Section 2A. The provisions of this chapter relative to the safety of persons in buildings shall apply to buildings and structures, other than the state house, owned, operated or controlled by the commonwealth, and to buildings and structures owned, operated or controlled by any department, board or commission of the commonwealth, or by any of its political subdivisions, in the same manner and to the same extent as such provisions apply to privately owned or controlled buildings occupied, used or maintained for similar purposes. The provisions of this chapter relative to the inspection of buildings privately owned shall apply in the same manner to the inspection of buildings subject to this section. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, the provisions of the state safety code for window cleaners and elevator inspections shall also be applicable to the state house in the same manner and to the same extent as such provisions apply to privately owned or controlled buildings.