As used in this chapter, “department” means the Department of Administrative Services; “commissioner” means the Commissioner of Administrative Services; “elevator” means a hoisting and lowering mechanism equipped with a car or platform which moves in guides or rails in a substantially vertical direction other than an inclined stairway chairlift and a vertical wheelchair or incline lift, including sidewalk elevators used for the carrying of persons or freight; and “escalator” means a moving inclined continuous stairway or runway used for raising or lowering passengers.