This chapter cannot be construed to relieve or lessen the responsibility or liability of any person, firm, or corporation owning, operating, controlling, testing, inspecting, or performing conveyance work on any conveyance or other related mechanisms covered by this chapter for damages to person or property caused by any defect therein, nor does the state assume any such liability or responsibility therefore or any liability to any person for whatever reason whatsoever by the adoption of this chapter or any acts or omissions arising hereunder.