Conversation:

This comprehensive article on stairs didn't mention one other mechanised means of changing levels - the paternoster. This is a continuous belt of mini lifts that you step into and out of at each floor without the belt stopping.

A company in Risley has one in its main building, they were used in tin mines in Cornwall and I saw a programme once about a a disaster where many miners were killed.

When used in Cornwall these were known as man-engines. A major disaster occurred at Levant Mine, when the main beam broke. Several of these were operated, although I don't think they ever went out of Cornwall.