense & other local authorities

As above answers: ALL WORK SHALL BE DONE TO STANDARDS.(NFPA)

BUT befor approval you shall know that what is the Fire Protection System for

1. Type of Company (Oil & Gas Plant, Chemical Factory or Store, Electrical Works, etc). as all will have diffrent type of Code.

2. Material used in FP is of approved Vendor from NFPA-( As if you are using sub standard materail it will not be approved due to its weak Strength)

3.Proper shop drawings made by Proffessional( Fire Engineer/ Safety Specialist) as he will be able to fore see the Installation of FP System accordingly .

4. Civil Defence shall be requested to Inspect the Facility so they(CD) can high lite issues or small left over things so the Fire Dptt. can give you approval.

( My own Views) according to experience

perfect Risk Assesment

then

Read NFPA13 for sprinkler system

NFPA10 for extinguishers

And some other for NFPA std.

and apply that std in your industries. document carefully / mention every installation with the referance of the NFPA or local rules and regulation then you will get permition easily

Dont send them blenk plan praposal. / attach referance of Rules which you have Applied