(1)    Except as provided in sub. (2), in this subchapter:

      (a)    “Amusement or thrill ride” has the meaning given s. 101.19 (1b) (b).

      (b)    “Belt manlift” means a power-driven, looped belt equipped with steps or platforms and a hand hold for the transportation of people from one floor of a building or structure to another.

      (c)    “Conveyance” means an elevator, an escalator, a dumbwaiter, a belt manlift, a moving walkway, a platform lift, and a stairway chair lift, and any other similar device, such as an automated people mover, used to elevate or move people or things, as provided in the rules of the department. “Conveyance” does not include a personnel hoist; a material hoist; a grain elevator; a lift as defined in s. 167.33 (1) (f); an amusement or thrill ride; or a vertical platform lift, inclined platform lift, or a stairway chair lift that serves an individual residential dwelling unit.

      (d)    “Dumbwaiter” means a hoisting and lowering mechanism that satisfies all of the following conditions:

         1.    Is equipped with a compartment that moves in guides in a substantially vertical direction and has a floor area of not more than 9 square feet.

         2.    Has a maximum lifting and lowering capacity of not more than 500 pounds.

         3.    Is used exclusively for carrying materials.

      (e)    “Elevator” means a hoisting or lowering machine, other than a dumbwaiter, equipped with a compartment or platform that moves in guides and serves 2 or more floors or landings of a building or structure.

      (f)    “Escalator” means a power-driven, moving stairway used for raising and lowering people.

      (g)    “Material hoist” means a hoist, other than a personnel hoist, that is used to raise or lower materials during construction, alteration, or demolition of a building or structure.

      (h)    “Personnel hoist” means a hoist that is installed inside or outside a building or structure during the construction, alteration, or demolition of the building or structure and that is used to raise and lower workers, other personnel, and materials which the hoist is designed to carry.

   (2)   The department shall promulgate rules establishing additional definitions to the extent the department deems necessary for the proper administration and enforcement of this subchapter. The department, by rule, may modify definitions established under sub. (1). To the extent practicable, the department shall ensure that any definitions or modifications promulgated under this subsection are consistent with national, industry-wide safety standards governing matters regulated by this subchapter.